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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. Examining the patient's cervix for dilation is the next nursing action because it will help determine the progress of labor and assess if it is safe for the patient to push. Contacting the health care provider (choice A) may delay necessary interventions. Reviewing how to bear down (choice C) is important but assessing cervical dilation takes precedence. Asking the partner to support her head (choice D) is not a priority in this situation.
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When does the second stage of labor begin?
- A. at birth
- B. when the early phase ends
- C. when the cervix is completely dilated and effaced
- D. when pushing begins
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the second stage of labor begins when the mother starts pushing to deliver the baby. This stage involves the actual delivery of the baby and ends with the birth. The other choices are incorrect because:
A: Labor begins before the second stage.
B: The early phase is part of the first stage of labor.
C: Full dilation and effacement mark the transition between the first and second stages but pushing is when the second stage actually begins.
A primigravida has just been examined. The examination revealed engagement of the fetal head. The nurse is aware that this means which of the following?
- A. The biparietal diameter of the fetal head is at the level of the ischial spines.
- B. The biparietal diameter of the fetal head is at –2 station.
- C. The fetal head is well flexed.
- D. The fetal head is unable to pass under the pubic arch.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because engagement of the fetal head means the widest part of the head (biparietal diameter) is at the level of the ischial spines, indicating the head has descended into the pelvis. Choice B is incorrect as -2 station refers to the presenting part being 2 cm above the ischial spines, not at the level. Choice C is incorrect because engagement does not necessarily mean the head is well flexed. Choice D is incorrect as the ability of the head to pass under the pubic arch is not determined solely by engagement.
A patient in labor presents with a breech presentation. The nurse understands that a breech presentation is associated with
- A. more rapid labor.
- B. a high risk of infection.
- C. maternal perineal traum
- D. umbilical cord compression.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: umbilical cord compression. In a breech presentation, the baby's bottom or feet are positioned to come out first, which can lead to potential umbilical cord compression during labor. This compression can compromise fetal oxygenation and circulation, posing a serious risk to the baby's well-being. The other choices are incorrect because a breech presentation is not typically associated with more rapid labor (choice A), a high risk of infection (choice B), or maternal perineal trauma (choice C). It is important for healthcare providers to be vigilant in monitoring for signs of umbilical cord compression in cases of breech presentation to ensure the safety of both the mother and baby.
Which of the following is a function of a doula during labor?
- A. Administration of oral pain medications
- B. Assess fetal heart rate
- C. Perform vaginal examination with the mother’s permission
- D. Provide nonpharmacological pain relief
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. A doula provides nonpharmacological pain relief during labor by offering emotional support, comfort measures, breathing techniques, and massage. This helps the mother cope with labor pain naturally. Choices A and C involve medical interventions that are typically performed by healthcare providers. Choice B is the role of a healthcare professional trained in assessing fetal well-being.
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. In this scenario, a FHR baseline of 165 is concerning as it is higher than the normal range (110-160 bpm) for a term fetus. This may indicate fetal distress or hypoxia, possibly due to cord compression or placental insufficiency. High baseline FHR can lead to fetal complications like acidosis or asphyxia. The other choices are less concerning: A is subjective and manageable, C indicates a common response to labor and is usually transient, and D is expected after amniotomy. Monitoring and addressing the abnormal FHR is crucial for fetal well-being.