Which clinical finding should the nurse expect to assess in the third stage of labor that indicates the placenta has separated from the uterine wall? (Select all that apply.)
- A. A gush of blood appears.
- B. The uterus rises upward in the abdomen.
- C. The fundus descends below the umbilicus.
- D. The cord descends further from the vagin
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A. A gush of blood appears: This clinical finding is indicative of the placenta detaching from the uterine wall and the subsequent expulsion. The sudden release of a significant amount of blood is expected as the placenta separates.
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A patient admitted to the labor unit asks the nurse to discuss the episiotomy procedure with her. Which is true regarding episiotomy?
- A. An episiotomy is required for all vaginal births.
- B. A midline episiotomy is associated with more third- and fourth-degree lacerations.
- C. A mediolateral episiotomy is easier to repair than a medial episiotomy.
- D. A midline episiotomy is associated with more blood loss.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A midline episiotomy is not required for all vaginal births, but it is associated with more third- and fourth-degree lacerations.
Which is the best explanation for the use of hydration and relaxation in the treatment of hypertonic labor?
- A. Hydration promotes uterine relaxation by diluting endogenous oxytocin.
- B. Hydration improves uterine coordination by increasing perfusion.
- C. Hydration encourages contraction regulation by stimulating catecholamine release.
- D. Hydration stimulates the production of prostaglandins to relax the uterus.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hydration helps to dilute endogenous oxytocin, which can reduce uterine contractions and relax the uterus. Hypertonic labor involves excessive uterine contractions, and hydration can counteract this by regulating contractions and improving perfusion, which ultimately aids in a more coordinated and effective labor progression.
How can a nurse support the patient during the fourth stage of labor?
- A. Support pushing efforts with feedback on how much progress is being made
- B. Ensure epidural anesthesia is adequate for pain control, reposition frequently, provide dietary intake per provider's order.
- C. Assess for any bleeding or amniotic fluid presence in the vaginal discharge
- D. Provide rest, space, and time for bonding between assessments, support for feeding
preferences, diligent monitoring for complications, pain management.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: During the fourth stage of labor, it is important for the nurse to provide a supportive and nurturing environment for the mother and baby. This stage occurs immediately after the baby is born and lasts for about 2 hours. The mother may be exhausted from the physical effort of labor and delivery, so providing rest, space, and time for bonding between assessments is crucial. The nurse should also support the mother's feeding preferences, whether it is breastfeeding or formula feeding. Diligent monitoring for complications, such as postpartum hemorrhage or infection, is essential during this stage. Additionally, providing adequate pain management for any discomfort the mother may be experiencing is important.
The nurse is caring for a patient during induction of labor. The oxytocin is currently infusing at 6 mU/min. The fetal heart tracing displays a 130 baseline, moderate variability, and no accelerations or decelerations. Uterine contractions have been every 2 minutes for the last 30 minutes. What is the nurse’s next best action?
- A. Reduce the oxytocin infusion to 3 mU/min
- B. Delay the next scheduled oxytocin increase
- C. Maintain infusion at 6 mU/min
- D. Discontinue the oxytocin infusion
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The fetal heart rate (FHR) is stable, with moderate variability and no decelerations, indicating that the fetus is not in distress. The contractions are occurring at appropriate intervals, so the nurse should maintain the current oxytocin infusion to continue labor progression.
A woman presents to labor and delivery at 37 weeks plus 6 days gestation with complaints of constant abdominal pain and dark red bleeding that started 30 minutes ago. Upon examination, the woman’s abdomen is consistently rigid and tender. Fetal heart tones are noted to be in the 70s. Which are these findings are associated with?
- A. Placental abruption
- B. Placental accreta
- C. Placenta previa
- D. Placenta succenturiata
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Placental abruption is characterized by sudden onset of abdominal pain, dark red bleeding, and a rigid, tender abdomen. This condition can compromise fetal oxygenation and requires immediate medical intervention to prevent further complications.