On admission to the labor unit, a primigravid woman at 38 weeks gestation states, “I need to urinate more now but at least I can breathe easier.” The nurse is aware that this is likely due to which physiological process?
- A. Onset of labor
- B. Effacement
- C. Lightening
- D. Rupture of membranes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Increased urination and easier breathing are signs of lightening, where the fetal head drops lower into the pelvis.
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The nurse has just performed a sterile vaginal examination on her patient and reports the examination as 4 cm, 50%, –1. What does this represent?
- A. Effacement, station, and dilation
- B. Dilation, station, and fetal lie
- C. Dilation, effacement, and status of membranes
- D. Dilation, effacement, and station
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The examination reflects the dilation, effacement, and station of the cervix.
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.
A fetus is positioned in the occiput anterior position. The nurse determines that the fetus is positioned in which way?
- A. The fetal shoulder is closest to the vaginal opening.
- B. The fetal head is closest to the vaginal opening and the occiput is directed toward the maternal symphysis.
- C. The fetal head is closest to the uterine fundus and is directed toward the maternal symphysis.
- D. The fetal head is closest to the vaginal opening and is directed toward the maternal sacrum.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The occiput anterior position means the fetal head is closest to the vaginal opening, and the occiput is directed toward the maternal symphysis.
A fetus is in the occiput anterior position. During the cardinal movement of extension, which events are occurring? Select all that apply.
- A. The fetal head lines up with the pelvic outlet.
- B. The occiput passes under the symphysis pubis.
- C. The fetal head is engaged.
- D. The head is delivered.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: During extension, the fetal head lines up with the pelvic outlet, and the occiput passes under the symphysis pubis.
How does becoming a parent cause the birthing person to feel?
- A. overwhelming feelings of joy or a sense of euphoria
- B. a wide variety of emotions specific to each person's experience
- C. overwhelming fear or sadness at the loss of their previous life
- D. exhausted with little interest the newborn
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Becoming a parent can trigger a wide range of emotions that can vary from person to person. While feelings of joy and euphoria are commonly experienced, it is important to acknowledge that parenthood also brings about challenges, uncertainties, fears, and even feelings of loss or sadness. Each individual's background, personal experiences, support system, and circumstances play a significant role in shaping how they feel when they become a parent. It is normal for birthing persons to navigate through a mix of emotions as they adjust to their new role and responsibilities. Therefore, option B is the most appropriate choice as it recognizes the diverse emotional responses that can accompany the experience of becoming a parent.