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.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Checking the blood sugar of a gestational diabetic is essential but not immediately life-threatening. Blood sugar levels should be monitored regularly throughout pregnancy for
diabetics to prevent complications. However, this does not represent an urgent priority when compared to the other options, which involve more immediate risks to life and health.
Choice B rationale
Assessing vaginal blood loss in a client recovering from a spontaneous abortion is crucial to monitor for hemorrhage or infection. Heavy bleeding could signal a serious complication
needing immediate intervention, though it is not the most immediate priority over monitoring fetal heart rate during active labor.
Choice C rationale
Monitoring the patellar reflexes of a client with pre-eclampsia without severe features can help in detecting early signs of progressing pre-eclampsia. While important, it is generally
not as critical as ensuring immediate fetal wellbeing, especially if reflexes do not present signs of worsening.
Choice D rationale
Checking the fetal heart rate in a client whose membranes have just ruptured is paramount. Rupture of membranes could lead to immediate complications such as umbilical cord
prolapse, leading to rapid fetal distress. Therefore, verifying fetal heart rate ensures that the fetus is not in immediate danger.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While maternal lacerations are a risk during childbirth, they are not the greatest risk in cases of fetal dystocia. The focus is primarily on fetal wellbeing.
Choice B rationale
Fetal injury such as bruising can occur with dystocia, but the primary concern is the potential for severe, life-threatening complications.
Choice C rationale
Neonatal asphyxia related to prolonged labor is the greatest risk with fetal dystocia. Prolonged labor can lead to decreased oxygen supply to the fetus, causing asphyxia and
potential brain injury.
Choice D rationale
Increased consideration for a cesarean delivery is a possible outcome of fetal dystocia, but it is a management decision rather than a direct risk to the baby’s immediate health.