A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who is in labor. The doctor documents the vaginal examination as 3 cm, 30%, and -1. The nurse evaluates this documentation to mean which of the following?
The cervix is dilated 3 cm, it is effaced 30%, and the presenting part is 1 cm below the ischial spines.
The cervix is effaced 3 cm, it is dilated 30%, and the presenting part is 1 cm above the ischial spines.
The cervix is effaced 3 cm, it is dilated 30%, and the presenting part is 1 cm below the ischial spines.
The cervix is dilated 3 cm, it is effaced 30%, and the presenting part is 1 cm above the ischial spines.
The Correct Answer is D
The cervix is dilated 3 cm: This indicates the width of the cervical opening, which is 3 cm wide.
It is effaced 30%: This means the cervix has effaced or thinned out by 30%, indicating how much the cervix has shortened and thinned in preparation for labor.
The presenting part is 1 cm above the ischial spines (indicated by the negative number, -1): This measurement shows the position of the baby's head in relation to the ischial spines of the pelvis. In this case, the baby's head is 1 cm above the ischial spines.
Option A ("The cervix is dilated 3 cm, it is effaced 30%, and the presenting part is 1 cm below the ischial spines."): This option incorrectly interprets the baby's position as being 1 cm below the ischial spines, which is not the case. The negative sign (-1) in the documentation indicates that the presenting part is 1 cm above the ischial spines.
Option B ("The cervix is effaced 3 cm, it is dilated 30%, and the presenting part is 1 cm above the ischial spines."): This option switches the interpretation of dilation and effacement. In the original documentation, the dilation is given as 3 cm, while effacement is 30%. This option incorrectly states that effacement is 3 cm and dilation is 30%. Additionally, it correctly identifies the presenting part's position.
Option C ("The cervix is effaced 3 cm, it is dilated 30%, and the presenting part is 1 cm below the ischial spines."): This option correctly interprets effacement and dilation but incorrectly states that the presenting part is 1 cm below the ischial spines. The original documentation indicates that the presenting part is 1 cm above the ischial spines, as denoted by the negative sign (-1).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should report the blood pressure findings to the provider because there is a significant increase in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. At 0900, the blood pressure was 156/90 mm Hg, and at 1000, it increased to 160/96 mm Hg. This significant elevation in blood pressure can be a cause for concern as it may indicate the development of gestational hypertension or preeclampsia, which can be dangerous for both the client and the fetus.
Choice B rationale:
Cerebral manifestations are not mentioned in the nurse's notes or vital signs and are not relevant to the given scenario. Therefore, this choice is not applicable in this case.
Choice C rationale:
The nurse should report the fetal heart rate findings to the provider because it is not included in the vital signs section of the nurse's notes. Monitoring the fetal heart rate is essential to ensure the well-being of the fetus, and any abnormalities or changes in the fetal heart rate should be promptly reported to the healthcare provider for further evaluation.
Choice D rationale:
The nurse should report the respiratory rate findings to the provider. Although the respiratory rate seems to be within the normal range (22/min at 0900 and 21/min at 1000), it is a vital sign that should be closely monitored in pregnant clients. Any sudden changes or abnormalities in the respiratory rate may indicate respiratory distress or other health issues that need medical attention. Choices E and F rationale: Deep tendon reflexes and gastrointestinal assessment findings are not mentioned in the nurse's notes or vital signs. These options are not applicable in this scenario and do not require reporting to the provider.
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.
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