A nurse is caring for a patient who is in labor and is placed on a monitor.How should the nurse determine the duration of contractions?
Count the time from the end of one contraction to the beginning of the next contraction.
Count the time from the middle of one contraction to the end of the same contraction.
Count the time from the beginning of one contraction to the end of the same contraction.
Count the time from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next contraction.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is choice C. Count the time from the beginning of one contraction to the end of the same contraction.
This is because the duration of a contraction is the length of time that the uterine muscle is tightening and relaxing.
The duration is measured from the start of one contraction until the end of that same contraction.
Choice A is wrong because it measures the frequency of contractions, not the duration.
The frequency is the time between the start of one contraction and the start of the next one.
Choice B is wrong because it measures only half of the duration of a contraction.
The middle of a contraction is when the uterine muscle reaches its peak intensity and then starts to relax.
Choice D is wrong because it measures both the duration and the interval of contractions.
The interval is the time between the end of one contraction and the start of the next one.
Normal ranges for contractions during labor are:
• Duration: 30 to 90 seconds
• Frequency: 2 to 5 minutes apart
• Interval: 30 to 120 seconds
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A.“To determine fetal lung maturity.” An amniocentesis at 37 weeks of gestation can be done to measure the lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio in the amniotic fluid, which indicates the level of surfactant production and the readiness of the fetal lungs for breathing.A low L/S ratio can indicate fetal compromise due to gestational diabetes.
Choice B is wrong because fetal renal function is not assessed by amniocentesis, but by ultrasound or biophysical profile.
Choice C is wrong because amniotic fluid glucose level is not a reliable indicator of fetal well-being or gestational diabetes control.
Choice D is wrong because congenital anomalies are usually detected earlier in pregnancy by ultrasound, maternal serum screening, or chorionic villus sampling.
Normal ranges for L/S ratio are 2:1 or higher for term fetuses and 1.5:1 or higher for preterm fetuses.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. “Have you noticed any tenderness in your breasts?”
Breast tenderness is one of the early signs of pregnancy that may occur as early as one to two weeks after conception.It is caused by hormonal changes that prepare the breasts for lactation.
Choice A is wrong because shortness of breath is not a sign of early pregnancy.It may occur later in pregnancy due to the growing uterus pressing on the diaphragm.
Choice B is wrong because episodes of loss of consciousness are not a sign of early pregnancy.They may indicate a serious condition such as anemia, dehydration, or hypoglycemia that requires medical attention.
Choice C is wrong because spotting is not a sign of early pregnancy.
It may be a sign of implantation bleeding, which occurs when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus.However, implantation bleeding is usually much lighter and shorter than a normal period.
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