What makes up the powers of labor and birth?
- A. contractions and pushing efforts
- B. pelvis and pelvic floor tissues
- C. fetal position, attitude, lie, and presentation
- D. oxytocin
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: contractions and pushing efforts. During labor and birth, contractions help to dilate the cervix and push the baby down the birth canal. Pushing efforts from the mother help to expel the baby out. Pelvis and pelvic floor tissues (choice B) provide the passage for the baby but do not actively contribute to the powers of labor. Fetal position, attitude, lie, and presentation (choice C) refer to the baby's position and orientation in the womb, which can affect the progress of labor but do not constitute the powers of labor. Oxytocin (choice D) is a hormone that stimulates contractions but is not the sole component of the powers of labor and birth.
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A gravida 2, para 1 is in active labor at 39 weeks gestation. Her cervical exam is 6 cm dilated, 60% effaced, and 0 station. An amniotomy is performed by the physician. The fluid is noted to be bloody and the fetal heart tones have decelerated to the 50s. What is the nurse’s next best action?
- A. Notify the operating team of emergent cesarean delivery
- B. Assist the patient to left lateral position
- C. Apply O2 at 10-12 L/min per nonrebreather
- D. Administer an IV fluid bolus
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Notify the operating team of emergent cesarean delivery. In this scenario, the presence of bloody amniotic fluid and fetal heart rate decelerations to the 50s indicate potential fetal distress. Given the critical nature of this situation, an emergent cesarean delivery should be considered to expedite delivery and prevent further compromise to the fetus. This decision is based on the principle of prioritizing fetal well-being in situations of acute distress. Options B, C, and D do not address the immediate need for prompt intervention to ensure the safety of the fetus in distress.
The nurse is caring for a 34-year-old gravida 4, para 3 experiencing a prolonged labor. The physician performed an amniotomy 3 hours ago to stimulate the progression of labor. The patient’s most recent vaginal exam was 8/80%/0. Which assessment finding should the nurse should be most concerned about?
- A. Pain score of 7/10
- B. FHR baseline of 165
- C. Mild variable decelerations
- D. Increased bloody mucous discharge
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: FHR baseline of 165. A baseline FHR above 160 is considered tachycardia in labor, which could indicate fetal distress. This finding is concerning as it may suggest fetal hypoxia or other complications, requiring immediate attention to prevent adverse outcomes. The other options are less concerning:
A: Pain score of 7/10 is subjective and expected during labor.
C: Mild variable decelerations are common in labor and may not immediately indicate distress.
D: Increased bloody mucous discharge is a normal finding post-amniotomy and not necessarily indicative of fetal distress.
Which mechanism of labor occurs when the largest diameter of the fetal presenting part passes the pelvic inlet?
- A. Extension
- B. Engagement
- C. Internal rotation
- D. External rotation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Engagement. Engagement occurs when the largest diameter of the fetal presenting part (usually the biparietal diameter of the fetal head) passes through the pelvic inlet. This marks the beginning of the descent of the fetal head into the pelvis in preparation for birth. Extension (A) refers to the movement of the fetal head as it passes through the birth canal. Internal rotation (C) is the movement of the fetal head to align with the maternal pelvis. External rotation (D) occurs as the fetal head exits the birth canal.
What makes up the powers of labor and birth?
- A. contractions and pushing efforts
- B. pelvis and pelvic floor tissues
- C. fetal position, attitude, lie, and presentation
- D. oxytocin
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A (contractions and pushing efforts) because they are the main physiological components of labor and birth. Contractions help to thin and dilate the cervix, while pushing efforts help the baby descend through the birth canal. Pelvis and pelvic floor tissues (B) play a role in the mechanics of birth but do not make up the powers of labor. Fetal position, attitude, lie, and presentation (C) are important factors influencing labor progress but do not constitute the powers of labor. Oxytocin (D) is a hormone that stimulates contractions but is not a direct component of the powers of labor.
A 29-year-old gravida 1, para 0 woman who is 35 weeks pregnant is admitted to the labor and delivery unit. She states that there is fluid leaking from her vagina but she is not sure if it is urine. What should the nurse do to make the determination?
- A. A nitrazine test is the most conclusive test.
- B. Nitrazine paper changes from yellow to dark blue due to the acidic nature of amniotic fluid.
- C. Ferning is more conclusive than nitrazine paper testing.
- D. Note if there is fluid leaking from the perineal area.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: A nitrazine test is the most conclusive test. The rationale for this is as follows:
1. Nitrazine test detects the pH level of the fluid. Amniotic fluid is alkaline while urine is acidic.
2. Amniotic fluid will turn the nitrazine paper blue, indicating a pH level greater than 6.5, while urine will not change the color significantly.
3. This test is reliable and can help differentiate between amniotic fluid and urine leakage.
Summary of other choices:
B: Although nitrazine paper changes color due to the acidic nature of amniotic fluid, it is not a comprehensive test on its own.
C: Ferning test is not commonly used in practice and may not be as reliable as the nitrazine test.
D: Noting if fluid is leaking from the perineal area does not provide a conclusive determination of whether it is amniotic fluid or urine.