A nurse is assisting a nurse midwife in examining a client who is a primigravida at 42 weeks of gestation and states that she thinks she is in labor. Which of the following findings confirms that the client is in labor?
Contractions every 3 to 4 min.
Pain just above the navel.
Amniotic fluid in the vaginal vault.
Cervical dilation.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale :
Contractions every 3 to 4 minutes. Rationale: Contractions are a significant sign of labor. When the uterus contracts regularly and with increasing intensity, it indicates that the woman is in labor. However, contractions alone may not be enough to confirm active labor, as Braxton Hicks contractions can occur earlier in pregnancy, which are often irregular and less intense.
Choice B rationale
Pain just above the navel. Rationale: Pain above the navel is not a specific indicator of labor. In late pregnancy, the baby's head may engage in the pelvis, causing pressure and discomfort in the upper abdomen. However, this symptom alone does not confirm active labor and can be attributed to various other factors as well.
Choice C rationale
Amniotic fluid in the vaginal vault. Rationale: The presence of amniotic fluid in the vaginal vault, also known as rupture of membranes or "water breaking,”. is a significant sign that labor is likely to be in progress or imminent. When the amniotic sac ruptures, it releases the fluid that surrounds the baby in the uterus. This is a clear indication of active labor.
Choice D rationale
Cervical dilation. Rationale: Cervical dilation is one of the most reliable signs of active labor. As the uterus contracts, the cervix starts to dilate and efface (thin out) to allow the baby's passage through the birth canal. Measuring cervical dilation during a pelvic examination provides valuable information about the progress of labor.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Initiating epidural anesthesia too soon may delay rupture of fetal membranes. This statement is not accurate. Epidural anesthesia itself does not have a direct impact on the rupture of fetal membranes. The timing of rupturing membranes is determined based on the progress of labor and other clinical indications. There is no causal relationship between epidural anesthesia and the timing of membrane rupture.
Choice B reason:
Initiating epidural anesthesia too soon can prolong labor. This statement is correct. Epidural anesthesia, while providing pain relief during labor, can also cause some degree of motor blockage and decrease the woman's ability to push effectively. This can potentially lead to a lengthening of the labor process. It is generally recommended to wait until a good labor pattern has been established to avoid unnecessary prolongation of labor.
Choice C reason:
Initiating epidural anesthesia too soon can cause fetal depression. This statement is not entirely accurate. Epidural anesthesia can cross the placenta and reach the fetus, but the effect on the baby is usually minimal. However, fetal monitoring is essential during labor to ensure the baby's well-being, regardless of whether epidural anesthesia is used or not.
Choice D reason:
Initiating epidural anesthesia too soon can cause maternal hypertension. This statement is not supported by evidence. Epidural anesthesia does not typically cause maternal hypertension. It can, however, lead to a decrease in blood pressure in some cases, which is why careful monitoring of maternal blood pressure is necessary during and after the administration of epidural anesthesia.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice d. Vastus lateralis.
Choice A rationale:
The deltoid muscle is not typically used for newborn injections because it is too small and underdeveloped, making it an inappropriate site for intramuscular injections in this age group.
Choice B rationale:
The dorsogluteal muscle is also not recommended for newborns due to the risk of injury to the sciatic nerve and the muscle’s underdevelopment.
Choice C rationale:
The ventrogluteal muscle, while a good site for older children and adults, is not commonly used for newborns because it is not as easily accessible and developed as the vastus lateralis.
Choice D rationale:
The vastus lateralis muscle, located on the anterolateral aspect of the thigh, is the preferred site for intramuscular injections in newborns. It is well-developed and provides a large muscle mass, making it the safest and most effective site for administering vitamin K.
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