Figure 2-5. Internal fetal monitoring.
g. Vital Signs. Monitor the patient's vital signs.
(1)
On admission.
(2)
Every hour during early labor.
(3) Blood pressure (BP), pulse (P), and respiratory rate (R) every 30
minutes during active, transition, and the second stage of labor, to include the
temperature every hour.
(4) Blood pressure, P, and R every 15 minutes while on Pitocin, to include
the temperature every hour.
(5)
More frequently if complications arise.
h. Patient Given an Opportunity to Void. You should offer the patient an
opportunity to void every 2 hours during labor. The discomfort of contractions often
causes the patient to be unaware that her bladder is full. A full bladder may impede the
progress of labor.
i. Patient is NPO During Labor. The patient may have ice chips to prevent
drying and chapping of the lips. Vaseline may be applied to her lips to prevent
chapping. Gastric emptying time is prolonged once labor is established. The
administration of analgesics also prolongs gastric emptying. The patient may vomit and
aspirate since her stomach contents may not be absorbed. Being unaware of when
possible complications could arise could necessitate an emergency C-section with
general anesthesia.
MD0922
2-12