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A 40-year-old G2, P1 woman is admitted to the labor and delivery unit with contractions 6 minutes apart. She is 36 weeks pregnant, has a history of placenta previa, and is currently experiencing moderate vaginal bleeding. What should the nurse be prepared to do?
- A. Perform a vaginal examination to determine cervical dilation
- B. Assist the health care provider to perform artificial rupture of the membranes
- C. Initiate external fetal monitoring
- D. Encourage patient to ambulate to intensify labor
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Initiate external fetal monitoring. The nurse should initiate external fetal monitoring to assess the fetus's heart rate and uterine contractions, given the patient's history of placenta previa and vaginal bleeding. This helps to monitor the well-being of the fetus and detect any signs of distress. Performing a vaginal examination (Choice A) may aggravate the placenta previa and increase the risk of bleeding. Artificial rupture of membranes (Choice B) is contraindicated in cases of placenta previa due to the risk of increased bleeding. Encouraging ambulation (Choice D) is not advisable in this situation as it may also worsen bleeding.
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A patient whose cervix is dilated to 6 cm is considered to be in which phase of labor?
- A. Latent phase
- B. Active phase
- C. Second stage
- D. Third stage
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Active phase. In the active phase of labor, the cervix is typically dilated from 6 to 10 cm. This phase marks the transition from early labor to active labor, where contractions become stronger and more frequent, leading to further cervical dilation for the eventual delivery of the baby. The other choices are incorrect because:
A: Latent phase is typically from 0 to 6 cm dilation.
C: Second stage refers to the stage of labor starting from full dilation (10 cm) until the baby is born.
D: Third stage is the stage after the baby is born, focusing on the delivery of the placenta.
How should the nurse respect the rapid psychologic changes occurring in the fourth stage of labor?
- A. Invite the family to come in and see the newborn.
- B. Take the lead from the parents regarding interruption of the bonding.
- C. Ask multiple questions about taking pictures of the newborn.
- D. Take the newborn to the nursery to encourage the parents to rest.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. In the fourth stage of labor, the nurse should respect the rapid psychologic changes by taking the lead from the parents regarding interruption of bonding. This is important because it allows the parents to establish a strong bond with their newborn without feeling pressured or rushed. By following the parents' cues, the nurse can support their emotional needs and facilitate a positive bonding experience.
Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not prioritize the parents' emotional needs and may disrupt the bonding process. Inviting the family to see the newborn (Choice A) may add stress to the situation. Asking multiple questions about taking pictures (Choice C) may be intrusive. Taking the newborn to the nursery (Choice D) may interfere with the bonding process and discourage parental involvement.
The nurse is caring for a gravida 5, para 4 who has been 5 centimeters dilated for 2 hours. The uterine contractions are every 5 minutes and mild to palpation. Which is the most appropriate nursing action?
- A. Administer ordered IV pain medicine
- B. Assist the patient with frequent position changes
- C. Prepare patient for epidural anesthesia
- D. Prepare patient for a cesarean section delivery
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assist the patient with frequent position changes. This is the most appropriate nursing action because the patient is already in active labor (5 cm dilated), experiencing regular contractions, and has mild pain. Encouraging position changes can help progress labor by promoting optimal fetal positioning and descent, relieving pressure on the cervix, and enhancing uterine contractions. This can potentially shorten labor duration and reduce the risk of complications. Administering IV pain medicine (choice A) is not necessary at this stage as the pain is mild. Preparing for epidural anesthesia (choice C) is premature for mild pain and can slow down labor. Preparing for a cesarean section delivery (choice D) is not indicated at this point as the patient is progressing in labor.
Which is the cervical exam that most indicates the use of misoprostol?
- A. 1 cm dilated, 20% effaced, -3 station, firm and posterior
- B. 3-4 cm dilated, 50% effaced, -2 station, firm and midposition
- C. 5 cm dilated, 80% effaced, 0 station, soft and midposition
- D. 6 cm dilated, 100% effaced, +1 station, soft and anterior
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 1 cm dilated, 20% effaced, -3 station, firm and posterior. Misoprostol is commonly used for cervical ripening in preparation for labor induction. This choice indicates an unfavorable cervix, which would benefit from cervical ripening agents like misoprostol. The cervix is minimally dilated (1 cm), partially effaced (20%), high (-3 station), firm, and posterior. This profile suggests that the cervix is not yet ripe and may require assistance in ripening for labor induction.
Choice B: 3-4 cm dilated, 50% effaced, -2 station, firm and midposition - this indicates a more favorable cervix for labor and would not typically require misoprostol for cervical ripening.
Choice C: 5 cm dilated, 80% effaced, 0 station, soft and midposition - this indicates an even more favorable cervix for labor,
The nurse is caring for a 34-year-old gravida 4, para 3 experiencing a prolonged labor. The physician performed an amniotomy 3 hours ago to stimulate the progression of labor. The patient’s most recent vaginal exam was 8/80%/0. Which assessment finding should the nurse should be most concerned about?
- A. Pain score of 7/10
- B. FHR baseline of 165
- C. Mild variable decelerations
- D. Increased bloody mucous discharge
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: FHR baseline of 165. A baseline FHR above 160 is considered tachycardia in labor, which could indicate fetal distress. This finding is concerning as it may suggest fetal hypoxia or other complications, requiring immediate attention to prevent adverse outcomes. The other options are less concerning:
A: Pain score of 7/10 is subjective and expected during labor.
C: Mild variable decelerations are common in labor and may not immediately indicate distress.
D: Increased bloody mucous discharge is a normal finding post-amniotomy and not necessarily indicative of fetal distress.