Which physiologic effect may occur in the presence of increased maternal pain perception during labor?
- A. Increase in uterine contractions in response to catecholamine secretion
- B. Decrease in blood pressure in response to alpha receptors
- C. Decreased perfusion to the placenta in response to catecholamine secretion
- D. Increased uterine blood flow, causing increase in maternal blood pressure
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Increased maternal pain perception during labor can lead to decreased perfusion to the placenta due to catecholamine secretion. When a mother experiences pain, stress hormones like catecholamines are released, causing vasoconstriction of blood vessels, including those supplying the placenta. This vasoconstriction reduces blood flow to the placenta, potentially compromising fetal oxygenation and nutrient delivery.
Choice A is incorrect because increased catecholamine secretion would not directly cause an increase in uterine contractions. Choice B is incorrect because alpha receptors are not typically involved in decreasing blood pressure in response to pain perception. Choice D is incorrect because increased uterine blood flow would not cause an increase in maternal blood pressure; in fact, it would likely have the opposite effect as increased blood flow typically leads to decreased blood pressure.
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Which patient presentation is an acceptable indication for serial oxytocin induction of labor?
- A. Multiple fetuses
- B. Polyhydramnios
- C. History of long labors
- D. Past 42 weeks of gestation
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationale:
1. Past 42 weeks of gestation increases the risk of stillbirth.
2. Oxytocin can help initiate labor to reduce the risk.
3. Induction at this stage is considered safe and beneficial.
4. Other choices are not direct indications for oxytocin induction and may have different management strategies.
Summary:
- A: Multiple fetuses and polyhydramnios may require different approaches.
- B: History of long labors may not necessarily indicate the need for oxytocin induction.
Which patient will most likely have increased anxiety and tension during labor?
- A. Gravida 2 who refused any medication
- B. Gravida 2 who delivered a stillborn baby last year
- C. Gravida 1 who did not attend prepared childbirth classes
- D. Gravida 3 who has two children younger than 3 years
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. A patient who delivered a stillborn baby last year is more likely to experience increased anxiety and tension during labor due to previous traumatic experience. This can trigger fear and worry about the current pregnancy outcome, leading to heightened emotional distress.
Incorrect Choices:
A: Refusing medication does not necessarily correlate with increased anxiety during labor.
C: Not attending childbirth classes may result in lack of knowledge but does not directly relate to increased anxiety during labor.
D: Having two children younger than 3 years may cause stress but does not specifically indicate increased anxiety during labor.
The nurse auscultates the fetal heart rate and determines a rate of 152 bpm. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate at this time?
- A. Inform the mother that the fetal heart rate is normal.
- B. Reassess the fetal heart rate in 5 minutes because the rate is too high.
- C. Report the fetal heart rate to the physician or nurse-midwife immediately.
- D. Suggest to the mother that she is going to have a boy because the heart rate is fast.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Report the fetal heart rate to the physician or nurse-midwife immediately. A fetal heart rate of 152 bpm is within the normal range for a fetus, but it is essential to communicate any findings to the healthcare provider for further assessment and monitoring. This step ensures the safety and well-being of both the mother and the fetus by allowing the healthcare provider to determine if any additional actions are necessary.
Incorrect choices:
A: Inform the mother that the fetal heart rate is normal - While the heart rate may be normal, it is crucial to involve the healthcare provider for proper evaluation.
B: Reassess the fetal heart rate in 5 minutes because the rate is too high - 152 bpm is not considered too high, and immediate reporting to the healthcare provider is necessary.
D: Suggest to the mother that she is going to have a boy because the heart rate is fast - Fetal heart rate is not a reliable indicator of the baby's gender, and this
The process of labor places significant metabolic demands on the obstetric patient. Which physiologic findings would be expected?
- A. Decreased maternal blood pressure as a result of stimulation of alpha receptors
- B. Uterine vasoconstriction as a result of stimulation of beta receptors
- C. Increased maternal demand for oxygen
- D. Increased blood flow to placenta because of catecholamine release
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice C is correct:
1. Labor is a physically demanding process that requires increased energy expenditure.
2. Increased uterine activity during labor leads to higher oxygen consumption by the mother.
3. Maternal demand for oxygen increases to meet the metabolic needs of both the mother and the fetus.
4. Adequate oxygen supply is crucial to support the increased workload during labor.
Summary:
A: Incorrect. Labor typically leads to increased blood pressure due to sympathetic activation, not decreased.
B: Incorrect. Uterine vasoconstriction is not expected during labor as it needs adequate blood supply for contractions.
D: Incorrect. Catecholamine release during labor can lead to vasoconstriction, not increased blood flow to the placenta.
After insertion of the epidural catheter, what is the nurse's responsibility regarding patient care?
- A. monitoring vital signs every 5 to 15 minutes
- B. intermittent FHR monitoring
- C. providing the laboring person a meal
- D. instructing the laboring person to get out of bed to use the restroom
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: monitoring vital signs every 5 to 15 minutes. After inserting the epidural catheter, continuous monitoring of vital signs is crucial to detect any potential complications like hypotension or respiratory depression promptly. Vital signs include blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation. Intermittent FHR monitoring (B) may be necessary but is not the primary responsibility after epidural insertion. Providing a meal (C) is contraindicated due to the risk of aspiration. Instructing the laboring person to get out of bed to use the restroom (D) is not recommended as they may be at risk of falls due to decreased sensation and muscle weakness from the epidural.