Monitoring Baby During Labour Related

Review Monitoring Baby During Labour related questions and content

A 22-year-old woman presents to the labor and delivery unit in labor at 39 weeks gestation. Her cervix is 6 cm dilated and 100% effaced. What should the nurse do next?

  • A. Prepare for delivery
  • B. Administer pain relief medications
  • C. Continue to monitor contractions and fetal heart rate
  • D. Perform a vaginal examination to check for fetal descent
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Continue to monitor contractions and fetal heart rate. At 6 cm dilated and 100% effaced, the woman is in active labor, but delivery is not imminent. Monitoring contractions and fetal heart rate is crucial to ensure the progress of labor and fetal well-being. This step allows the nurse to assess for any signs of fetal distress or labor progression. Administering pain relief medications (B) can be considered based on the woman's pain level, but it is not the immediate priority. Preparing for delivery (A) is premature at this stage. Performing a vaginal examination (D) may not be necessary unless there are concerns about fetal descent or progress of labor.