How long is the expected length of the third stage of labor?
- A. 60 minutes or less
- B. 30 minutes or less
- C. 1 hour for a multiparous person, 2 hours for a nulliparous person
- D. 3 hours for a multiparous person, 4 hours for a nulliparous person
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 1 hour for a multiparous person, 2 hours for a nulliparous person. This is based on the typical duration of the third stage of labor, which involves the delivery of the placenta. In general, the third stage is expected to last around 5-30 minutes. However, for safety reasons and to allow for variations in individual cases, it is recommended to extend the time frame to 1 hour for multiparous individuals (those who have given birth before) and 2 hours for nulliparous individuals (those giving birth for the first time). This extended time frame ensures that healthcare providers have enough time to monitor and intervene if necessary without rushing the delivery of the placenta.
Other choices are incorrect because they provide either too short (A and B) or too long (D) timeframes for the third stage of labor, which could lead to inadequate monitoring or unnecessary interventions.
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A 28-year-old gravida 1, para 0 patient who is at term calls the labor and birth unit stating that she thinks she is in labor. She states that she does have some vaginal discharge and feels wet;
- A. She relates a contraction pattern that is irregular, ranging from 5 to 7 minutes and lasting 30 seconds. Which questions should the nurse pose to the patient during this telephone triage? (Select all that apply.)
- B. Does she think that her membranes have ruptured?
- C. Is there any evidence of bloody show?
- D. Instruct the patient to keep monitoring her contraction pattern and call you back if they become more regular.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the patient's irregular contraction pattern and varying duration indicate early labor. By asking the patient about the contraction pattern, the nurse can assess the progression of labor and provide appropriate guidance. Choice B is incorrect because if the patient's membranes have ruptured, she would most likely feel a gush of fluid rather than just feeling wet. Choice C is incorrect as bloody show is not typically a reliable indicator of early labor. Choice D is incorrect as it does not address the need to assess the contraction pattern for progression of labor.
Why is precipitous labor most often seen in multiparous women?
- A. The cervix weakens after each delivery.
- B. The cervix can dilate and efface simultaneously.
- C. The multigravida uterus is better able to coordinate muscle movements.
- D. It is more difficult for multiparous women to know when labor begins.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the multigravida uterus has undergone labor before, making muscle coordination more efficient. This allows for faster and more coordinated contractions, leading to precipitous labor. Choice A is incorrect because the cervix does not weaken after each delivery. Choice B is incorrect as simultaneous dilation and effacement are not specific to multiparous women. Choice D is incorrect because the ability to recognize labor onset is not a determining factor in the occurrence of precipitous labor.
What should the nurse consider when the birthing person has a decrease in blood pressure after the placenta is delivered?
- A. The birthing person is in pain.
- B. Place the newborn skin-to-skin.
- C. The bladder is distended
- D. Check for possible hemorrhage.
Correct Answer: E
Rationale: Based on the scenario, the decrease in blood pressure post-placenta delivery indicates potential hemorrhage, a common complication. The nurse should assess for signs of bleeding, such as excessive vaginal bleeding or tachycardia. Prompt intervention is crucial to prevent further complications. Other choices are less relevant - pain alone does not directly cause a decrease in blood pressure, skin-to-skin contact is important but not the priority in this situation, and a distended bladder can be addressed later. Assessing for possible hemorrhage is the most critical action to take in this scenario.
When does the active phase of labor begin according to ACOG?
- A. 6 cm
- B. 3 cm
- C. 5 cm
- D. 10 cm
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The active phase of labor according to ACOG begins at 6 cm dilation. At this point, contractions become stronger and more frequent, leading to faster cervical dilation. This stage signifies significant progress towards delivery. Choice B (3 cm) is incorrect as it falls within the early phase of labor. Choice C (5 cm) is also incorrect as it is near the beginning of the active phase but not the specific transition point. Choice D (10 cm) is incorrect as it marks full dilation and the transition to the second stage of labor.
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.