A nurse is caring for a client who is in the first stage of labor and is using pattern-paced breathing. The client says she feels lightheaded and her fingers are tingling. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale Feeling lightheaded and tingling fingers (paresthesia) during pattern-paced breathing is a classic sign of respiratory alkalosis caused by hyperventilation. Increasing the respiratory rate further would exacerbate the condition by increasing the exhalation of carbon dioxide (CO_2), which would lead to a further decrease in the plasma carbonic acid (H_2CO_3) and subsequently elevate the blood pH. Choice B rationale Hyperventilation causes the body to exhale too much CO_2, leading to respiratory alkalosis and the associated symptoms due to cerebral vasoconstriction and decreased calcium ionization. Having the client breathe into a paper bag allows her to re-breathe some of the exhaled CO_2. This simple measure increases the partial pressure of CO_2 (PCO_2) in the inspired air, helping to restore the body's CO_2 levels and correct the pH imbalance. Choice C rationale Tucking the chin to the chest does not effectively address the physiological imbalance of hyperventilation. This position may slightly impede full diaphragmatic excursion but does not significantly increase the re-inhalation of exhaled CO_2 to correct the respiratory alkalosis. The primary goal is to increase PCO_2 to alleviate the symptoms caused by the rapid drop in CO_2 levels. Choice D rationale Administering supplemental oxygen is indicated for hypoxemia (low oxygen saturation), typically defined as SaO_2 less than 95.