Maternity Nursing Q 56
The nurse instructs a laboring client to use accelerated blow breathing. The client begins to complain of tingling fingers and dizziness. Which action should the nurse take?
A. Administer oxygen by face mask.
B. Notify the health care provider of the client's symptoms.
C. Have the client breathe into her cupped hands.
D. Check the client's blood pressure and fetal heart rate.
Correct Answer: C. Have the client breathe into her cupped hands.
Tingling fingers and dizziness are signs of hyperventilation (blowing off too much carbon dioxide). Hyperventilation is treated by retaining carbon dioxide. This can be facilitated by breathing into a paper bag or cupped hands.
Option A: Giving oxygen is inappropriate because the carbon dioxide level is low, not the oxygen level.
Option B: Before notifying the healthcare provider, the nurse may first intervene by having the client breathe into her cupped hands. If the client’s situation does not improve, the nurse may notify the physician.
Option D: The client’s blood pressure and fetal heart rate are not related to the low levels of carbon dioxide in her body. It is due to blowing off too much carbon dioxide while using blow breathing exercises.