Which of the following are signs of impending labor? Select all that apply.
- A. Weight gain
- B. Surge of energy
- C. Increase in urinary frequency
- D. Dyspnea
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Surge of energy. This is a sign of impending labor as some women experience a sudden burst of energy before going into labor, known as the "nesting instinct." Weight gain (A) is not a sign of impending labor, but rather a common occurrence throughout pregnancy. Increase in urinary frequency (C) is a common symptom in the third trimester but not a direct sign of labor starting. Dyspnea (D), or shortness of breath, can be a normal pregnancy symptom but is not specifically indicative of impending labor.
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On admission to the labor and birth unit, a 38-year-old female, gravida 4, para 3, at term in early labor is found to have a transverse lie on vaginal examination. What is the priority intervention at this time?
- A. Perform a vaginal exam to denote progress.
- B. Notify the health care provider.
- C. Initiate parenteral therapy.
- D. Apply oxygen via nasal cannula at 8 L/minut
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Notify the health care provider. In the case of a transverse lie, the fetus is positioned sideways in the uterus, which can lead to complications during labor. Notifying the health care provider is crucial as they will need to assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action, such as attempting to manually rotate the fetus or preparing for a cesarean section if necessary. Performing a vaginal exam (choice A) may not be safe or effective in this situation. Initiating parenteral therapy (choice C) and applying oxygen (choice D) are not the priority interventions in the case of a transverse lie.
Arrange the seven cardinal movements of labor, in order.
- A. Descent
- B. Expulsion
- C. Extension
- D. External rotation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct order of the seven cardinal movements of labor is: Descent, Flexion, Internal Rotation, Extension, Restitution, External Rotation, and Expulsion. Descent is the first cardinal movement, as the baby moves down the birth canal. Flexion follows to allow the baby's head to pass through the pelvis. Internal Rotation, Extension, and Restitution then occur to facilitate the baby's shoulders and body turning in alignment with the mother's pelvis. External Rotation follows to help the shoulders rotate to the correct position for delivery. Finally, Expulsion is when the baby is born. This sequence ensures a smooth and safe delivery. The other choices are incorrect as they are not part of the specific sequence of cardinal movements during labor.
Which explains why infants who are delivered via cesarean section before the start of labor have more difficulty transitioning to extrauterine life?
- A. The use of warm IV fluids precipitates hyperthermia.
- B. Regional anesthesia causes respiratory depression.
- C. The maternal left tilt position reduces placental blood flow.
- D. Residual amniotic fluid in the lungs makes spontaneous respirations difficult.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because residual amniotic fluid in the lungs can lead to a condition called transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), making spontaneous respirations difficult. This occurs more commonly in infants born via cesarean section before the onset of labor as they may not have had the opportunity to expel the fluid through the vaginal passage. A: Warm IV fluids can help maintain normal body temperature. B: Regional anesthesia may not directly cause respiratory depression in the infant. C: Maternal left tilt position is used to improve blood flow during labor, not relevant to respiratory issues in the newborn.
During an oxytocin induction, which assessment finding is most concerning to the labor and delivery nurse?
- A. A uterine resting tone of 17 mm Hg
- B. A uterine resting tone of 30 mm Hg
- C. Contractions that are every 3 minutes and last 60 seconds
- D. Contractions that are every 5 minutes and last 60 seconds
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a uterine resting tone of 30 mm Hg indicates excessive uterine activity, which can lead to uterine hyperstimulation and fetal distress during an oxytocin induction. A higher resting tone suggests the uterus is not relaxing adequately between contractions, potentially compromising fetal oxygenation. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because a uterine resting tone of 17 mm Hg is within the normal range, contractions every 3 minutes lasting 60 seconds and every 5 minutes lasting 60 seconds are typical patterns during labor induction, and they do not necessarily indicate complications.
Which explains why infants who are delivered via cesarean section before the start of labor have more difficulty transitioning to extrauterine life?
- A. The use of warm IV fluids precipitates hyperthermia.
- B. Regional anesthesia causes respiratory depression.
- C. The maternal left tilt position reduces placental blood flow.
- D. Residual amniotic fluid in the lungs makes spontaneous respirations difficult.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because infants delivered via cesarean section before labor may not have had the opportunity to expel amniotic fluid from their lungs through the vaginal passage, leading to respiratory distress. This residual fluid can hinder the initiation of spontaneous respirations, causing difficulty in transitioning to extrauterine life. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because hyperthermia from warm IV fluids, respiratory depression from regional anesthesia, and reduced placental blood flow from maternal position are not primary factors affecting the infant's ability to transition to extrauterine life in this scenario.