Admitting a client to the labor room is a pivotal nursing responsibility that sets the tone for safe, respectful, and effective intrapartum care.
Definition
Admitting a pregnant woman to labor room for observation, treatment, care, and safe delivery.
Purposes
- To prepare the woman for safe delivery.
- To induce labor.
- To monitor high-risk mothers.
- To monitor maternal and fetal conditions.
Articles
Tray containing:
- Soap solution.
- Gauze pieces.
- Razor with blade.
- Enema can/packet of disposable evacuant enema.
- Rectal tube.
- Kidney tray.
- Thermometer tray.
- Clean gloves and patient records.
Procedure
| Nursing actions | Rationale | |
| 1. | Welcome patient to the unit. | |
| 2. | Collect history and reason for admission. | Helps in knowing about patient’s condition and needs. |
| 3. | Explain admission procedure to patient and relatives. | Helps in obtaining cooperation of patient. |
| 4. | Help patient to change clothes to hospital gown and hand over valuables to the relatives. | Prevents chance of losing valuables. |
| 5. | Collect samples of blood and urine. | Helps in diagnosing any complications. |
| 6. | Check height and weight of patient. | Obtains baseline data. |
| 7. | Check vital signs. | Gives information about patient’s general condition. |
| 8. | Assess maternal and fetal condition. | Gives information about condition of mother and fetus. |
| 9. | Collect following information from patient: Booked or unbooked status. Obstetrical score. Gestational age. Any bleeding or leaking PV. Time of onset of labor contractions. Fetal movements. Any other complaints. | Serves for adequate care and monitoring during labor. |
| 10. | Perform a careful abdominal examination which includes inspection, palpation, auscultation of fetal heart sounds, and monitoring of contractions. | Aids in identification of any deviation from normal condition. |
| 11. | Check for condition of membranes. | Gives information about progress of labor. |
| 12. | Prepare pubic area using razor, depilatory cream or clipper(optional). | Prevents infection and gives clear visualization during delivery. |
| 13. | Administer an evacuant enema unless contraindicated. | Prevents contamination by fecal matter during bearing down. |
| 14. | Document time of admission, reason for admission, assessment findings, and procedures done in admission room. | Serves as a communication between hospital staff. |
| 15. | Instruct patient to lie on bed allotted to her in labor room and inform physician about admission. | Helps to prepare for safe delivery. |
Special Considerations
- Use respectful, trauma-informed language
- Avoid unnecessary vaginal exams if membranes are ruptured
- Be alert for pre-eclampsia signs, abnormal FHR, or preterm labor
- Ensure emergency equipment is available and functional
REFERENCES
- Annamma Jacob, Rekha, Jhadav Sonali Tarachand: Clinical Nursing Procedures: The Art of Nursing Practice, 5th Edition, March 2023, Jaypee Publishers, ISBN-13: 978-9356961845 ISBN-10: 9356961840
- Omayalachi CON, Manual of Nursing Procedures and Practice, Vol 1, 3 Edition 2023, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN: 978-9393553294
- Sandra Nettina, Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice, 11th Edition, January 2019, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN-13:978-9388313285
- Annamma Jacob, Manual of Midwifery and Gynaecological Nursing, 4th Edition, 2023, Jaypee Publishers, ISBN: 978-9356961593
- Adrianne Dill Linton, Medical-Surgical Nursing, 8th Edition, 2023, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323826716
- Donna Ignatavicius, Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Clinical Judgment and Collaborative Care, 11th Edition ,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323878265
- Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing, 12th Edition,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323789615
- AACN Essentials of Critical Care Nursing, 5th Ed. Sarah. Delgado, 2023, Published by American Association of Critical-Care Nurses ISBN: 978-1264269884
- Ernstmeyer K, Christman E, editors. Nursing Fundamentals [Internet]. 2nd edition. Eau Claire (WI): Chippewa Valley Technical College; 2024. PART IV, NURSING PROCESS. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK610818/
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