Nokea
To determine if the patient is in true labor, the nurse would assess for changes in
- A. cervical dilation.
- B. amount of bloody show.
- C. fetal position and station.
- D. pattern of uterine contractions.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: pattern of uterine contractions. This is because the pattern of contractions is a key indicator of true labor. True labor contractions are regular, increasing in frequency, duration, and intensity. Assessing the pattern helps differentiate true labor from false labor.
A: Cervical dilation is important but may not necessarily indicate true labor as it can occur in false labor as well.
B: The amount of bloody show is a sign of cervical changes, but it alone does not confirm true labor.
C: Fetal position and station are important for labor progress but do not definitively confirm true labor.
In summary, assessing the pattern of uterine contractions is crucial in determining true labor as it provides direct insight into the progression and intensity of contractions, distinguishing it from false labor.
You may also like to solve these questions
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.
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 nurse is providing discharge instructions to a person who was evaluated for possible labor. How does the nurse explain how losing the mucus plug could be a sign of impending labor?
- A. The mucus plug starts to be expelled due to increased estrogen before contractions begin.
- B. The mucus plug is expelled after the membranes rupture during labor.
- C. Effacement and dilation of the cervix decrease the area where the mucus plug sits.
- D. Labor is unable to begin until the mucus plug is expelled and creates a space for the fetus.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale:
1. Increased estrogen levels lead to softening of the cervix, causing the mucus plug to be expelled.
2. Contractions usually start after the mucus plug is expelled, not before.
3. The mucus plug is typically expelled before the membranes rupture.
4. Effacement and dilation of the cervix prepare the body for labor but are not directly related to the expulsion of the mucus plug.
In summary, Choice A is correct as increased estrogen leads to the expulsion of the mucus plug, indicating impending labor. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately explain the relationship between the mucus plug and impending labor.
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 for optimal fetal positioning and descent. It also helps relieve pressure on the cervix, promoting dilation. Ambulation (A) may slow down labor progress, squatting (B) can increase pressure on the cervix and hinder descent, and resting on hands and knees (D) may not be as conducive to gravity-assisted descent.
A 28-year-old gravida 1, para 0 patient who is at term calls the labor and birth unit stating that she thinks she is in labor. She states that she does have some vaginal discharge and feels wet;
- A. She relates a contraction pattern that is irregular, ranging from 5 to 7 minutes and lasting 30 seconds. Which questions should the nurse pose to the patient during this telephone triage? (Select all that apply.)
- B. Does she think that her membranes have ruptured?
- C. Is there any evidence of bloody show?
- D. Instruct the patient to keep monitoring her contraction pattern and call you back if they become more regular.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the patient's irregular contraction pattern and varying duration indicate early labor. By asking the patient about the contraction pattern, the nurse can assess the progression of labor and provide appropriate guidance. Choice B is incorrect because if the patient's membranes have ruptured, she would most likely feel a gush of fluid rather than just feeling wet. Choice C is incorrect as bloody show is not typically a reliable indicator of early labor. Choice D is incorrect as it does not address the need to assess the contraction pattern for progression of labor.