A female patient who is 37 weeks and 5 days gestation is having contractions every 3 minutes. The fetus has an estimated fetal weight of 9 lbs and is in the left occiput posterior (LOP) position.The nurse is concerned about the five P’s and their effect on the patient’s labor.
Which P is the concern from the patient’s history?
Passenger.
Passage.
Powers.
Psyche.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
The “Passenger” refers to the fetus and its position, size, and presentation. In this case, the fetus has an estimated weight of 9 lbs and is in the left occiput posterior (LOP) position. These factors can complicate labor by making it more difficult for the fetus to navigate through the birth canal, potentially leading to prolonged labor and increased risk of interventions.
Choice B rationale
The “Passage” refers to the birth canal, including the pelvis and soft tissues. While the passage is an important factor in labor, the primary concern in this scenario is the size and position of the fetus, which falls under the “Passenger” category.
Choice C rationale
The “Powers” refer to the strength and frequency of uterine contractions. Although the patient is having contractions every 3 minutes, the main concern here is the fetal size and position, which are more directly related to the "Passenger"4.
Choice D rationale
The “Psyche” refers to the psychological state of the mother, including her stress levels and emotional well-being. While important, the primary concern in this scenario is the physical factors related to the fetus, which are categorized under the "Passenger"4.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Terbutaline is a beta-adrenergic agonist that works by relaxing the smooth muscles of the uterus, thereby reducing uterine contractions. It is commonly used in cases of tachysystole and recurrent late decelerations to decrease uterine activity and improve fetal oxygenation. Terbutaline’s mechanism of action involves stimulating beta-2 adrenergic receptors, which leads to an increase in cyclic AMP and subsequent relaxation of uterine smooth muscle.
Choice B rationale
Oxytocin is a hormone that stimulates uterine contractions and is typically used to induce or augment labor. Administering oxytocin in a situation where there is already tachysystole and recurrent late decelerations would exacerbate the problem by increasing uterine contractions, potentially leading to further fetal distress.
Choice C rationale
Misoprostol is a prostaglandin analog used to ripen the cervix and induce labor. Similar to oxytocin, it would not be appropriate in this scenario as it would increase uterine contractions, worsening the tachysystole and late decelerations.
Choice D rationale
Magnesium sulfate is primarily used as a tocolytic to prevent preterm labor and as a neuroprotective agent for the fetus in cases of preeclampsia. While it has some uterine relaxation properties, it is not the first-line treatment for reducing uterine activity in the context of tachysystole and late decelerations.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Early decelerations are not caused by umbilical cord compression. Umbilical cord compression typically leads to variable decelerations, which have a different pattern and clinical significance.
Choice B rationale
Early decelerations are not caused by uteroplacental insufficiency. Uteroplacental insufficiency is associated with late decelerations, which occur after the peak of a contraction and indicate reduced blood flow to the fetus.
Choice C rationale
Early decelerations are not a result of the administration of medications. Medications can affect fetal heart rate patterns, but early decelerations are specifically related to fetal head compression.
Choice D rationale
Early decelerations are related to fetal head compression. They occur as the fetal head descends into the maternal pelvis and are generally considered benign, indicating normal labor progression.