RN Exam Practice
Basic Care and ComfortQuestion 1100 of 2368

A client using fast breathing during contractions reports dizziness and tingling in the lips and fingertips. Which action should the nurse take first?

  1. Coach the client to use deep abdominal breathing or slow exhalation through pursed lips
  2. Encourage the client to breathe faster to stay ahead of the contraction
  3. Ask the client to hold their breath and count to ten
  4. Place the client in a supine position
Show answer

Correct answer: Coach the client to use deep abdominal breathing or slow exhalation through pursed lips

These symptoms signal hyperventilation. Slow abdominal breathing or pursed-lip exhalation corrects it.

Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), Labor & Delivery Care: Breathing Techniques. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Basic Care and Comfort"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026