high risk labor and delivery nclex questions Related

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Which physiologic event is the key indicator of the commencement of true labor?

  • A. Bloody show
  • B. Cervical dilation and effacement
  • C. Fetal descent into the pelvic inlet
  • D. Uterine contractions every 7 minutes
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cervical dilation and effacement. This is because true labor is defined by progressive cervical changes, including dilation (opening of the cervix) and effacement (thinning of the cervix). These changes indicate that the body is preparing for childbirth. A: Bloody show may occur during early labor but is not a definitive indicator. C: Fetal descent into the pelvic inlet is a later event in labor. D: Uterine contractions every 7 minutes are not necessarily indicative of true labor as they need to be regular, increasing in frequency, intensity, and duration.