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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is D. Prolonged labor
A. Umbilical cord prolapse is more commonly associated with breech presentations or other abnormal fetal positions. It is not a typical complication of occipital brow presentation.
B. Precipitous labor refers to an unusually rapid labor, and it is not a typical complication associated with occipital brow presentation. Prolonged labor is more likely.
C. Hypertonic uterine dysfunction involves excessive uterine contractions, and it is not specifically associated with occipital brow presentation. It is more commonly associated with other factors, such as maternal anxiety or use of oxytocin.
D. Prolonged labor is a complication that can be associated with occipital brow presentation.
Occipital brow presentation involves the fetal head being partially extended, and it can lead to difficulties in descending through the birth canal. This may result in a prolonged labor process.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Reassess the client in 2 hours is inappropriate. While reassessment is important, addressing the cause of uterine displacement, in this case, a full bladder, should be the initial priority.
Choice B Reason:
Administering simethicone is inappropriate. Simethicone is typically used to relieve gas and bloating. It is not the primary intervention for uterine displacement related to bladder fullness.
Choice C Reason:
Assisting the client to empty her bladder is appropriate. A full bladder can displace the uterus and hinder its contraction, leading to potential issues such as uterine atony or increased postpartum bleeding. Emptying the bladder helps the uterus contract more effectively.
Choice D Reason:
Instructing the client to lie on her right side is inappropriate. Lying on the right side is often recommended to improve blood flow and oxygenation to the fetus during pregnancy but may not directly address uterine displacement caused by a full bladder. The priority is to assist the client in emptying her bladder.
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