QUESTION: "The client asks the nurse why she can have only fluids while in labor. After providing an explanation, which of the following client statements would indicate to the nurse that the teaching has been effective?"
CHOICES
( X ) a.) "Intravenous fluids will be started if I get hungry."
( O ) b.) "The digestive process is normally slow during labor."
( X ) c.) "Most clients don't get hungry during labor."
( X ) d.) "Eating solid foods during labor is unnecessary."
RATIONALE: Recommendations for food and fluid intake during labor vary widely in the literature and in clinical practice. Because gastric emptying is slower in pregnancy and labor and the potential for nausea and vomiting (common late in the first stage of labor) poses a risk for aspiration of stomach contents, clients are often limited to clear fluids or ice chips. Many institutions have a policy of administering intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration or to have an intravenous line in place in case the client needs medications or blood replacement. Intravenous fluids are not used to quell hunger. Because gastric emptying is delayed during pregnancy and labor, the client is at risk for aspiration of stomach contents. Recommendations for fluid intake during labor are based on this and not the client's degree of hunger. Eating solid foods can lead to vomiting and possible aspiration. NURSING PROCESS STEP: Evaluation CLIENT NEEDS CATEGORY: Physiological integrity CLIENT NEEDS SUBCATEGORY: Reduction of risk potential
