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.
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Which assessment finding indicates that cervical dilation and/or effacement has occurred?
- A. Onset of irregular contractions
- B. Cephalic presentation at 0 station
- C. Bloody mucus drainage from vagina
- D. Fetal heart tones (FHTs) present in the lower right quadrant
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Bloody mucus drainage from the vagina, also known as "bloody show," is a common sign that indicates cervical dilation and/or effacement has occurred in anticipation of labor. This occurs as the mucus plug, which seals the cervix during pregnancy, is released as the cervix begins to soften, dilate, and efface in preparation for childbirth. This physical change in the cervix is a significant indicator that labor is approaching. The other options listed do not directly indicate cervical changes associated with labor progression like the presence of bloody mucus drainage does.
When should the nurse consider suggesting a doula?
- A. when the patient asks for an epidural
- B. if the nurse is unable to support the patient
- C. when the support person is in the military and cannot attend the birth
- D. if the patient is going to have an emergency cesarean birth
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse should consider suggesting a doula if they are unable to provide adequate support to the patient. A doula can offer emotional, physical, and informational support to the mother during labor and childbirth. If the nurse is busy with other tasks or unable to provide continuous support, a doula can step in to ensure the patient receives the support she needs. This can lead to a more positive childbirth experience for the patient.
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.
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 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.