A nurse is assessing a client who is in labor. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A rationale During labor, the body experiences physiological stress and an inflammatory response, leading to an increase in white blood cell count. This leukocytosis is a normal physiological adaptation to the physical demands of labor and tissue remodeling, not a decrease. A normal WBC count is typically 4,500-11,000 cells/µL, and it can rise to 15,000-20,000 cells/µL during labor. Choice B rationale Labor is an energy-intensive process that increases metabolic demands, leading to greater glucose utilization by uterine muscles and other tissues. This increased consumption of glucose can result in a decrease in blood glucose levels as the body expends energy to fuel contractions and other physiological activities. A normal blood glucose range is 70-100 mg/dL. Choice C rationale The pain and physiological stress of labor typically cause an increase in respiratory rate, not a decrease. The body tries to compensate for the increased metabolic demand and oxygen consumption by increasing ventilation. A decrease in respiratory rate would be an unexpected and potentially concerning finding, indicating respiratory depression. A normal respiratory rate is 12-20 breaths per minute. Choice D rationale While slight fluctuations can occur, a significant decrease in temperature is not an expected finding during labor. The metabolic activity and physical exertion of labor can slightly elevate body temperature, or it may remain stable. A decrease in temperature could indicate hypothermia or a systemic issue, which is not a normal physiological response to labor. A normal temperature is 36.5-37.5°C.