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. In this scenario, a FHR baseline of 165 is concerning as it is higher than the normal range (110-160 bpm) for a term fetus. This may indicate fetal distress or hypoxia, possibly due to cord compression or placental insufficiency. High baseline FHR can lead to fetal complications like acidosis or asphyxia. The other choices are less concerning: A is subjective and manageable, C indicates a common response to labor and is usually transient, and D is expected after amniotomy. Monitoring and addressing the abnormal FHR is crucial for fetal well-being.
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A sterile vaginal examination completed on a patient revealed the presenting part to be the mentum. What is this presentation known as?
- A. Face presentation
- B. Breech presentation
- C. Vertex presentation
- D. Shoulder presentation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Face presentation. In this presentation, the mentum (chin) of the baby is the presenting part. This is a relatively rare presentation where the baby's head is extended, resulting in the face being the first part to be delivered. In a face presentation, the baby's head is hyperextended rather than flexed as in a vertex presentation. B: Breech presentation is when the baby's buttocks or feet are the presenting part. C: Vertex presentation is when the baby's head is the presenting part with the occiput leading the way. D: Shoulder presentation is when the baby's shoulder is the presenting part, which is a potentially dangerous situation requiring immediate medical intervention.
The clinical nurse educator is providing instruction to a group of new nurses during labor orientation. Which information regarding the factors that have a role in the initiation of labor should the educator include in this teaching session? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Progesterone levels become higher than estrogen levels.
- B. Natural oxytocin in conjunction with other substances plays a role
- C. Stretching, pressure, and irritation of the uterus and cervix increase
- D. The secretion of prostaglandins from the fetal membranes decreases.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1: Natural oxytocin is a hormone that plays a crucial role in initiating labor by stimulating uterine contractions.
Step 2: Other substances like prostaglandins also contribute to the initiation of labor by promoting cervical ripening and uterine contractions.
Step 3: Therefore, the correct answer is B as it accurately reflects the role of natural oxytocin and other substances in the initiation of labor.
Summary:
A: Progesterone levels becoming higher than estrogen levels is not directly related to the initiation of labor.
C: While stretching, pressure, and irritation of the uterus and cervix can contribute to labor, they are not the primary factors in labor initiation.
D: The secretion of prostaglandins from the fetal membranes actually increases during labor to facilitate the process, so this statement is incorrect.
Which is the cervical exam that most indicates the use of misoprostol?
- A. 1 cm dilated, 20% effaced, -3 station, firm and posterior
- B. 3-4 cm dilated, 50% effaced, -2 station, firm and midposition
- C. 5 cm dilated, 80% effaced, 0 station, soft and midposition
- D. 6 cm dilated, 100% effaced, +1 station, soft and anterior
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 1 cm dilated, 20% effaced, -3 station, firm and posterior. Misoprostol is commonly used for cervical ripening in preparation for labor induction. This choice indicates an unfavorable cervix, which would benefit from cervical ripening agents like misoprostol. The cervix is minimally dilated (1 cm), partially effaced (20%), high (-3 station), firm, and posterior. This profile suggests that the cervix is not yet ripe and may require assistance in ripening for labor induction.
Choice B: 3-4 cm dilated, 50% effaced, -2 station, firm and midposition - this indicates a more favorable cervix for labor and would not typically require misoprostol for cervical ripening.
Choice C: 5 cm dilated, 80% effaced, 0 station, soft and midposition - this indicates an even more favorable cervix for labor,
The nurse is caring for a laboring patient with multiple family members in the room. How can the nurse address this situation?
- A. Educate the family that the pain the laboring person is experiencing is normal.
- B. Ask them all to leave the room.
- C. Explain that if the laboring person got an epidural, she would be more comfortable
- D. Assume the laboring person wants the family in the room
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because having multiple family members in the room during labor can be overwhelming and hinder the progress of labor. It is important for the laboring person to have privacy, focus, and reduce stress for a smoother labor experience. Asking the family members to leave the room ensures a calm and supportive environment for the laboring person.
Incorrect Choices:
A: Educating the family about pain normalcy is helpful, but privacy and focus are more crucial during labor.
C: Mentioning epidural may not be appropriate as it is the laboring person's decision and may not be the best option for everyone.
D: Assuming the laboring person wants family in the room without considering their preference may not be the best approach for their comfort and progress in labor.
A 40-year-old G2, P1 woman is admitted to the labor and delivery unit with contractions 6 minutes apart. She is 36 weeks pregnant, has a history of placenta previa, and is currently experiencing moderate vaginal bleeding. What should the nurse be prepared to do?
- A. Perform a vaginal examination to determine cervical dilation
- B. Assist the health care provider to perform artificial rupture of the membranes
- C. Initiate external fetal monitoring
- D. Encourage patient to ambulate to intensify labor
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Initiate external fetal monitoring. In this scenario, the patient is at 36 weeks of gestation with a history of placenta previa and moderate vaginal bleeding, indicating a high-risk situation. External fetal monitoring allows for continuous assessment of the fetal heart rate and uterine contractions, which is crucial for identifying signs of fetal distress or complications related to placenta previa. This monitoring can help guide timely interventions and decision-making to ensure the safety of the mother and baby. Performing a vaginal examination (A) may increase the risk of bleeding in cases of placenta previa. Artificial rupture of membranes (B) can also lead to increased bleeding and should be avoided in this situation. Encouraging ambulation (D) is not recommended due to the risk of exacerbating bleeding and potential complications.