A Client Presents to the Labor and Birth Area for Emergent

Multiple Choice

A client presents to the labor and birth area for emergent birth. Vaginal exam reveals that the client is fully dilated, vertex, +2 station, with ruptured membranes. The client is extremely apprehensive because this is her first childbirth experience and asks for an epidural to be administered now. What is the priority nursing response based on this client assessment?

A) Use contact anesthesia for an epidural and prepare the client per protocol.
B) Tell the client that she will not need any pain medication because the birth will be over in a matter of minutes and the pain will stop.
C) Assist the client with nonpharmacologic methods of pain distraction during this time as you prepare for vaginal birth.
D) Call the physician for admitting orders.