During the second phase of labor the patient initiates pattern-paced breathing. what adverse symptoms must the nurse watch for when the patient initiates this method?

The answer is : Dizziness

Rationale: The nurse must watch for symptoms of hyperventilation and resulting respiratory alkalosis. Symptoms of respiratory alkalosis during pattern-paced breathing include dizziness, light-headedness, tingling of fingers, or circumoral numbness. Pallor, nausea, and diaphoresis are generally observed in the active and transition phases of the first stage of labor. They are physiologic effects of pain.