During labor, what should a nurse provide to a client who is hyperventilating and anxious?

The recommendation for a client who is hyperventilating and anxious during labor is to help her regain her breathing pattern. When a person hyperventilates, they tend to take rapid, shallow breaths which can lead to decreased carbon dioxide levels in the blood, potentially resulting in dizziness, tingling sensations, or even fainting. By assisting the client to regain a calm and controlled breathing pattern, the nurse can help alleviate anxiety and restore the proper balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Techniques may include instructing the client to take slow, deep breaths or to breathe in a controlled manner, such as inhaling for a count of four, holding for a count of four, then exhaling for a count of four. This practice not only helps with anxiety management but can also promote relaxation, making the labor process more manageable.

In contrast, options like general anesthesia would be inappropriate during labor as it can inhibit maternal responsiveness and may not address the immediate issue of hyperventilation or anxiety. Leaving the client alone would likely increase feelings of anxiety rather than alleviate them, as support and reassurance are crucial during this time. Instructing her to push with contractions would also be inappropriate at this moment, as pushing typically occurs during the later stages of labor, not