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.
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Uncontrolled maternal hyperventilation during labor results in
- A. metabolic acidosis.
- B. metabolic alkalosis.
- C. respiratory acidosis.
- D. respiratory alkalosis.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Uncontrolled maternal hyperventilation during labor leads to excessive elimination of carbon dioxide, causing a decrease in the partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2). This results in respiratory alkalosis, as the pH of the blood increases due to a decrease in PaCO2. Metabolic acidosis (Option A) would be associated with conditions such as lactic acidosis, while metabolic alkalosis (Option B) would involve excessive loss of acid or gain of base, but in this case, the primary effect is on the respiratory system. Respiratory acidosis (Option C) would be characterized by an increase in PaCO2 leading to a decrease in pH, which is the opposite of what occurs in maternal hyperventilation.
The nurse is assessing the duration of a patient’s labor contractions. Which method does the nurse implement to assess the duration of labor contractions?
- A. Assess the strongest intensity of each contraction.
- B. Assess uterine relaxation between two contractions.
- C. Assess from the beginning to the end of each contraction.
- D. Assess from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse implements method C, which involves assessing the duration of contractions from the beginning to the end of each contraction. Duration refers to how long each contraction lasts from the start of the tightening sensation until it subsides. This assessment helps the nurse monitor the progress of labor, determine the effectiveness of contractions in dilating the cervix, and identify any potential issues such as prolonged or insufficient contractions that may affect labor progression. Assessing the duration of contractions is a key component of monitoring the labor process and ensuring safe delivery for both the mother and the baby.
A patient asks the nurse how she can tell if labor is real. Which information should the nurse provide to this patient? (Select all that apply.)
- A. In true labor, the cervix begins to dilate
- B. In true labor, the contractions are felt in the abdomen and groin.
- C. In true labor, contractions often resemble menstrual cramps during early labor.
- D. In true labor, contractions are inconsistent in frequency, duration, and intensity in the early stages.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A. In true labor, the cervix begins to dilate: One of the key signs of true labor is that the cervix starts to dilate (open up) as the body prepares for childbirth. If a woman is experiencing real labor, her cervix will gradually start to open up to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal.
How can a nurse support the patient during the fourth stage of labor?
- A. Support pushing efforts with feedback on how much progress is being made
- B. Ensure epidural anesthesia is adequate for pain control, reposition frequently, provide dietary intake per provider's order.
- C. Assess for any bleeding or amniotic fluid presence in the vaginal discharge
- D. Provide rest, space, and time for bonding between assessments, support for feeding
preferences, diligent monitoring for complications, pain management.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: During the fourth stage of labor, it is important for the nurse to provide a supportive and nurturing environment for the mother and baby. This stage occurs immediately after the baby is born and lasts for about 2 hours. The mother may be exhausted from the physical effort of labor and delivery, so providing rest, space, and time for bonding between assessments is crucial. The nurse should also support the mother's feeding preferences, whether it is breastfeeding or formula feeding. Diligent monitoring for complications, such as postpartum hemorrhage or infection, is essential during this stage. Additionally, providing adequate pain management for any discomfort the mother may be experiencing is important.
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.