Maternal Monitoring Related

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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?

  • A. I should report regular contractions that occur every 5 minutes for 1 hour.
  • B. I should avoid drinking fluids until my contractions stop.
  • C. If I lose my mucous plug, I should go to the hospital immediately.
  • D. I should stay home and rest as long as my contractions are not painful.
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.