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 present first, increasing the risk of umbilical cord prolapse or compression. This can lead to fetal distress due to compromised blood flow and oxygen supply. Other choices are incorrect as breech presentation is not associated with more rapid labor (A), high risk of infection (B), or increased maternal perineal trauma (C). It is crucial to prioritize addressing umbilical cord compression in a breech presentation to prevent potential complications for the baby.
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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.
A 40-year-old G2, P1 woman is admitted to the labor and delivery unit with contractions 6 minutes apart. She is 36 weeks pregnant, has a history of placenta previa, and is currently experiencing moderate vaginal bleeding. What should the nurse be prepared to do?
- A. Perform a vaginal examination to determine cervical dilation
- B. Assist the health care provider to perform artificial rupture of the membranes
- C. Initiate external fetal monitoring
- D. Encourage patient to ambulate to intensify labor
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Initiate external fetal monitoring. In this scenario, the patient is at 36 weeks of gestation with a history of placenta previa and moderate vaginal bleeding, indicating a high-risk situation. External fetal monitoring allows for continuous assessment of the fetal heart rate and uterine contractions, which is crucial for identifying signs of fetal distress or complications related to placenta previa. This monitoring can help guide timely interventions and decision-making to ensure the safety of the mother and baby. Performing a vaginal examination (A) may increase the risk of bleeding in cases of placenta previa. Artificial rupture of membranes (B) can also lead to increased bleeding and should be avoided in this situation. Encouraging ambulation (D) is not recommended due to the risk of exacerbating bleeding and potential complications.
Which is the cervical exam that most indicates the use of misoprostol?
- A. 1 cm dilated, 20% effaced, -3 station, firm and posterior
- B. 3-4 cm dilated, 50% effaced, -2 station, firm and midposition
- C. 5 cm dilated, 80% effaced, 0 station, soft and midposition
- D. 6 cm dilated, 100% effaced, +1 station, soft and anterior
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Misoprostol is a medication used for cervical ripening and induction of labor.
Step 2: The characteristics of the cervix that indicate the need for misoprostol are early in the dilation process (1 cm dilated), minimally effaced (20%), high station (-3), and firm and posterior position.
Step 3: Choice A best aligns with these characteristics, making it the correct answer.
Step 4: Choices B, C, and D are more advanced in dilation, effacement, station, and cervical position which do not indicate the need for misoprostol.
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.
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: Provide nonpharmacological pain relief. A doula's role is to offer emotional support, comfort measures, and advocacy during labor. Providing nonpharmacological pain relief techniques such as massage, breathing exercises, and positioning is within the scope of a doula's practice. This helps the mother cope with labor discomfort without the use of medication.
Choice A is incorrect because doulas do not administer medications. Choice B is incorrect as assessing fetal heart rate is typically done by healthcare providers. Choice C is incorrect as performing vaginal examinations is not a part of a doula's role.