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A 28-year-old gravida 1, para 0 patient who is at term calls the labor and birth unit stating that she thinks she is in labor. She states that she does have some vaginal discharge and feels wet;
- A. She relates a contraction pattern that is irregular, ranging from 5 to 7 minutes and lasting 30 seconds. Which questions should the nurse pose to the patient during this telephone triage? (Select all that apply.)
- B. Does she think that her membranes have ruptured?
- C. Is there any evidence of bloody show?
- D. Instruct the patient to keep monitoring her contraction pattern and call you back if they become more regular.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the patient's irregular contraction pattern and timing indicate early labor. The nurse should ask about the frequency, duration, and intensity of contractions to assess progression. Choices B and C focus on specific signs of labor but do not address the need for continuous monitoring and assessment like choice A does. Choice D does not address the need to gather specific information about the contraction pattern to determine the appropriate next steps. Therefore, A is the correct choice as it directly addresses the patient's current situation and provides guidance on what information is necessary for appropriate triage.
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, what was revealed about the importance of labor support?
- A. Labor support can only be provided by the significant other.
- B. Laboring patients did not need support from outside sources.
- C. Outcomes for birth were not changed by pandemic requirements.
- D. Patients during the pandemic's support ban experienced more depression.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because patients who experienced a support ban during the pandemic were more likely to suffer from depression due to lack of emotional and physical support. This is supported by research showing the positive impact of labor support on maternal mental health and birth outcomes. Choice A is incorrect as labor support can also be provided by healthcare professionals. Choice B is incorrect as laboring patients benefit from emotional and physical support during childbirth. Choice C is incorrect as pandemic requirements did impact birth outcomes, especially for patients who lacked support.
The nurse is assessing a patient in the active phase of labor. What should the nurse expect during this phase?
- A. The patient is sociable and excite
- B. The patient is requesting pain medication.
- C. The patient begins to experience the urge to push.
- D. The patient experiences loss of control and irritability.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because during the active phase of labor, the cervix dilates from 4 to 7 centimeters, and the patient typically experiences the urge to push as the baby descends further down the birth canal. This indicates progress in labor and readiness for the second stage. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not specifically align with the characteristics of the active phase of labor. Choice A is not necessarily indicative of the active phase, choice B may happen at any stage of labor, and choice D is more characteristic of transition phase rather than the active phase.
Which factor ensures that the smallest anterior-posterior diameter of the fetal head enters the pelvis?
- A. Station
- B. Flexion
- C. Descent
- D. Engagement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Flexion is the correct answer. During labor, fetal head flexion allows the smallest anterior-posterior diameter of the head to enter the pelvis first, reducing the risk of cephalopelvic disproportion. Station refers to the level of the presenting part in the maternal pelvis, not the head orientation. Descent is the downward movement of the fetus in the birth canal, not related to head position. Engagement occurs when the widest part of the presenting part reaches the level of the maternal ischial spines, not specifically related to the orientation of the fetal head.
Pregnant patients can usually tolerate the normal blood loss associated with childbirth because of which physiologic adaptation to pregnancy?
- A. A higher hematocrit
- B. Increased leukocytes
- C. Increased blood volume
- D. A lower fibrinogen level
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Increased blood volume. During pregnancy, blood volume increases by about 40-50% to support the growing fetus and prepare for potential blood loss during childbirth. This increased blood volume helps pregnant patients tolerate the normal blood loss during delivery. A higher hematocrit (choice A) could indicate dehydration, not increased blood volume. Increased leukocytes (choice B) are related to the immune response, not blood loss tolerance. A lower fibrinogen level (choice D) could lead to increased bleeding risk, not tolerance to blood loss.
The labor and delivery nurse is caring for a 27-year-old primigravida with the following vaginal exam: 2 to 3 cm dilated/70% effaced/-2 station. For the last 2 hours the FHR tracing has displayed a Category I tracing and uterine contractions that are every 2 minutes. The contractions are strong to palpation and the patient is now 3/70%/-2. Which is the nurse’s next best action?
- A. Encourage the patient to ambulate
- B. Request orders to initiate oxytocin
- C. Assist the patient to a warm bath
- D. Document the findings
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Document the findings. In this scenario, the patient is in active labor with a Category I FHR tracing, optimal contractions, and progressing cervical dilation. Documenting the findings is important to maintain an accurate record of the patient's progress, which is crucial for monitoring labor and ensuring appropriate care. Encouraging ambulation (choice A) may be unnecessary or even unsafe given the frequency and strength of contractions. Initiating oxytocin (choice B) is not indicated as the patient is already in active labor. Assisting the patient to a warm bath (choice C) may provide comfort but is not the priority at this stage. Therefore, documenting the findings is the next best action to ensure proper documentation and monitoring of the patient's progress.