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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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Which clinical finding should the nurse expect to assess in the third stage of labor that indicates the placenta has separated from the uterine wall? (Select all that apply.)
- A. A gush of blood appears.
- B. The uterus rises upward in the abdomen.
- C. The fundus descends below the umbilicus.
- D. The cord descends further from the vagin
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A. A gush of blood appears: This clinical finding is indicative of the placenta detaching from the uterine wall and the subsequent expulsion. The sudden release of a significant amount of blood is expected as the placenta separates.
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.
While attending the delivery of a patient with GODM, the nurse notices the retraction of the fetal head onto the perineum. What is the nurse’s next best action?
- A. Apply fundal pressure
- B. Assist the woman to left lateral position
- C. Flex the mother to left lateral position
- D. Assist the woman to hands-and-knees position
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The retraction of the fetal head onto the perineum during labor can be indicative of shoulder dystocia or other obstructive complications, requiring immediate action. The best response is to assist the mother into hands-and-knees position, which can relieve pressure on the perineum and help with fetal descent.
A fetus is positioned in the occiput anterior position. The nurse determines that the fetus is positioned in which way?
- A. The fetal shoulder is closest to the vaginal opening.
- B. The fetal head is closest to the vaginal opening and the occiput is directed toward the maternal symphysis.
- C. The fetal head is closest to the uterine fundus and is directed toward the maternal symphysis.
- D. The fetal head is closest to the vaginal opening and is directed toward the maternal sacrum.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The occiput anterior position means the fetal head is closest to the vaginal opening, and the occiput is directed toward the maternal symphysis.
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.