During an oxytocin induction, which assessment finding is most concerning to the labor and delivery nurse?
- A. A uterine resting tone of 17 mm Hg
- B. A uterine resting tone of 30 mm Hg
- C. Contractions that are every 3 minutes and last 60 seconds
- D. Contractions that are every 5 minutes and last 60 seconds
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a uterine resting tone of 30 mm Hg indicates excessive uterine activity, which can lead to uterine hyperstimulation and fetal distress during an oxytocin induction. A higher resting tone suggests the uterus is not relaxing adequately between contractions, potentially compromising fetal oxygenation. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because a uterine resting tone of 17 mm Hg is within the normal range, contractions every 3 minutes lasting 60 seconds and every 5 minutes lasting 60 seconds are typical patterns during labor induction, and they do not necessarily indicate complications.
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Pregnant patients can usually tolerate the normal blood loss associated with childbirth because of which physiologic adaptation to pregnancy?
- A. A higher hematocrit
- B. Increased leukocytes
- C. Increased blood volume
- D. A lower fibrinogen level
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Increased blood volume. During pregnancy, blood volume increases by about 40-50% to support the growing fetus and prepare for potential blood loss during childbirth. This increased blood volume helps pregnant patients tolerate the normal blood loss during delivery. A higher hematocrit (choice A) could indicate dehydration, not increased blood volume. Increased leukocytes (choice B) are related to the immune response, not blood loss tolerance. A lower fibrinogen level (choice D) could lead to increased bleeding risk, not tolerance to blood loss.
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 the seven cardinal movements of labor is: Descent, Flexion, Internal Rotation, Extension, Restitution, External Rotation, and Expulsion. Descent is the first cardinal movement, as the baby moves down the birth canal. Flexion follows to allow the baby's head to pass through the pelvis. Internal Rotation, Extension, and Restitution then occur to facilitate the baby's shoulders and body turning in alignment with the mother's pelvis. External Rotation follows to help the shoulders rotate to the correct position for delivery. Finally, Expulsion is when the baby is born. This sequence ensures a smooth and safe delivery. The other choices are incorrect as they are not part of the specific sequence of cardinal movements during labor.
A 28-year-old woman without risk factors has now reached the second stage of labor. What is the optimal position for her at this point?
- A. Supine
- B. Lateral recumbent
- C. Lithotomy
- D. Squatting
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The optimal position for a woman in the second stage of labor is lateral recumbent. This position allows gravity to aid in the descent of the baby, reduces pressure on the vena cava, and promotes better blood flow to the uterus. It also helps prevent perineal tears and facilitates fetal rotation.
A: Supine position can compress the vena cava, reducing blood flow to the uterus.
C: Lithotomy position is not recommended as it can lead to increased perineal trauma.
D: Squatting may not be ideal as it can be tiring for the mother and may not provide optimal support for delivery.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, what was revealed about the importance of labor support?
- A. Labor support can only be provided by the significant other.
- B. Laboring patients did not need support from outside sources.
- C. Outcomes for birth were not changed by pandemic requirements.
- D. Patients during the pandemic's support ban experienced more depression.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because patients who experienced a support ban during the pandemic were more likely to experience depression due to the lack of emotional and physical support during labor. This is supported by research showing the negative impact of isolation on mental health. Choices A and B are incorrect as labor support can come from various sources, not just the significant other, and patients benefit from support during labor. Choice C is incorrect as pandemic requirements did impact birth outcomes, such as increased stress and anxiety levels.
A patient who is 8 cm dilated develops circumoral numbness and dizziness. What is the nurse’s priority intervention?
- A. Call the health care provider immediately.
- B. Increase intravenous fluid, as these are signs of hypovolemia.
- C. Have the patient slow down her breathing.
- D. Have her start pushing, as these are signs of the beginning of the second stage.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Have the patient slow down her breathing. Circumoral numbness and dizziness are signs of hyperventilation, which can occur due to rapid breathing during labor. Slowing down the patient's breathing helps prevent respiratory alkalosis and promotes proper oxygenation for both the mother and the baby. Calling the health care provider immediately (A) may cause a delay in addressing the immediate issue. Increasing IV fluids (B) may not address the root cause of the symptoms. Having her start pushing (D) prematurely can be harmful if she is not fully dilated.