Guidelines for Accurate and Safe Vaginal Examinations to Assess Labor Progress

The nurse who performs vaginal examinations to assess a womans progress in labor should:

Discuss the findings with the woman and her partner

The nurse who performs vaginal examinations to assess a woman’s progress in labor should follow certain guidelines to ensure accurate and safe assessment of labor progress. These guidelines include:

1. Obtaining informed consent from the woman before starting the examination and explaining the procedure.

2. Washing hands and donning sterile gloves before performing the examination to prevent infection.

3. Using the correct technique to perform the examination, starting by visually inspecting the perineal area for any signs of tearing or inflammation. Then, inserting two fingers into the vagina while using the other hand to support the perineum to prevent discomfort.

4. Assessing the degree of cervical dilation, effacement of the cervix, station of the presenting part, and status of the membranes. The nurse should document the findings accurately and report them to the healthcare provider.

5. Assessing the woman’s response during the examination, providing support and reassurance throughout the procedure.

6. Minimizing the number of examinations performed to avoid complications such as increased risk of infection.

In summary, the nurse who performs vaginal examinations to assess labor progress should do so with informed consent, the proper technique, and minimize the number of examinations while providing support and reassurance during the procedure.

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