A mother experiencing dystocia shows alarm and asks several anxious questions. What issue is she likely facing?

In situations of dystocia, or difficult labor, it is common for mothers to experience heightened anxiety and fear due to the unpredictability and challenges of the birthing process. The mother's alarm and anxious questions indicate she is struggling with feelings of uncertainty and concern about her wellbeing as well as that of her baby. Anxiety can manifest in various forms, including fears about the potential outcomes, the pain involved, or the ability to cope with the situation.

While feelings of powerlessness or lacking parenting skills might be relevant in broader contexts, the immediate experience during dystocia is more closely tied to acute anxiety and fear, making this the most appropriate choice. Likewise, lack of sensory perception is typically not relevant in this scenario, as the mother is likely fully aware of her situation, which further validates that her reactions stem from anxiety rather than a deficit in sensory experience.