Question

Arrange the following actions in the correct order during the second stage of labor (delivery of the baby):

A) Administering episiotomy, Encouraging mother to push, Providing perineal support, Checking for nuchal cord
B) Applying controlled traction, Checking for meconium staining, Performing fundal pressure, Assessing fetal heart rate
C) Supporting the perineum, Clamping and cutting the umbilical cord, Initiating skin-to-skin contact, Administering uterotonic medication
D) Administering antibiotics, Assisting with controlled cord traction, Evaluating placenta completeness, Encouraging mother to breastfeed

Answer 1

During the second stage of labor, the actions taken include checking for nuchal cord, encouraging the mother to push, providing perineal support, applying controlled traction, assessing fetal heart rate, supporting the perineum, potentially administering an episiotomy, clamping and cutting the umbilical cord, initiating skin-to-skin contact, and administering uterotonic medication as necessary.

Step-by-step explanation:

Correct Order of Actions During the Second Stage of Labor:

The second stage of labor is when the baby is expelled from the uterus. The correct sequence of actions during this stage, based on the options provided, is:

1. Checking for nuchal cord: Ensuring the umbilical cord is not wrapped around the baby's neck.
2. Encouraging mother to push: Assisting the mother's efforts in pushing when contractions occur.
3. Providing perineal support: Protecting the perineum to minimize the risk of tearing during the delivery.
4. Applying controlled traction: Guiding the baby out gently to assist in delivery.
5. Assessing fetal heart rate: Checking the baby's heart rate to ensure there are no signs of distress.
6. Supporting the perineum: This continues until the baby is fully delivered.
7. Administering episiotomy if necessary: This may be done to enlarge the opening if there is a risk of severe tearing.
8. Clamping and cutting the umbilical cord: After the baby is delivered, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut.
9. Initiating skin-to-skin contact: This promotes bonding and helps regulate the baby's temperature.
10. Administering uterotonic medication: To reduce bleeding and encourage uterine contractions post-delivery.

Note that some procedures, such as applying fundal pressure or administering antibiotics, are generally not part of the immediate sequence of the second stage of labor but may occur as needed based on the clinical situation.