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
Variable decelerations are not related to the use of narcotic analgesics. Narcotic analgesics can cause other fetal heart rate changes, such as decreased variability, but they do not cause variable decelerations.
Choice B rationale
Variable decelerations are due to umbilical cord compression. This is the correct interpretation. Umbilical cord compression can lead to transient decreases in fetal blood flow and oxygenation, resulting in variable decelerations on the fetal monitor tracing.
Choice C rationale
Variable decelerations are not caused by maternal hypotension. Maternal hypotension can lead to late decelerations due to uteroplacental insufficiency, but it does not cause variable decelerations.
Choice D rationale
Variable decelerations are not indicative of fetal hypoxia. While severe and persistent variable decelerations can lead to fetal hypoxia, the primary cause of variable decelerations is umbilical cord compression.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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.