A nurse is caring for a client who is 39 weeks gestation and having contractions.
Which of the following should the nurse recognize as a sign of true labor?
Uterine contractions that cause variable decelerations.
Regular uterine contractions that cause cervical change.
Station of the presenting part.
Rupture of the membranes resulting in uterine contractions.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Uterine contractions that cause variable decelerations are not specific to true labor. Variable decelerations are typically associated with umbilical cord compression and can occur during both true and false labor.
Choice B rationale
Regular uterine contractions that cause cervical change are a definitive sign of true labor. True labor is characterized by contractions that become progressively stronger, more frequent, and more regular, leading to cervical dilation and effacement. This process indicates that the body is preparing for childbirth.
Choice C rationale
The station of the presenting part refers to the position of the fetus in relation to the ischial spines of the pelvis. While it is an important aspect of labor progression, it is not a definitive sign of true labor.
Choice D rationale
Rupture of the membranes, or the breaking of the water, can occur before true labor begins. While it often indicates that labor is imminent, it is not a definitive sign of true labor on its own.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Category I tracings are considered normal and are associated with a well-oxygenated, non-acidotic fetus with a normal fetal heart rate baseline, moderate variability, and no late or variable decelerations. However, a baseline heart rate of 175 bpm is considered tachycardia, which does not fit the criteria for Category I.
Choice B rationale
Category II tracings are indeterminate and include any fetal heart rate pattern that does not fit into Category I or III. A baseline heart rate of 175 bpm with moderate variability and no accelerations or decelerations fits into this category. This indicates that the fetus may be experiencing some stress but is not in immediate danger.
Choice C rationale
Category III tracings are abnormal and are associated with an increased risk of fetal acidemia. These tracings include absent baseline variability with recurrent late or variable decelerations, bradycardia, or a sinusoidal pattern. The given tracing does not meet these criteria as it shows moderate variability and no decelerations.
Choice D rationale
There is no Category IV in the classification of fetal heart rate tracings. The standard classification includes only Categories I, II, and III.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Dizziness can be a side effect of epidural anesthesia, but it is not as critical as hypotension. It should be monitored, but it does not require immediate reporting unless it is severe or accompanied by other symptoms.
Choice B rationale
Blood pressure of 88/52 mmHg indicates hypotension, which is a common and potentially serious side effect of epidural anesthesia. Hypotension can lead to decreased placental perfusion and fetal distress, so it requires immediate attention and reporting to the anesthesia provider.
Choice C rationale
A pain level of 1 on a 0 to 10 scale indicates that the epidural is effectively managing the client’s pain. This is a positive outcome and does not require reporting.
Choice D rationale
A pulse of 88 bpm is within the normal range for an adult and does not indicate any immediate concern that needs to be reported to the anesthesia provider.