The context & clinical evidence for common nursing practices during labor

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Nursing Science
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Nursing interventions during labor and birth are influenced by physician orders but also encompass independent nursing practices.
• Intrapartum nursing practice varies significantly across different clinical environments, hospital settings, and evolving practice models.
• Diverse hospital sizes, locations, and provider styles have led to various intrapartum nursing practice models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the context and current evidence for common nursing care practices during labor and birth.
• To explore the influence of different intrapartum nursing practice models on care delivery.
• To summarize evidence for key nursing responsibilities: maternal-fetal assessment, oxytocin infusion management, and second-stage care.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing evidence for common nursing practices in labor and birth.
• Analysis of various intrapartum nursing practice models.
• Focus on three primary nursing responsibilities: maternal-fetal assessment, oxytocin management, and second-stage care.

Main Results:

• Evidence supports specific nursing interventions aimed at promoting maternal-fetal well-being.
• Nursing practices in labor and birth are adaptable based on context and available evidence.
• Key nursing responsibilities, including assessment, oxytocin management, and second-stage care, have supporting evidence.

Conclusions:

• Evidence-based nursing interventions are crucial for optimizing maternal-fetal outcomes during labor and birth.
• Understanding and adapting to different nursing practice models can enhance patient safety and care quality.
• Nurses play a vital role in managing key aspects of intrapartum care, supported by scientific evidence.