A nurse is caring for a client who is in labor and reports increasing rectal pressure. She is experiencing contractions 2 to 3 min apart, each lasting 80 to 90 seconds, and a vaginal examination reveals that her cervix is dilated to 9 cm. The nurse should identify that the client is in which of the following phases of labor?
Active
Transition
Latent
Descent
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason:
Active is incorrect. The active phase of labor typically begins when the cervix is around 4 to 6 centimeters dilated. Given that the client's cervix is already dilated to 9 cm, she has progressed beyond the active phase.
Choice B Reason:
Transition is correct. The transition phase is the final part of the first stage of labor and occurs when the cervix is dilated from 8 to 10 centimeters. In this phase, contractions are typically strong, occurring every 2 to 3 minutes, and lasting 80 to 90 seconds. The sensation of increasing rectal pressure is common during the transition phase as the baby's head descends further into the birth canal. The advanced cervical dilation to 9 cm also indicates that the client is in the transition phase, preparing for the second stage of labor.
Choice C Reason:
Latent is incorrect. The latent phase is the early part of the first stage of labor, characterized by cervical dilation from 0 to 3 or 4 centimeters. The client's cervix is already dilated to 9 cm, indicating that she has progressed well beyond the latent phase.
Choice D Reason:
Descent is incorrect. The descent phase is generally associated with the second stage of labor, during which the baby moves through the birth canal. The information provided primarily relates to the first stage of labor, specifically the transition phase, as indicated by the cervical dilation of 9 cm.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is D.
A. Slowing the client's rate of breathing is not directly related to the observed uniform decelerations. The primary concern is the fetal heart rate pattern.
B. Decreasing the rate of infusion of the maintenance IV solution is not the appropriate intervention for addressing the observed fetal heart rate decelerations. The focus should be on the oxytocin infusion rate.
C. Increasing the rate of infusion of the IV oxytocin is not the appropriate action.
The patient is already experiencing frequent and strong contractions, and increasing the oxytocin rate can exacerbate the decelerations and compromise fetal well-being.
D. Discontinuing the infusion of the IV oxytocin is the correct action.
The observed uniform decelerations are likely related to oxytocin-induced hyperstimulation of the uterus. Stopping or decreasing the oxytocin infusion allows for the uterine activity to decrease, potentially improving fetal heart rate patterns.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is D. Fetal engagement
A. Fetal position, fetal lie, and fetal attitude are important aspects of the fetal presentation but are not specific considerations when performing an amniotomy.
B. Fetal lie is the relationship between the long axis of the fetus and the long axis of the mother. It is not directly relevant to the consideration of amniotomy.
C. Fetal attitude refers to the relationship of the fetal body parts to each other. It is not a specific consideration for amniotomy.
D. Fetal engagement is the correct consideration prior to amniotomy.
Fetal engagement refers to the descent of the fetal presenting part into the pelvis. Before performing an amniotomy, it is important to confirm that the fetal head is engaged in the pelvis, ensuring a lower risk of cord prolapse.
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