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: The correct answer is D because maternal-fetal exchange of oxygen and waste products continues during uterine contractions unless placental functions are reduced. Contractions do not directly affect this exchange, so option A is incorrect. Option B is incorrect because blood pressure changes do not necessarily impact the exchange. Option C is incorrect because spiral arteries play a role in supplying blood to the placenta, but compression during contractions does not halt the exchange process.
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A primigravida has just been examined. The examination revealed engagement of the fetal head. The nurse is aware that this means which of the following?
- A. The biparietal diameter of the fetal head is at the level of the ischial spines.
- B. The biparietal diameter of the fetal head is at –2 station.
- C. The fetal head is well flexed.
- D. The fetal head is unable to pass under the pubic arch.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because engagement of the fetal head means the widest part of the head (biparietal diameter) is at the level of the ischial spines, indicating the head has descended into the pelvis. Choice B is incorrect as -2 station refers to the presenting part being 2 cm above the ischial spines, not at the level. Choice C is incorrect because engagement does not necessarily mean the head is well flexed. Choice D is incorrect as the ability of the head to pass under the pubic arch is not determined solely by engagement.
The clinical nurse educator is providing instruction to a group of new nurses during labor orientation. Which information regarding the factors that have a role in the initiation of labor should the educator include in this teaching session? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Progesterone levels become higher than estrogen levels.
- B. Natural oxytocin in conjunction with other substances plays a role
- C. Stretching, pressure, and irritation of the uterus and cervix increase
- D. The secretion of prostaglandins from the fetal membranes decreases.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Natural oxytocin in conjunction with other substances plays a role in the initiation of labor. Oxytocin is a key hormone that stimulates uterine contractions during labor. Its release is crucial for the progression of labor. Other substances, such as prostaglandins, also play a role in initiating labor by softening the cervix and promoting contractions.
Rationale:
1. Oxytocin is a well-known hormone that directly stimulates uterine contractions, leading to the initiation of labor.
2. Prostaglandins are also important in preparing the cervix for labor and promoting contractions, which contradicts option D.
3. Progesterone levels decreasing and estrogen levels increasing typically signal the onset of labor, which contradicts option A.
4. Factors like stretching, pressure, and irritation of the uterus and cervix are more related to the progression of labor rather than the initiation, which contradicts option C.
In summary
A 40-year-old G2, P1 woman is admitted to the labor and delivery unit with contractions 6 minutes apart. She is 36 weeks pregnant, has a history of placenta previa, and is currently experiencing moderate vaginal bleeding. What should the nurse be prepared to do?
- A. Perform a vaginal examination to determine cervical dilation
- B. Assist the health care provider to perform artificial rupture of the membranes
- C. Initiate external fetal monitoring
- D. Encourage patient to ambulate to intensify labor
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Initiate external fetal monitoring. The nurse should initiate external fetal monitoring to assess the fetus's heart rate and uterine contractions, given the patient's history of placenta previa and vaginal bleeding. This helps to monitor the well-being of the fetus and detect any signs of distress. Performing a vaginal examination (Choice A) may aggravate the placenta previa and increase the risk of bleeding. Artificial rupture of membranes (Choice B) is contraindicated in cases of placenta previa due to the risk of increased bleeding. Encouraging ambulation (Choice D) is not advisable in this situation as it may also worsen bleeding.
If a notation on the patient’s health record states that the fetal position is LSP, this indicates that the
- A. head is in the right posterior quadrant of the pelvis.
- B. head is in the left anterior quadrant of the pelvis.
- C. buttocks are in the left posterior quadrant of the pelvis.
- D. buttocks are in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because LSP stands for Left Sacrum Posterior, indicating the baby's buttocks are in the left posterior quadrant of the pelvis. In this position, the baby's head will typically be in the right anterior quadrant of the pelvis. Choice A is incorrect as it describes the head in the right posterior quadrant. Choice B is incorrect as it describes the head in the left anterior quadrant. Choice D is incorrect as it describes the buttocks in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, which is not related to the fetal position LSP.
Which assessment finding would cause a concern for a patient who had delivered vaginally?
- A. Estimated blood loss (EBL) of 500 mL during the birth process
- B. White blood cell count of 28,000 mm3 postbirth
- C. Patient complains of fingers tingling
- D. Patient complains of thirst
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a white blood cell count of 28,000 mm3 postbirth indicates a possible infection, such as endometritis, which is a common postpartum complication. Elevated WBC count is a sign of an inflammatory process or infection, requiring further investigation and treatment.
A: EBL of 500 mL is within the normal range for a vaginal delivery and may not necessarily indicate a concern.
C: Patient complaints of fingers tingling may suggest temporary nerve compression or positional discomfort, not a significant concern post vaginal delivery.
D: Patient complaining of thirst is a common symptom and not necessarily indicative of a complication post vaginal delivery.