In the late active phase of labor, a multigravida requests opioids; which nurse response is best?

In the late active phase of labor, a multigravida requests opioids; which nurse response is best?

• A. Pain medication can speed labor
• B. Pain medication has no fetal effect
• C. Pain medication should always be given
• D. Pain medication can affect the baby's breathing; let's try to focus and breathe

Answer: (D)

Opioid analgesia during late labor can cross the placenta and depress the newborn’s breathing after birth, so safety for the baby must be weighed alongside maternal comfort. The best nurse response acknowledges this fetal risk and supports the mother with breathing-focused coping strategies, aiming to manage pain without adding the potential for neonatal respiratory depression. By saying that pain medications can affect the baby’s breathing and proposing focused breathing as a relief method, this approach protects the infant while still addressing the mother’s needs. Other statements are not appropriate because they either deny fetal effects, claim opioids always should be given, or suggest they speed labor, which can mislead in the context of late-stage labor where fetal well-being is a priority.

Opioid analgesia during late labor can cross the placenta and depress the newborn’s breathing after birth, so safety for the baby must be weighed alongside maternal comfort. The best nurse response acknowledges this fetal risk and supports the mother with breathing-focused coping strategies, aiming to manage pain without adding the potential for neonatal respiratory depression. By saying that pain medications can affect the baby’s breathing and proposing focused breathing as a relief method, this approach protects the infant while still addressing the mother’s needs. Other statements are not appropriate because they either deny fetal effects, claim opioids always should be given, or suggest they speed labor, which can mislead in the context of late-stage labor where fetal well-being is a priority.