Nokea
The nurse is explaining the physiology of uterine contractions to a group of nursing students. Which statement best explains the maternal-fetal exchange of oxygen and waste products during a contraction?
- A. Little to no affect
- B. Increases as blood pressure decreases
- C. Diminishes as the spiral arteries are compressed
- D. Continues except when placental functions are reduced
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (D):
- During uterine contractions, placental blood flow may be temporarily reduced but not completely halted.
- Fetal-maternal exchange of oxygen and waste products continues to occur even during contractions.
- This is because the placenta acts as a continuous filter, allowing exchange to happen unless placental functions are severely compromised.
Summary of Other Choices:
A: Incorrect. There is an effect on maternal-fetal exchange during contractions.
B: Incorrect. Increased blood pressure does not necessarily correlate with increased exchange.
C: Incorrect. Compression of spiral arteries may impact blood flow but does not completely stop exchange.
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Which mechanism of labor occurs when the largest diameter of the fetal presenting part passes the pelvic inlet?
- A. Extension
- B. Engagement
- C. Internal rotation
- D. External rotation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Engagement. Engagement occurs when the largest diameter of the fetal presenting part passes through the pelvic inlet, indicating the descent of the fetal head into the pelvis. This is a crucial step in labor progress as it signifies the baby's readiness for birth.
A: Extension occurs during the second stage of labor when the baby's head passes through the birth canal.
C: Internal rotation is the movement of the baby's head within the pelvis to align with the maternal pelvis.
D: External rotation happens after the baby's head is delivered to allow for the shoulders to rotate for birth.
In summary, engagement is the correct answer as it specifically refers to the largest diameter of the fetal presenting part passing the pelvic inlet, setting the stage for the progression of labor.
When does the second stage of labor begin?
- A. at birth
- B. when the early phase ends
- C. when the cervix is completely dilated and effaced
- D. when pushing begins
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: when pushing begins. The second stage of labor begins when the cervix is fully dilated, and the mother starts pushing to deliver the baby. This stage ends with the birth of the baby. Option A is incorrect because the second stage begins after birth. Option B is incorrect as it refers to the transition phase, not the second stage. Option C is incorrect because the cervix being fully dilated and effaced marks the beginning of the second stage, not the end of it.
A gravida 2, para 1 is in active labor at 39 weeks gestation. Her cervical exam is 6 cm dilated, 60% effaced, and 0 station. An amniotomy is performed by the physician. The fluid is noted to be bloody and the fetal heart tones have decelerated to the 50s. What is the nurse’s next best action?
- A. Notify the operating team of emergent cesarean delivery
- B. Assist the patient to left lateral position
- C. Apply O2 at 10-12 L/min per nonrebreather
- D. Administer an IV fluid bolus
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Notify the operating team of emergent cesarean delivery. Given the scenario of a gravida 2, para 1 in active labor with bloody fluid and fetal heart decelerations to the 50s following amniotomy, these signs indicate fetal distress. In this critical situation, immediate intervention with emergent cesarean delivery is necessary to prevent adverse outcomes for the baby. This step takes priority over other actions, as it ensures timely delivery and assessment of the fetus's well-being. Choices B, C, and D are not appropriate in this emergent situation as they do not directly address the fetal distress and the need for expedited delivery.
The nurse who elects to practice in the area of obstetrics often hears discussion regarding the four Ps. What are the four Ps that interact during childbirth? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Powers
- B. Passage
- C. Position
- D. Passenger
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Powers. In obstetrics, the four Ps that interact during childbirth are Powers (contractions), Passage (birth canal), Passenger (fetus), and Psyche (mother's psychological state). Powers refer to the force generated by contractions to push the baby through the birth canal. Passage is the route the baby takes during birth. Passenger is the baby itself. Position is not one of the four Ps in childbirth. It is crucial for nurses in obstetrics to understand how these four Ps work together to facilitate a safe and successful delivery.
When caring for a woman with a complete placenta previa, which finding should the nurse report to the physician?
- A. BP of 95/60
- B. Temperature of 100.1°F
- C. Urine output of 40 mL/hour
- D. O2 saturation less that 95%
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: O2 saturation less than 95%. In placenta previa, the placenta covers the cervix, increasing the risk of bleeding. Decreased oxygen saturation can indicate poor perfusion due to bleeding, necessitating immediate medical attention. A: BP of 95/60 is relatively normal and not an urgent concern in this scenario. B: Temperature of 100.1°F may indicate an infection but is not directly related to placenta previa. C: Urine output of 40 mL/hour is within the normal range and does not directly impact the management of placenta previa.