A gravida 3, para 2 is attempting a vaginal birth without the use of pain medicine or anesthesia. Following spontaneous rupture of membranes, the patient’s cervical exam was 5 cm dilated, 60% effaced, -2 station. Which therapeutic intervention is appropriate for this patient?
- A. Ambulation with assistance
- B. Squatting with support from partner
- C. Sitting on birthing ball
- D. Resting on hands and knees
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Sitting on birthing ball. This position helps to open up the pelvis, allowing for optimal fetal positioning and descent. It also helps relieve pressure on the cervix, promoting dilation. Ambulation (A) may slow down labor progress, squatting (B) can increase pressure on the cervix and hinder descent, and resting on hands and knees (D) may not be as conducive to gravity-assisted descent.
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The nurse midwife caring for a multiparous client who is 5 cm dilated requests intermittent auscultation (IA) of the fetal heart rate. The woman’s history reveals no risk factors. How often should IA be performed in this patient?
- A. Every 15 minutes
- B. Every 5 minutes
- C. Every 20 minutes
- D. Every 30 minutes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Every 15 minutes. This frequency is recommended for a low-risk multiparous client in active labor without risk factors. Intermittent auscultation every 15 minutes allows for adequate monitoring of fetal well-being while also promoting maternal autonomy and mobility. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they are either too frequent or too infrequent for a low-risk client in active labor. Every 5 minutes (B) may be excessive and disrupt the labor process, every 20 minutes (C) may not provide sufficient monitoring, and every 30 minutes (D) may not detect changes in fetal status promptly.
A 28-year-old woman without risk factors has now reached the second stage of labor. What is the optimal position for her at this point?
- A. Supine
- B. Lateral recumbent
- C. Lithotomy
- D. Squatting
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The optimal position for a woman in the second stage of labor is lateral recumbent. This position allows gravity to aid in the descent of the baby, reduces pressure on the vena cava, and promotes better blood flow to the uterus. It also helps prevent perineal tears and facilitates fetal rotation.
A: Supine position can compress the vena cava, reducing blood flow to the uterus.
C: Lithotomy position is not recommended as it can lead to increased perineal trauma.
D: Squatting may not be ideal as it can be tiring for the mother and may not provide optimal support for delivery.
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, documenting the findings. In this scenario, the patient is in active labor with regular strong contractions, cervical change, and a reassuring fetal heart rate tracing. The priority is to document these important clinical findings accurately for proper assessment and monitoring of progress. Encouraging ambulation (A) may not be safe due to the frequency and strength of contractions. Initiating oxytocin (B) is unnecessary as labor is progressing well on its own. Assisting the patient to a warm bath (C) may provide comfort but is not the most critical action at this time.
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.
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 varying duration indicate early labor. By asking the patient about the contraction pattern, the nurse can assess the progression of labor and provide appropriate guidance. Choice B is incorrect because if the patient's membranes have ruptured, she would most likely feel a gush of fluid rather than just feeling wet. Choice C is incorrect as bloody show is not typically a reliable indicator of early labor. Choice D is incorrect as it does not address the need to assess the contraction pattern for progression of labor.