Which factor ensures that the smallest anterior-posterior diameter of the fetal head enters the pelvis?
- A. Station
- B. Flexion
- C. Descent
- D. Engagement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Flexion. Flexion of the fetal head is crucial for the smallest anterior-posterior diameter to enter the pelvis first. This position optimizes the fit of the fetal head through the maternal pelvis, reducing the risk of complications during labor. Station (A) refers to the level of the presenting part in the pelvis, descent (C) is the downward movement of the fetus, and engagement (D) is when the widest diameter of the fetal head passes through the maternal pelvic inlet. However, these factors do not specifically address the orientation of the fetal head to ensure the smallest diameter enters the pelvis.
You may also like to solve these questions
Which woman is the best candidate for a trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC)?
- A. A 34-year-old gravida 2, para 1 with one previous classical cesarean section for prematurity
- B. A 21-year-old gravida 2, para 1 with one previous low-transverse cesarean section for CPD
- C. A 31-year-old gravida 4, para 2 with one previous low-transverse cesarean section for late decelerations
- D. A 27-year-old gravida 3, para 2 with one previous T-shaped incision for macrosomia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationale for Choice B (Correct Answer):
- A 21-year-old gravida 2, para 1 with one previous low-transverse cesarean section for CPD is the best candidate for TOLAC.
- Low-transverse incisions have the lowest risk of uterine rupture during labor.
- CPD is not a contraindication for TOLAC.
- Young age and low parity are favorable factors for successful TOLAC.
- Therefore, this candidate has the highest likelihood of a successful VBAC.
Summary for Other Choices:
- Choice A: Classical cesarean section carries a high risk of uterine rupture; prematurity increases this risk.
- Choice C: Low-transverse incision is favorable, but the indication for the previous cesarean (late decelerations) may indicate an ongoing fetal concern.
- Choice D: T-shaped incision increases the risk of uterine rupture; macrosomia is a risk factor for failed TOL
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 timing indicate early labor. The nurse should ask about the frequency, duration, and intensity of contractions to assess progression. Choices B and C focus on specific signs of labor but do not address the need for continuous monitoring and assessment like choice A does. Choice D does not address the need to gather specific information about the contraction pattern to determine the appropriate next steps. Therefore, A is the correct choice as it directly addresses the patient's current situation and provides guidance on what information is necessary for appropriate triage.
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 gravity to assist in descent of the baby. It also promotes optimal positioning for the baby, reducing the risk of malpresentation. The other choices (A, B, D) do not provide the same benefits in terms of promoting optimal fetal positioning and utilizing gravity to aid in labor progress. Ambulation with assistance may not provide as much support for the pelvis, squatting with support from the partner may not be as stable or comfortable for the mother, and resting on hands and knees may not encourage as much engagement of the baby's head in the pelvis.
Pregnant patients can usually tolerate the normal blood loss associated with childbirth because of which physiologic adaptation to pregnancy?
- A. A higher hematocrit
- B. Increased leukocytes
- C. Increased blood volume
- D. A lower fibrinogen level
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Increased blood volume. During pregnancy, blood volume increases by about 40-50% to support the growing fetus and prepare for potential blood loss during childbirth. This increased blood volume helps pregnant patients tolerate the normal blood loss during delivery. A higher hematocrit (choice A) could indicate dehydration, not increased blood volume. Increased leukocytes (choice B) are related to the immune response, not blood loss tolerance. A lower fibrinogen level (choice D) could lead to increased bleeding risk, not tolerance to blood loss.
The nurse is planning care for a patient during the fourth stage of labor. Which interventions should the nurse plan to implement? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Offer the patient a warm blanket.
- B. Place an ice pack on the perineum.
- C. Massage the uterus if it is boggy.
- D. Delay breastfeeding until the patient is reste
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because offering the patient a warm blanket helps prevent hypothermia, which can occur due to heat loss during the delivery process. This intervention promotes patient comfort and helps maintain their body temperature.
Choice B is incorrect because placing an ice pack on the perineum is typically done in the immediate postpartum period to reduce swelling and discomfort, not during the fourth stage of labor.
Choice C is incorrect because massaging the uterus if it is boggy is a postpartum intervention to prevent or treat uterine atony, not typically performed during the fourth stage of labor.
Choice D is incorrect because delaying breastfeeding until the patient is rested is not necessary during the fourth stage of labor. Breastfeeding should be initiated as soon as possible after delivery to promote bonding and stimulate milk production.