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

Answer and Explanation

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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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Correct. In rapidly progressing labor, applying gentle perineal pressure helps control the speed of delivery and can prevent or minimize perineal tearing or lacerations. It also helps to manage the delivery of the fetal head, especially in cases where the labor is very rapid which can cause neurologic damage (increased intracranial pressure and dural/subdural tearing).

B. Cutting the umbilical cord is not the priority in this situation. The focus should be on the immediate management of the delivery process and preventing complications related to perineal tearing.

C. Preventing the perineum from tearing: While preventing the perineum from tearing is important, it is not the immediate priority in the context of rapidly progressing labor. The primary focus should be on safely delivering the baby, which involves controlling the delivery of the fetal head to prevent complications.

D. Promoting the delivery of the placenta is a consideration for the third stage of labor, which follows the delivery of the baby. It is not the priority during the active phase of delivery.

A. Have the client void. B. Position the client with one hip elevated. C. Ask the client if she needs pain medication. D. Notify the provider of the findings.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The correct answer is B. Position the client with one hip elevated.

A. Having the client void is a good practice, but it is not the priority action in this situation. The client's vital signs suggest a potential issue with uteroplacental perfusion, and repositioning the client should be the priority.

B. Positioning the client with one hip elevated is the priority action.

The vital signs, specifically the low blood pressure, may be indicative of aortocaval compression (supine hypotension). Elevating one hip helps alleviate this compression, improving blood flow and potentially addressing the decreased blood pressure.

C. Asking the client if she needs pain medication is important, but repositioning the client takes precedence due to the potential issue with blood pressure and uteroplacental perfusion.

D. Notifying the provider is important, but repositioning the client to improve blood flow should be done first. The provider may be notified afterward based on the client's response and ongoing assessment.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who presents to a labor and delivery unit experiencing rapidly progressing labor. Which of the following is the priority action for the nurse to take?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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