HESI Maternal Newborn Related

Review HESI Maternal Newborn related questions and content

When assessing a woman in the first stage of labor, which clinical finding will alert the nurse that uterine contractions are effective?

  • A. Dilation of the cervix.
  • B. Descent of the fetus to -2 station.
  • C. Rupture of the amniotic membranes.
  • D. Increase in bloody show.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: During the first stage of labor, effective uterine contractions lead to cervical dilation. Dilation of the cervix is a key indicator that uterine contractions are progressing labor. Descent of the fetus to -2 station (Choice B) is related to the fetal position in the pelvis and not a direct indicator of uterine contraction effectiveness. Rupture of the amniotic membranes (Choice C) signifies the rupture of the fluid-filled sac surrounding the fetus and does not directly reflect uterine contraction effectiveness. An increase in bloody show (Choice D) can be a sign of impending labor, but it is not a direct indicator of uterine contraction effectiveness.