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?

Apply perineal pressure to the emerging fetal head

Cut the umbilical cord

Prevent the perineum from tearing

Promote delivery of the placenta

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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.

A. Accelerations B. Early decelerations C. Late decelerations D. Variable decelerations

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The correct answer is D. Variable decelerations.

A. Accelerations in the fetal heart rate are generally considered reassuring. Accelerations are an indication of fetal well-being and are often seen in response to fetal movement.

B. Early decelerations are typically associated with head compression during contractions and are considered a normal response to the pressure on the fetal head.

C. Late decelerations are indicative of uteroplacental insufficiency.

Late decelerations occur after the peak of the contraction and are associated with inadequate oxygenation to the fetus. This pattern raises concerns about the baby's well-being.

D. Variable decelerations are associated with umbilical cord compression.

Variable decelerations are abrupt decreases in the fetal heart rate that vary in duration, depth, and timing. They often coincide with contractions and suggest compression or occlusion of the umbilical cord.

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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?

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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