The client is admitted to the unit. Vaginal exam reveals that she is \(3 \mathrm{~cm}\) dilated. Which of the following statements would the nurse expect her to make? A. "I can't decide what to name the baby." B. "It feels good to push with each contraction." C. "Don't touch me. l'm trying to concentrate." D. "When can I get my epidural?"

The active phase of the first stage of labor is characterized by cervical dilation from 3 cm to 7 cm and contractions that are more frequent, longer, and stronger. This is the time when the woman focuses on coping with the increasing intensity of contractions.

A. "I can't decide what to name the baby." - This statement is not related to the active phase of the first stage of labor, and it does not reflect the woman's focus on dealing with contractions. B. "It feels good to push with each contraction." - This statement indicates that the client is in the second stage of labor when pushing and the urge to bear down occurs. The second stage of labor starts at 10 cm dilation, not at 3 cm dilation. C. "Don't touch me. l'm trying to concentrate." - This statement suggests that the client is focusing on coping with the contractions, which is expected during the active phase of the first stage of labor. D. "When can I get my epidural?" - This statement reflects the client's desire for pain relief. While it is possible that she may request an epidural in the active phase, this statement does not as clearly indicate the current phase of labor as statement C does.

Based on our evaluation of each statement, statement C, "Don't touch me. I'm trying to concentrate." is the most appropriate statement that reflects the client's focus on coping with the contractions during the active phase of the first stage of labor. The correct answer is C.