Mia is a G7P6 who is 39 weeks and 2 days. She has come to obstetrics (OB) triage complaining of contraction pain every 3 to 5 minutes, has a large amount of bloody show, and tells you her last two deliveries took about 2 hours.
What would you expect her diagnosis to be and what would be your next step?
She is experiencing labor dystocia. The provider will be called to assess the need for an immediate cesarean section, and you would begin to prepare the patient for surgery.
She is at risk for a precipitous labor. The provider will be called to the bedside immediately while you remain at Mia's side providing support and preparing her for delivery.
She is at risk for cephalopelvic disproportion. The provider will be called to assess the need for a forceps delivery, and you will call the blood bank in order to have blood on standby.
She is experiencing false labor. The provider will be called to reassess and you will monitor her closely.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Labor dystocia involves prolonged labor. Her fast delivery history suggests the opposite, indicating rapid labor progress.
Choice B rationale
Rapid labor progression, frequent contractions, and previous short labors suggest she is at risk for precipitous labor, requiring immediate preparation for delivery.
Choice C rationale
Cephalopelvic disproportion indicates size mismatch between baby and pelvis, not rapid labor. Her history of quick deliveries does not align with this condition.
Choice D rationale
False labor typically involves irregular, less intense contractions. Her regular, intense contractions and labor history suggest active labor, not false labor.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Reflexes of 3+ indicate hyperreflexia, common in pre-eclampsia, but not necessarily critical. Monitoring is essential but not an emergency.
Choice B rationale
Urinary output of 30 mL/hr is within the acceptable range but requires monitoring for any changes. It's not a critical alert.
Choice C rationale
A respiratory rate of 16 rpm is normal and does not indicate immediate risk requiring physician notification.
Choice D rationale
Serum magnesium level of 10 mg/dL is significantly high, indicating potential toxicity. Immediate physician notification is critical to adjust magnesium sulfate administration.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Decreased muscle tone is not typically associated with NAS. NAS often presents with increased muscle tone due to withdrawal symptoms.
Choice B rationale
A continuous high-pitched cry is a hallmark sign of NAS, indicating withdrawal and discomfort. This is due to overstimulation of the central nervous system.
Choice C rationale
Newborns with NAS often have difficulty sleeping due to irritability and discomfort, sleeping for shorter periods.
Choice D rationale
Tremors in NAS are typically pronounced and continuous, not just when disturbed. These tremors result from withdrawal effects on the nervous system.