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. During active labor, intermittent auscultation should be performed every 15 minutes for low-risk women without complications. This frequency allows for close monitoring of fetal well-being while also promoting a woman-centered approach to labor care. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the standard guidelines for IA frequency during active labor. Every 5 minutes (B) is too frequent and may disrupt the woman's labor progress. Every 20 minutes (C) and every 30 minutes (D) are too far apart to ensure adequate monitoring of the fetal heart rate. Thus, choice A is the most appropriate option for this scenario.
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During an oxytocin induction, which assessment finding is most concerning to the labor and delivery nurse?
- A. A uterine resting tone of 17 mm Hg
- B. A uterine resting tone of 30 mm Hg
- C. Contractions that are every 3 minutes and last 60 seconds
- D. Contractions that are every 5 minutes and last 60 seconds
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B (A uterine resting tone of 30 mm Hg) because a high uterine resting tone indicates uterine hyperstimulation, which can lead to uterine rupture, fetal distress, and compromised blood flow to the placenta. A higher resting tone of 30 mm Hg is concerning compared to the normal range of 12-18 mm Hg.
Choice A (A uterine resting tone of 17 mm Hg) is within the normal range, so it is not as concerning as a higher resting tone.
Choices C (Contractions every 3 minutes lasting 60 seconds) and D (Contractions every 5 minutes lasting 60 seconds) describe the frequency and duration of contractions, which are important but are not as immediately concerning as a high uterine resting tone.
Which criteria should be verified prior to vacuum or forceps use? Select all that apply.
- A. The woman’s bladder is empty.
- B. The fetus must be at least 34 weeks gestation.
- C. There is a Category I tracing.
- D. The cervix must be completely dilated.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The fetus must be at least 34 weeks gestation. This is because using vacuum or forceps delivery before 34 weeks gestation can increase the risk of complications for both the mother and the baby. For the other choices:
A: The woman’s bladder being empty is not a specific criteria for vacuum or forceps use.
C: A Category I tracing is related to fetal heart monitoring and does not directly impact the decision to use vacuum or forceps.
D: While it is ideal for the cervix to be completely dilated before vacuum or forceps use, it is not the primary criteria to be verified.
Which woman is the best candidate for a trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC)?
- A. A 34-year-old gravida 2, para 1 with one previous classical cesarean section for prematurity
- B. A 21-year-old gravida 2, para 1 with one previous low-transverse cesarean section for CPD
- C. A 31-year-old gravida 4, para 2 with one previous low-transverse cesarean section for late decelerations
- D. A 27-year-old gravida 3, para 2 with one previous T-shaped incision for macrosomia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationale for Choice B (Correct Answer):
- A 21-year-old gravida 2, para 1 with one previous low-transverse cesarean section for CPD is the best candidate for TOLAC.
- Low-transverse incisions have the lowest risk of uterine rupture during labor.
- CPD is not a contraindication for TOLAC.
- Young age and low parity are favorable factors for successful TOLAC.
- Therefore, this candidate has the highest likelihood of a successful VBAC.
Summary for Other Choices:
- Choice A: Classical cesarean section carries a high risk of uterine rupture; prematurity increases this risk.
- Choice C: Low-transverse incision is favorable, but the indication for the previous cesarean (late decelerations) may indicate an ongoing fetal concern.
- Choice D: T-shaped incision increases the risk of uterine rupture; macrosomia is a risk factor for failed TOL
The nurse is planning care for a patient during the fourth stage of labor. Which interventions should the nurse plan to implement? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Offer the patient a warm blanket.
- B. Place an ice pack on the perineum.
- C. Massage the uterus if it is boggy.
- D. Delay breastfeeding until the patient is reste
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Offer the patient a warm blanket. In the fourth stage of labor, the mother experiences postpartum hemorrhage risk due to uterine atony. Keeping the patient warm helps prevent hypothermia, which can lead to increased bleeding. Ice packs (B) are not indicated as they can cause vasoconstriction and inhibit proper blood flow. Massaging the uterus (C) is appropriate in the third stage of labor to prevent hemorrhage but not in the fourth stage. Delaying breastfeeding (D) is incorrect as early breastfeeding promotes uterine contractions, reducing the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.
Which of the following are signs of impending labor? Select all that apply.
- A. Weight gain
- B. Surge of energy
- C. Increase in urinary frequency
- D. Dyspnea
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Surge of energy. This is a sign of impending labor as some women experience a sudden burst of energy before going into labor, known as the "nesting instinct." Weight gain (A) is not a sign of impending labor, but rather a common occurrence throughout pregnancy. Increase in urinary frequency (C) is a common symptom in the third trimester but not a direct sign of labor starting. Dyspnea (D), or shortness of breath, can be a normal pregnancy symptom but is not specifically indicative of impending labor.