The nurse is caring for a patient during induction of labor. The oxytocin is currently infusing at 6 mU/min. The fetal heart tracing displays a 130 baseline, moderate variability, and no accelerations or decelerations. Uterine contractions have been every 2 minutes for the last 30 minutes. What is the nurse’s next best action?
- A. Reduce the oxytocin infusion to 3 mU/min
- B. Delay the next scheduled oxytocin increase
- C. Maintain infusion at 6 mU/min
- D. Discontinue the oxytocin infusion
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The fetal heart rate (FHR) is stable, with moderate variability and no decelerations, indicating that the fetus is not in distress. The contractions are occurring at appropriate intervals, so the nurse should maintain the current oxytocin infusion to continue labor progression.
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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.
An increase in urinary frequency and leg cramps after the 36th week of pregnancy are an indication of
- A. lightening.
- B. breech presentation.
- C. urinary tract infection.
- D. onset of Braxton-Hicks contractions.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: An increase in urinary frequency and leg cramps after the 36th week of pregnancy are common signs of "lightening." Lightening refers to the descent of the baby into the pelvis in preparation for labor. This shift in position can put pressure on the bladder, leading to increased urinary frequency. Additionally, the pressure on nerves and blood vessels in the pelvis can cause leg cramps. These symptoms are typically experienced in the final weeks of pregnancy and are considered normal signs that the body is preparing for labor.
A woman has chosen a trial of labor after cesarean. Which findings indicate the best understanding of the nurse’s teaching by the patient?
- A. "It is safer for me to be induced at 39 weeks so that my labor can be controlled and monitored carefully.”
- B. "I will need to arrive to the hospital the night before my induction so that my cervix can be ripened with prostaglandins.”
- C. "If I do not go into labor on my own, I will have to have a cesarean section since Pitocin is contraindicated for me.”
- D. "A balloon catheter may be used to manually ripen my cervix, if necessary”
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct understanding is that cervical ripening may be necessary before induction, and a balloon catheter can be used for this purpose. This is part of the education provided to patients who opt for a trial of labor after cesarean.
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.
If the fetal attitude is assessed to be completely deflexed on sonogram or via Leopold's maneuvers, what presenting part do you anticipate palpating in a vaginal exam?
- A. brow
- B. breech
- C. face
- D. occiput
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: If the fetal attitude is assessed to be completely deflexed on sonogram or via Leopold's maneuvers, it means the baby is presenting in an extended position with the occiput being the lead point of the presenting part during a vaginal exam. This position is known as occiput posterior. The fetal occiput is the back of the head, and it is the optimal position for vaginal delivery as the smallest diameter of the baby's head will be presenting at the cervix, facilitating an easier descent through the birth canal.