The nursing preceptor asks the nursing student how to determine the intensity of contractions before placing the client on the electronic fetal monitor. What is the best explanation?
Monitor the patient’s vocalizations and facial expressions.
Palpate the maternal abdomen during a contraction.
Time the amount of time between the ending of one contraction and the beginning of the next.
Palpate the maternal abdomen right after a contraction.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Monitoring the patient’s vocalizations and facial expressions can provide some information about the intensity of contractions, but it is subjective and not a reliable method for accurately assessing contraction intensity.
Choice B rationale
Palpating the maternal abdomen during a contraction is the best method for determining the intensity of contractions. By feeling the firmness of the uterus, the nurse can assess whether the contractions are mild, moderate, or strong. This method provides a more objective measure of contraction intensity compared to other methods.
Choice C rationale
Timing the amount of time between the ending of one contraction and the beginning of the next provides information about the frequency of contractions, not their intensity. This choice does not address the question of how to determine contraction intensity.
Choice D rationale
Palpating the maternal abdomen right after a contraction does not provide information about the intensity of the contraction that just occurred. The uterus will be relaxed after the contraction, making it difficult to assess the strength of the previous contraction.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive imaging technique that provides detailed images of the fetus and placenta. However, it is not typically used as the first-line test for assessing placental perfusion and IUGR. Doppler flow studies are more specific for evaluating blood flow and detecting issues related to placental insufficiency.
Choice B rationale
Doppler flow studies are non-invasive tests that assess blood flow in the umbilical artery and other fetal vessels. These studies are particularly useful in evaluating placental perfusion and identifying intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Abnormal Doppler flow patterns can indicate compromised blood flow to the fetus, which is a concern in cases of minimal fetal growth.
Choice C rationale
Amniocentesis is an invasive procedure that involves extracting a sample of amniotic fluid for genetic testing and assessment of fetal lung maturity. It is not used for evaluating placental perfusion or IUGR7.
Choice D rationale
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is an invasive procedure used for early genetic testing by sampling placental tissue. It is not used for assessing placental perfusion or IUGR7.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
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.