The nurse midwife caring for a multiparous client who is 5 cm dilated requests intermittent auscultation (IA) of the fetal heart rate. The woman’s history reveals no risk factors. How often should IA be performed in this patient?
- A. Every 15 minutes
- B. Every 5 minutes
- C. Every 20 minutes
- D. Every 30 minutes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Every 15 minutes. This frequency is recommended for a low-risk multiparous client in active labor without risk factors. Intermittent auscultation every 15 minutes allows for adequate monitoring of fetal well-being while also promoting maternal autonomy and mobility. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they are either too frequent or too infrequent for a low-risk client in active labor. Every 5 minutes (B) may be excessive and disrupt the labor process, every 20 minutes (C) may not provide sufficient monitoring, and every 30 minutes (D) may not detect changes in fetal status promptly.
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When does the active phase of labor begin according to ACOG?
- A. 6 cm
- B. 3 cm
- C. 5 cm
- D. 10 cm
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The active phase of labor begins at 6 cm dilation according to ACOG guidelines. At this point, the cervix is significantly dilated, signaling the transition to active labor. This stage is crucial as it signifies the acceleration of labor progress and typically involves stronger contractions leading to efficient cervical dilation. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the established criteria for the active phase of labor. Choice B (3 cm) is too early for active labor, choice C (5 cm) is close but not quite at the threshold for active labor, and choice D (10 cm) is actually the full dilation stage, not the beginning of active labor. Hence, choice A (6 cm) is the correct answer.
The primary difference between the labor of a nullipara and that of a multipara is
- A. total duration of labor.
- B. level of pain experience
- C. amount of cervical dilation.
- D. sequence of labor mechanisms.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: total duration of labor. Nullipara refers to a woman giving birth for the first time, while multipara refers to a woman who has given birth multiple times. The primary difference between their labors is the total duration. Nulliparas typically have longer labors due to the body's first experience with childbirth. The other choices (B, C, D) are not the primary difference between nullipara and multipara labors. Pain experience, cervical dilation, and labor mechanisms can vary based on individual factors, but the key distinction lies in the overall duration of labor based on parity.
A gravida 3, para 2 is attempting a vaginal birth without the use of pain medicine or anesthesia. Following spontaneous rupture of membranes, the patient’s cervical exam was 5 cm dilated, 60% effaced, -2 station. Which therapeutic intervention is appropriate for this patient?
- A. Ambulation with assistance
- B. Squatting with support from partner
- C. Sitting on birthing ball
- D. Resting on hands and knees
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Sitting on birthing ball. This position helps to open up the pelvis, allowing gravity to assist in descent of the baby. It also promotes optimal positioning for the baby, reducing the risk of malpresentation. The other choices (A, B, D) do not provide the same benefits in terms of promoting optimal fetal positioning and utilizing gravity to aid in labor progress. Ambulation with assistance may not provide as much support for the pelvis, squatting with support from the partner may not be as stable or comfortable for the mother, and resting on hands and knees may not encourage as much engagement of the baby's head in the pelvis.
Why is precipitous labor most often seen in multiparous women?
- A. The cervix weakens after each delivery.
- B. The cervix can dilate and efface simultaneously.
- C. The multigravida uterus is better able to coordinate muscle movements.
- D. It is more difficult for multiparous women to know when labor begins.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the multigravida uterus has undergone labor before, making muscle coordination more efficient. This allows for faster and more coordinated contractions, leading to precipitous labor. Choice A is incorrect because the cervix does not weaken after each delivery. Choice B is incorrect as simultaneous dilation and effacement are not specific to multiparous women. Choice D is incorrect because the ability to recognize labor onset is not a determining factor in the occurrence of precipitous labor.
What anticipatory guidance should the nurse provide for new parents regarding sociologic changes?
- A. Explain that roles will not change at home
- B. Explain that stresses will be over now that the newborn is born.
- C. Tell the parents not to stress over household changes.
- D. Prepare them for possible strains on relationships.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Prepare them for possible strains on relationships. This guidance is important as the arrival of a newborn can bring significant changes to the dynamics of a relationship. By preparing new parents for possible strains on relationships, the nurse can help them navigate challenges together.
A: Incorrect. Roles are likely to change at home with the addition of a newborn, so it is important to address this rather than dismissing it.
B: Incorrect. Stressors may actually increase with the arrival of a newborn, so it is not accurate to say stresses will be over.
C: Incorrect. Ignoring household changes can lead to added stress, so it is not advisable to tell parents not to stress over them.
In summary, option D is correct as it addresses the potential strains on relationships that new parents may face, while the other options do not acknowledge the reality of sociologic changes that can occur.