Nokea
A laboring patient states to the nurse, "I have to push!” What is the next nursing action?
- A. Contact the health care provider.
- B. Examine the patient’s cervix for dilation.
- C. Review with her how to bear down with contractions.
- D. Ask her partner to support her head with each push.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Examine the patient’s cervix for dilation. This is the next nursing action because assessing cervical dilation is crucial in determining the progress of labor and if the patient is ready to push effectively. Contacting the health care provider (A) may cause unnecessary delays. Reviewing how to bear down with contractions (C) should be done after confirming cervical dilation. Asking her partner to support her head (D) is not the immediate priority in this situation.
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During the third stage of labor, what may the birthing person experience?
- A. expulsion of their fetus with vaginal bleeding
- B. cramping, gush of fresh vaginal bleeding, lengthening of the umbilical cord
- C. frequent episodes of dyspnea
- D. increased blood pressure and pain due to expulsive efforts
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During the third stage of labor, the birthing person may experience cramping, a gush of fresh vaginal bleeding, and lengthening of the umbilical cord. This is due to the delivery of the placenta. Cramping helps expel the placenta, fresh vaginal bleeding is normal after delivery, and the lengthening of the umbilical cord indicates that the placenta is detaching. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the typical experiences during the third stage of labor.
The nurse who elects to practice in the area of obstetrics often hears discussion regarding the four Ps. What are the four Ps that interact during childbirth? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Powers
- B. Passage
- C. Position
- D. Passenger
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Powers. The four Ps of childbirth are Powers, Passage, Passenger, and Psyche. Powers refer to the contractions of the uterus and the pushing efforts of the mother during labor. Passage involves the birth canal through which the baby passes. Passenger refers to the fetus and its position during labor. Psyche relates to the psychological aspects of labor. In this case, Powers directly interact during childbirth by facilitating the progress of labor. Passage, Position, and Passenger are important factors as well, but they do not directly interact during childbirth like Powers do.
Which mechanism of labor occurs when the largest diameter of the fetal presenting part passes the pelvic inlet?
- A. Extension
- B. Engagement
- C. Internal rotation
- D. External rotation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Engagement. Engagement occurs when the largest diameter of the fetal presenting part (usually the biparietal diameter of the fetal head) passes through the pelvic inlet. This marks the beginning of the descent of the fetal head into the pelvis in preparation for birth. Extension (A) refers to the movement of the fetal head as it passes through the birth canal. Internal rotation (C) is the movement of the fetal head to align with the maternal pelvis. External rotation (D) occurs as the fetal head exits the birth canal.
When caring for a woman with a complete placenta previa, which finding should the nurse report to the physician?
- A. BP of 95/60
- B. Temperature of 100.1°F
- C. Urine output of 40 mL/hour
- D. O2 saturation less that 95%
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: O2 saturation less than 95%. In placenta previa, the placenta covers the cervix, increasing the risk of bleeding. Decreased oxygen saturation can indicate poor perfusion due to bleeding, necessitating immediate medical attention. A: BP of 95/60 is relatively normal and not an urgent concern in this scenario. B: Temperature of 100.1°F may indicate an infection but is not directly related to placenta previa. C: Urine output of 40 mL/hour is within the normal range and does not directly impact the management of placenta previa.
Which physiologic event is the key indicator of the commencement of true labor?
- A. Bloody show
- B. Cervical dilation and effacement
- C. Fetal descent into the pelvic inlet
- D. Uterine contractions every 7 minutes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cervical dilation and effacement. This is the key indicator of true labor as it signifies the physiological changes needed for the cervix to open and thin out, allowing the baby to pass through the birth canal. Bloody show (A) can be present in early labor but is not a definitive sign. Fetal descent (C) and regular uterine contractions (D) are important, but cervical changes are the most reliable indicator of true labor initiation.