A nurse is assessing a client who presents to the labor and delivery unit reporting the onset of contractions. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a manifestation of false labor?
Contraction intensity increased by ambulation
Slow change in dilation and effacement
Presence of bloody show
Intermittent painless contractions
The Correct Answer is D
A. Contraction intensity increased by ambulation. This finding is typical of true labor, as walking or changing positions usually causes contractions to increase in strength, duration, and frequency. In contrast, false labor contractions often subside with rest or activity changes and do not intensify with movement.
B. Slow change in dilation and effacement. Any change in cervical dilation or effacement, even if slow, is more consistent with true labor. False labor does not produce any significant cervical change, and the cervix remains closed or minimally altered with time or contractions.
C. Presence of bloody show. Bloody show is the expulsion of the mucus plug mixed with blood, a common sign of cervical softening and dilation. This is a key indicator of true labor, as it reflects actual physical changes in preparation for delivery.
D. Intermittent painless contractions. These contractions, also called Braxton Hicks contractions, are a hallmark of false labor. They are usually irregular, mild, and do not lead to cervical changes. They often resolve with hydration, rest, or position changes and are considered a normal part of the body's preparation for labor, not the onset of true labor.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Palms of the hands. In clients with dark skin, assessing for cyanosis is best done in areas where skin is lighter and blood vessels are more visible, such as the palms, soles, lips, mucous membranes, and conjunctiva. These sites provide clearer visual cues of decreased oxygenation.
B. Area of trauma. This area may show signs of bruising or inflammation, but it is not ideal for assessing cyanosis. Local changes in color may be due to injury, not systemic oxygenation.
C. Sacrum. The sacrum is typically assessed for pressure injuries, not for cyanosis. Its location and frequent pressure make it a less reliable site for detecting systemic color changes.
D. Shoulders. The shoulders are not reliable sites for detecting cyanosis, especially in individuals with darker skin, as color changes may be less apparent in more heavily pigmented or sun-exposed areas.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Respiratory rate 10/min. This is the priority finding because it suggests respiratory depression, a serious side effect of magnesium sulfate therapy. Magnesium acts as a CNS depressant, and a respiratory rate below 12/min is a potential sign of magnesium toxicity, which can lead to respiratory arrest if not promptly addressed.
B. 2+ deep-tendon reflexes. This indicates normal neuromuscular function and is actually a reassuring finding in a client receiving magnesium sulfate. Reflexes are typically monitored to detect early signs of toxicity, and a 2+ rating means the dose is likely therapeutic.
C. 3+ pedal edema. While significant, pedal edema is a common feature of preeclampsia and not directly related to magnesium sulfate toxicity. It should be monitored but does not require immediate action compared to respiratory compromise.
D. Urinary output 35 mL/hr. This is slightly above the minimum acceptable output of 30 mL/hr, indicating the kidneys are excreting adequately. While magnesium is excreted renally and output must be monitored, this value does not indicate an acute risk.
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