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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The nurse is explaining the physiology of uterine contractions to a group of nursing students. Which statement best explains the maternal-fetal exchange of oxygen and waste products during a contraction?
- A. Little to no affect
- B. Increases as blood pressure decreases
- C. Diminishes as the spiral arteries are compressed
- D. Continues except when placental functions are reduced
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because maternal-fetal exchange of oxygen and waste products continues during uterine contractions unless placental functions are reduced. Contractions do not directly affect this exchange, so option A is incorrect. Option B is incorrect because blood pressure changes do not necessarily impact the exchange. Option C is incorrect because spiral arteries play a role in supplying blood to the placenta, but compression during contractions does not halt the exchange process.
Which assessment finding would cause a concern for a patient who had delivered vaginally?
- A. Estimated blood loss (EBL) of 500 mL during the birth process
- B. White blood cell count of 28,000 mm3 postbirth
- C. Patient complains of fingers tingling
- D. Patient complains of thirst
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a white blood cell count of 28,000 mm3 postbirth indicates a possible infection, such as endometritis, which is a common postpartum complication. Elevated WBC count is a sign of an inflammatory process or infection, requiring further investigation and treatment.
A: EBL of 500 mL is within the normal range for a vaginal delivery and may not necessarily indicate a concern.
C: Patient complaints of fingers tingling may suggest temporary nerve compression or positional discomfort, not a significant concern post vaginal delivery.
D: Patient complaining of thirst is a common symptom and not necessarily indicative of a complication post vaginal delivery.
The patient with which vaginal exam is most at risk for an umbilical cord prolapse?
- A. 1-2 cm dilated, 70% effaced, -1 station
- B. 5 cm dilated, 60% effaced, -3 station
- C. 7-8 cm dilated, 80% effaced, -2 station
- D. 9 cm dilated, 100% effaced, 0 station
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a patient who is 5 cm dilated, 60% effaced, and at -3 station is most at risk for umbilical cord prolapse. At this stage, the presenting part of the baby is relatively high in the pelvis, increasing the likelihood of the cord slipping past and becoming compressed against the cervix during contractions. This can lead to decreased blood flow and oxygen supply to the baby, posing a serious risk. Choices A, C, and D are less likely to result in cord prolapse due to the lower station of the baby in the pelvis, reducing the chance of cord compression.
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.
What is a direct influence on cervical dilation? Select all that apply.
- A. positioning of the pregnant person
- B. strength of uterine contractions
- C. length of time since ROM
- D. fetal presentation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the positioning of the pregnant person affects the alignment of the baby's head in the pelvis, directly influencing cervical dilation. Proper positioning helps the baby apply pressure to the cervix, promoting dilation. In contrast, the strength of uterine contractions (B) affects labor progress but not cervical dilation specifically. The length of time since ruptured membranes (C) may increase infection risk but does not directly impact dilation. Fetal presentation (D) affects the descent of the baby, not cervical dilation.
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