Nokea
The nurse is caring for a 34-year-old gravida 4, para 3 experiencing a prolonged labor. The physician performed an amniotomy 3 hours ago to stimulate the progression of labor. The patient’s most recent vaginal exam was 8/80%/0. Which assessment finding should the nurse should be most concerned about?
- A. Pain score of 7/10
- B. FHR baseline of 165
- C. Mild variable decelerations
- D. Increased bloody mucous discharge
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: FHR baseline of 165. A baseline FHR above 160 is considered tachycardia in labor, which could indicate fetal distress. This finding is concerning as it may suggest fetal hypoxia or other complications, requiring immediate attention to prevent adverse outcomes. The other options are less concerning:
A: Pain score of 7/10 is subjective and expected during labor.
C: Mild variable decelerations are common in labor and may not immediately indicate distress.
D: Increased bloody mucous discharge is a normal finding post-amniotomy and not necessarily indicative of fetal distress.
You may also like to solve these questions
What is a direct influence on cervical dilation? Select all that apply.
- A. positioning of the pregnant person
- B. strength of uterine contractions
- C. length of time since ROM
- D. fetal presentation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the positioning of the pregnant person affects the alignment of the baby's head in the pelvis, directly influencing cervical dilation. Proper positioning helps the baby apply pressure to the cervix, promoting dilation. In contrast, the strength of uterine contractions (B) affects labor progress but not cervical dilation specifically. The length of time since ruptured membranes (C) may increase infection risk but does not directly impact dilation. Fetal presentation (D) affects the descent of the baby, not cervical dilation.
A patient whose cervix is dilated to 6 cm is considered to be in which phase of labor?
- A. Latent phase
- B. Active phase
- C. Second stage
- D. Third stage
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Active phase. At 6 cm dilation, the active phase of labor begins, where cervical dilation accelerates. In this phase, contractions become stronger and closer together, promoting effacement and descent of the baby. The latent phase (choice A) occurs at 0-6 cm dilation, characterized by slower progress. The second stage (choice C) is when the baby is born, not based on cervical dilation. The third stage (choice D) is the delivery of the placenta, not determined by cervical dilation. Therefore, at 6 cm dilation, the patient is in the active phase of labor.
An infant was born 1 minute ago and the Apgar score is being assigned. The infant has blue extremities, minimal flexion, a weak cry, a heart rate of 110 beats per minute, and coughs and pulls away when suctioned. How many points should be assigned? Record your answer using a whole number:
- A. 3
- B. 2
- C. 1
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A (3 points). The Apgar score assesses newborns' overall health shortly after birth. Each category (appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration) is scored from 0 to 2. In this case, the infant exhibits central cyanosis (blue extremities), weak muscle tone (minimal flexion), a weak cry, a heart rate of 110 bpm (slightly below normal), and responsive to suctioning (coughs, pulls away) indicating some respiratory effort. Therefore, the infant would receive 1 point for appearance (cyanosis), 1 point for pulse (110 bpm), 1 point for grimace (weak cry), totaling 3 points. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately reflect the infant's condition and Apgar scoring criteria.
The nurse who elects to practice in the area of obstetrics often hears discussion regarding the four Ps. What are the four Ps that interact during childbirth? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Powers
- B. Passage
- C. Position
- D. Passenger
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Powers. In obstetrics, the four Ps that interact during childbirth are Powers (contractions), Passage (birth canal), Passenger (fetus), and Psyche (mother's psychological state). Powers refer to the force generated by contractions to push the baby through the birth canal. Passage is the route the baby takes during birth. Passenger is the baby itself. Position is not one of the four Ps in childbirth. It is crucial for nurses in obstetrics to understand how these four Ps work together to facilitate a safe and successful delivery.
Which physiologic event is the key indicator of the commencement of true labor?
- A. Bloody show
- B. Cervical dilation and effacement
- C. Fetal descent into the pelvic inlet
- D. Uterine contractions every 7 minutes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cervical dilation and effacement. This is the key indicator of true labor as it signifies the physiological changes needed for the cervix to open and thin out, allowing the baby to pass through the birth canal. Bloody show (A) can be present in early labor but is not a definitive sign. Fetal descent (C) and regular uterine contractions (D) are important, but cervical changes are the most reliable indicator of true labor initiation.