labor and delivery questions and answers Related

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Arrange the seven cardinal movements of labor, in order.

  • A. Descent
  • B. Expulsion
  • C. Extension
  • D. External rotation
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct order of cardinal movements of labor is:
1. Engagement
2. Descent
3. Flexion
4. Internal rotation
5. Extension
6. Restitution
7. External rotation

Engagement occurs first as the fetal presenting part enters the maternal pelvis. Descent is the second cardinal movement, where the fetus moves down the birth canal. Flexion follows, allowing the smallest diameter of the fetal head to present. Internal rotation positions the fetus for delivery. Extension occurs next, facilitating the passage of the head through the birth canal. Restitution aligns the fetal head with the shoulders. External rotation allows the shoulders to rotate for delivery. Therefore, Descent is the correct first cardinal movement in the sequence. Other choices like Expulsion, Extension, and External rotation occur later in the process and are not in the correct order.