A nurse performs a vaginal examination on her patient in early labor and determines that the head is ballotable. What is this defined as?
- A. Floating
- B. Zero station
- C. +1 station
- D. -2 station
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Ballotable means the fetal head is floating and can be pushed away from the cervix.
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Which clinical finding should the nurse expect to assess in the third stage of labor that indicates the placenta has separated from the uterine wall? (Select all that apply.)
- A. A gush of blood appears.
- B. The uterus rises upward in the abdomen.
- C. The fundus descends below the umbilicus.
- D. The cord descends further from the vagin
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A. A gush of blood appears: This clinical finding is indicative of the placenta detaching from the uterine wall and the subsequent expulsion. The sudden release of a significant amount of blood is expected as the placenta separates.
How does becoming a parent cause the birthing person to feel?
- A. overwhelming feelings of joy or a sense of euphoria
- B. a wide variety of emotions specific to each person's experience
- C. overwhelming fear or sadness at the loss of their previous life
- D. exhausted with little interest the newborn
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Becoming a parent can trigger a wide range of emotions that can vary from person to person. While feelings of joy and euphoria are commonly experienced, it is important to acknowledge that parenthood also brings about challenges, uncertainties, fears, and even feelings of loss or sadness. Each individual's background, personal experiences, support system, and circumstances play a significant role in shaping how they feel when they become a parent. It is normal for birthing persons to navigate through a mix of emotions as they adjust to their new role and responsibilities. Therefore, option B is the most appropriate choice as it recognizes the diverse emotional responses that can accompany the experience of becoming a parent.
Which maternal factor may inhibit fetal descent during labor?
- A. A full bladder
- B. Decreased peristalsis
- C. Rupture of membranes
- D. Reduction in internal uterine size
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A full bladder can inhibit fetal descent during labor by obstructing the pathway for the baby to descend through the birth canal. A distended bladder can physically block the baby's head from moving down and putting pressure on the cervix, which is necessary for the progress of labor. It is important for pregnant individuals to empty their bladder regularly during labor to optimize the conditions for fetal descent and facilitate a smoother delivery process.
A laboring patient asks the nurse how she will know that the contraction is at its peak. The nurse explains that the contraction peaks during which stage of measurement?
- A. The acme
- B. The interval
- C. The increment
- D. The decrement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The peak of a contraction, also known as its highest point or intensity, is referred to as the acme. This is the stage during which the contraction reaches its maximum strength before gradually subsiding. By identifying the acme of the contraction, healthcare providers can better gauge the progress of labor and assess the intensity of contractions to determine the appropriate course of action for the laboring patient.
An increase in urinary frequency and leg cramps after the 36th week of pregnancy are an indication of
- A. lightening.
- B. breech presentation.
- C. urinary tract infection.
- D. onset of Braxton-Hicks contractions.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: An increase in urinary frequency and leg cramps after the 36th week of pregnancy are common signs of "lightening." Lightening refers to the descent of the baby into the pelvis in preparation for labor. This shift in position can put pressure on the bladder, leading to increased urinary frequency. Additionally, the pressure on nerves and blood vessels in the pelvis can cause leg cramps. These symptoms are typically experienced in the final weeks of pregnancy and are considered normal signs that the body is preparing for labor.