A patient asks the nurse how she can tell if labor is real. Which information should the nurse provide to this patient? (Select all that apply.)
- A. In true labor, the cervix begins to dilate
- B. In true labor, the contractions are felt in the abdomen and groin.
- C. In true labor, contractions often resemble menstrual cramps during early labor.
- D. In true labor, contractions are inconsistent in frequency, duration, and intensity in the early stages.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A. In true labor, the cervix begins to dilate: One of the key signs of true labor is that the cervix starts to dilate (open up) as the body prepares for childbirth. If a woman is experiencing real labor, her cervix will gradually start to open up to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal.
You may also like to solve these questions
A fetus is in the occiput anterior position. During the cardinal movement of extension, which events are occurring? Select all that apply.
- A. The fetal head lines up with the pelvic outlet.
- B. The occiput passes under the symphysis pubis.
- C. The fetal head is engaged.
- D. The head is delivered.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: During extension, the fetal head lines up with the pelvic outlet, and the occiput passes under the symphysis pubis.
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.
What effect will the presence of support people in labor most likely have?
- A. improve the experience of the birthing person
- B. improve the outcomes of the birthing person
- C. improve the outcomes and experience of the birthing person
- D. cause birth trauma and/or postpartum depression
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The presence of support people during labor, such as a partner, family member, doula, or midwife, can have a positive impact on both the outcomes and experience of the birthing person. Studies have shown that having continuous support during labor can lead to shorter labor times, reduced need for medical interventions like cesarean sections or epidurals, increased satisfaction with the birth experience, and decreased likelihood of experiencing postpartum depression. Emotional support, physical comfort, and advocacy provided by support people can help the birthing person feel more empowered, confident, and less stressed during labor, ultimately leading to better outcomes and a more positive birth experience.
The nurse hears the laboring patient making grunting noises. How will the nurse determine if the person is in the active second stage of labor?
- A. Assess for rupture of membranes.
- B. Assess for bloody show.
- C. Assess for dilation of the cervix.
- D. Assess for stool.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the active second stage of labor, the cervix is fully dilated to 10 centimeters. Grunting noises can be a sign of the transition to the pushing stage, which occurs in the active second stage of labor. Therefore, assessing for dilation of the cervix is crucial to determine if the laboring person is in the active second stage of labor.
A 24-year-old G4 T1 A2 L1 presents to obstetric triage with complaints of contractions every 3 minutes, accompanied by bright red vaginal bleeding. The woman is 29 weeks gestation with a twin pregnancy. She has had three urinary tract infections during this pregnancy and is currently taking Microbid daily as prophylaxis. Her last baby was born via cesarean section for breech malpresentation. She denies any other significant medical history. What risk factors for placenta previa does this patient have? Select all that apply.
- A. Maternal age of 24
- B. Twin gestation
- C. Gestational age of 29 weeks
- D. Previous delivery by cesarean section
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The patient's age, history of cesarean section, and twin gestation all contribute to an increased risk of placenta previa. The most significant risk factor here is the previous cesarean section, which can cause scarring and increase the likelihood of abnormal placental implantation.