Nokea
A patient at 37 weeks gestation arrives at the labor and delivery unit and reports a rupture of her membranes. Which factor causes the nurse to anticipate the HCP will prescribe a medical method of labor induction?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: The fetus is viable and the barrier for a sterile uterine environment is breached. At 37 weeks gestation, the fetus is considered full-term and capable of surviving outside the womb. Rupture of membranes increases the risk of infection as it exposes the fetus to the vaginal flora. Therefore, a medical method of labor induction may be prescribed to prevent complications such as intrauterine infection.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect:
B: The fetus "drying out" and causing a dry birth is not a valid reason for labor induction.
C: Bedrest until contractions begin is not a standard approach for managing ruptured membranes.
D: While infection risk is a concern with ruptured membranes, the primary reason for induction is to prevent harm to the fetus due to the breach in the sterile uterine environment, not just maternal infection.