What is the most common type of anesthesia used during labor?
- A. Epidural
- B. Spinal
- C. General
- D. Local
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Epidural. Epidural anesthesia is the most common type used during labor because it provides pain relief while allowing the mother to remain awake and actively participate in the delivery. It works by blocking nerve signals in the lower spine, numbing the lower half of the body. This allows the mother to have a more comfortable labor experience without losing consciousness. Spinal anesthesia (B) is similar but is typically used for cesarean sections. General anesthesia (C) is rarely used during labor due to the potential risks to the baby. Local anesthesia (D) is not commonly used for labor as it only numbs a small area and is not sufficient for the pain relief needed during childbirth.
You may also like to solve these questions
Which stage of labor is characterized by the period between full cervical dilation and delivery of the fetus?
- A. First stage
- B. Second stage
- C. Third stage
- D. Fourth stage
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The second stage of labor begins with full cervical dilation and ends with the delivery of the fetus.
What is the recommended method of pain relief during labor for a woman with a high-risk pregnancy?
- A. Epidural anesthesia
- B. Spinal anesthesia
- C. Intravenous opioids
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Epidural anesthesia. Epidural anesthesia is the recommended method for pain relief during labor for women with high-risk pregnancies as it provides effective pain relief while allowing the mother to remain conscious and able to actively participate in the birthing process. Epidurals can be adjusted to provide varying levels of pain relief and are considered safe for both the mother and the baby. Spinal anesthesia (B) is typically used for cesarean sections and may not be suitable for the entire labor process. Intravenous opioids (C) are less commonly used due to potential side effects on the baby. Choice D is incorrect as not all methods are recommended for high-risk pregnancies.
A nurse is caring for a client who is to receive oxytocin to augment their labor. Which of the following findings contraindicates the initiation of the oxytocin infusion and should be reported to the provider?
- A. Late decelerations.
- B. Moderate variability of the FHR.
- C. Cessation of uterine dilation.
- D. Prolonged active phase of labor.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Late decelerations in the fetal heart rate are a sign of fetal distress and contraindicate the use of oxytocin, as it can exacerbate the distress.
A nurse is performing a routine assessment on a client who is at 18 weeks of gestation. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Deep tendon reflexes 4+.
- B. Fundal height 14 cm.
- C. Blood pressure 142/94 mm Hg.
- D. FHR 152/min.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A fetal heart rate (FHR) of 152/min is within the normal range of 110 to 160 beats per minute for a fetus at 18 weeks of gestation.
A nurse is assessing a newborn who was born postterm. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Large deposits of subcutaneous fat
- B. Thin covering of fine hair on shoulders and back
- C. Nails extending over tips of fingers
- D. Pale, translucent skin
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Nails extending over tips of fingers. This is expected in postterm newborns due to prolonged intrauterine growth. The nails continue to grow in utero, leading to longer nails at birth. Large deposits of subcutaneous fat (option A) are typically seen in term newborns, not postterm. Thin covering of fine hair on shoulders and back (option B) is known as lanugo, which is more common in premature infants. Pale, translucent skin (option D) is also more common in premature infants due to decreased subcutaneous fat. Therefore, the correct answer is C, nails extending over tips of fingers, as it is a characteristic finding in postterm newborns.