The nurse is educating a pregnant patient who is at 36 weeks gestation about the signs of labor. Which statement by the patient indicates effective teaching?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because reporting regular contractions occurring every 5 minutes for 1 hour is a key sign of active labor. This pattern indicates the onset of true labor and the need to seek medical attention.
Explanation:
1. Regular contractions every 5 minutes indicate active labor is likely.
2. Sustained contractions for an hour suggest progression of labor.
3. Seeking medical advice is crucial for appropriate management.
Incorrect Choices:
B. Incorrect. Staying hydrated is important during labor to prevent dehydration.
C. Incorrect. Losing the mucous plug is a sign of early labor, not an emergency.
D. Incorrect. Painful contractions are not the sole indicator of active labor; regularity is key.