A patient whose cervix is dilated to 6 cm is considered to be in which phase of labor?
- A. Latent phase
- B. Active phase
- C. Second stage
- D. Third stage
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Active phase. In the active phase of labor, the cervix is typically dilated from 6 to 10 cm. This phase marks the transition from early labor to active labor, where contractions become stronger and more frequent, leading to further cervical dilation for the eventual delivery of the baby. The other choices are incorrect because:
A: Latent phase is typically from 0 to 6 cm dilation.
C: Second stage refers to the stage of labor starting from full dilation (10 cm) until the baby is born.
D: Third stage is the stage after the baby is born, focusing on the delivery of the placenta.
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Which physiologic event is the key indicator of the commencement of true labor?
- A. Bloody show
- B. Cervical dilation and effacement
- C. Fetal descent into the pelvic inlet
- D. Uterine contractions every 7 minutes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cervical dilation and effacement. This is because true labor is defined by progressive cervical changes, including dilation (opening of the cervix) and effacement (thinning of the cervix). These changes indicate that the body is preparing for childbirth. A: Bloody show may occur during early labor but is not a definitive indicator. C: Fetal descent into the pelvic inlet is a later event in labor. D: Uterine contractions every 7 minutes are not necessarily indicative of true labor as they need to be regular, increasing in frequency, intensity, and duration.
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.
A gravida 2, para 1 is in active labor at 39 weeks gestation. Her cervical exam is 6 cm dilated, 60% effaced, and 0 station. An amniotomy is performed by the physician. The fluid is noted to be bloody and the fetal heart tones have decelerated to the 50s. What is the nurse’s next best action?
- A. Notify the operating team of emergent cesarean delivery
- B. Assist the patient to left lateral position
- C. Apply O2 at 10-12 L/min per nonrebreather
- D. Administer an IV fluid bolus
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Notify the operating team of emergent cesarean delivery. In this scenario, the presence of bloody amniotic fluid and fetal heart rate decelerations to the 50s indicate potential fetal distress. Given the critical nature of this situation, an emergent cesarean delivery should be considered to expedite delivery and prevent further compromise to the fetus. This decision is based on the principle of prioritizing fetal well-being in situations of acute distress. Options B, C, and D do not address the immediate need for prompt intervention to ensure the safety of the fetus in distress.
Which assessment finding would cause a concern for a patient who had delivered vaginally?
- A. Estimated blood loss (EBL) of 500 mL during the birth process
- B. White blood cell count of 28,000 mm3 postbirth
- C. Patient complains of fingers tingling
- D. Patient complains of thirst
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a white blood cell count of 28,000 mm3 postbirth indicates a possible infection, such as endometritis, which is a common postpartum complication. Elevated WBC count is a sign of an inflammatory process or infection, requiring further investigation and treatment.
A: EBL of 500 mL is within the normal range for a vaginal delivery and may not necessarily indicate a concern.
C: Patient complaints of fingers tingling may suggest temporary nerve compression or positional discomfort, not a significant concern post vaginal delivery.
D: Patient complaining of thirst is a common symptom and not necessarily indicative of a complication post vaginal delivery.
During the third stage of labor, what may the birthing person experience?
- A. expulsion of their fetus with vaginal bleeding
- B. cramping, gush of fresh vaginal bleeding, lengthening of the umbilical cord
- C. frequent episodes of dyspnea
- D. increased blood pressure and pain due to expulsive efforts
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During the third stage of labor, the birthing person may experience cramping, a gush of fresh vaginal bleeding, and lengthening of the umbilical cord. This is due to the delivery of the placenta. Cramping helps expel the placenta, fresh vaginal bleeding is normal after delivery, and the lengthening of the umbilical cord indicates that the placenta is detaching. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the typical experiences during the third stage of labor.