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.
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What effect will the presence of support people in labor most likely have?
- A. improve the experience of the birthing person
- B. improve the outcomes of the birthing person
- C. improve the outcomes and experience of the birthing person
- D. cause birth trauma and/or postpartum depression
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The presence of support people during labor, such as a partner, family member, doula, or midwife, can have a positive impact on both the outcomes and experience of the birthing person. Studies have shown that having continuous support during labor can lead to shorter labor times, reduced need for medical interventions like cesarean sections or epidurals, increased satisfaction with the birth experience, and decreased likelihood of experiencing postpartum depression. Emotional support, physical comfort, and advocacy provided by support people can help the birthing person feel more empowered, confident, and less stressed during labor, ultimately leading to better outcomes and a more positive birth experience.
A patient admitted to the labor unit asks the nurse to discuss the episiotomy procedure with her. Which is true regarding episiotomy?
- A. An episiotomy is required for all vaginal births.
- B. A midline episiotomy is associated with more third- and fourth-degree lacerations.
- C. A mediolateral episiotomy is easier to repair than a medial episiotomy.
- D. A midline episiotomy is associated with more blood loss.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A midline episiotomy is not required for all vaginal births, but it is associated with more third- and fourth-degree lacerations.
A laboring patient asks the nurse how she will know that the contraction is at its peak. The nurse explains that the contraction peaks during which stage of measurement?
- A. The acme
- B. The interval
- C. The increment
- D. The decrement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The peak of a contraction, also known as its highest point or intensity, is referred to as the acme. This is the stage during which the contraction reaches its maximum strength before gradually subsiding. By identifying the acme of the contraction, healthcare providers can better gauge the progress of labor and assess the intensity of contractions to determine the appropriate course of action for the laboring patient.
Which maternal factor may inhibit fetal descent during labor?
- A. A full bladder
- B. Decreased peristalsis
- C. Rupture of membranes
- D. Reduction in internal uterine size
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A full bladder can inhibit fetal descent during labor by obstructing the pathway for the baby to descend through the birth canal. A distended bladder can physically block the baby's head from moving down and putting pressure on the cervix, which is necessary for the progress of labor. It is important for pregnant individuals to empty their bladder regularly during labor to optimize the conditions for fetal descent and facilitate a smoother delivery process.
A woman presents to labor and delivery at 37 weeks plus 6 days gestation with complaints of constant abdominal pain and dark red bleeding that started 30 minutes ago. Upon examination, the woman’s abdomen is consistently rigid and tender. Fetal heart tones are noted to be in the 70s. Which are these findings are associated with?
- A. Placental abruption
- B. Placental accreta
- C. Placenta previa
- D. Placenta succenturiata
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Placental abruption is characterized by sudden onset of abdominal pain, dark red bleeding, and a rigid, tender abdomen. This condition can compromise fetal oxygenation and requires immediate medical intervention to prevent further complications.