A nurse is attending to a first-time pregnant woman who is at term.
She is experiencing contractions but is unsure if she is in labor.
Which of the following should the nurse identify as a labor sign?
The position of the presenting part.
Membrane rupture.
Contraction pattern.
Changes in the cervix.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice D rationale
Changes in the cervix, including effacement (thinning) and dilation (opening), are reliable signs of true labor. During true labor, contractions cause the cervix to thin and open to prepare for the passage of the baby. This is in contrast to Braxton Hicks contractions, or “false labor,” which are irregular and do not result in changes to the cervix.
Choice A rationale
The position of the presenting part can provide information about the progress of labor and the likely need for interventions, but it is not a definitive sign of labor.
Choice B rationale
Membrane rupture, or “water breaking,” can occur before or during labor. However, not all women experience a noticeable rupture of membranes, and sometimes the fluid can leak slowly, making it less noticeable.
Choice C rationale
A regular contraction pattern can be a sign of labor, but contractions can also occur in patterns during false labor. Therefore, contraction pattern alone is not a definitive sign of labor.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A baseline BP of 140/85 mmHg is considered high, but a current BP of 129/80 mmHg is within the normal range. Therefore, this would not typically indicate a risk for pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Choice B rationale
A significant increase in blood pressure from a baseline of 110/70 mmHg to a current BP of 145/85 mmHg could indicate a risk for pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Choice C rationale
A slight increase in blood pressure from a baseline of 120/80 mmHg to a current BP of 126/85 mmHg would not typically indicate a risk for pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Choice D rationale
An increase in blood pressure from a baseline of 110/60 mmHg to a current BP of 120/63 mmHg would not typically indicate a risk for pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Implementing seizure precautions is not necessary based on these lab results. Seizure precautions are typically implemented for patients with a known seizure disorder or those who are at risk for seizures, such as patients with severe preeclampsia or eclampsia, neither of which can be diagnosed based on these lab results.
Choice B rationale
Checking deep tendon reflexes every hour is not indicated based on these lab results. This action is typically taken for patients with altered neurological status or those receiving certain medications that can affect muscle tone.
Choice C rationale
Reviewing the daily logs of the patient is a good practice in general to monitor the patient’s progress and response to treatment. However, it is not a specific action that should be taken based on these lab results.
Choice D rationale
Obtaining a prescription for methyldopa is not indicated based on these lab results.
Methyldopa is a medication used to treat high blood pressure, and there is no indication from these lab results that the patient has high blood pressure.
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