During the Course of Labor, a Client Has Been Having

Multiple Choice

During the course of labor, a client has been having her labor coach rub her lower back to relieve pain. After 30 minutes, the client complains that this method is no longer working and becomes increasingly frustrated with the labor coach. The vaginal exam is 2 to 3 cm, 80% effaced, and -1 station, membranes intact. Which option would you recommend to decrease the client's perceived pain?

A) Have the labor coach change the touch location and begin gently massaging another area on the back.
B) Perform a vaginal exam to determine progress.
C) Have the labor coach step outside the room (LDR) and take a break because it is best to try and defuse the confrontation.
D) Suggest to the client that perhaps the use of a narcotic opioid will relieve her pain and facilitate the labor process.