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.

Answer and Explanation

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

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The correct answer is choice D: To prevent her from having convulsions.Magnesium sulfate is a mineral that reduces seizure risks in women with preeclampsia, a condition of high blood pressure and protein in the urine during pregnancy.Magnesium sulfate can lower the cerebral perfusion pressure and prevent convulsions.However, magnesium sulfate does not affect the neonatal outcomes and can cause side effects such as respiratory depression.

Choice A is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not decrease blood pressure.It is used along with medications that help reduce blood pressure.

Choice B is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not decrease tidal volume.It can cause respiratory depression if the serum level is too high.

Choice C is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not prevent dehydration.It can cause fluid retention and pulmonary edema if given in excess.

A. The fetal heart rate decreases after the start of a contraction and returns to the baseline 60 seconds after the end of the contraction. B. There is a six to ten beat-to-beat variability in the fetal heart rate. C. The fetal heart rate accelerates five to seven beats just prior to the beginning of a contraction. D. The fetal heart rate decreases at the start of the contraction and returns to baseline by the end of the contraction.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The correct answer is choice A and it indicates fetal distress because it is a sign oflate deceleration.Late decelerations are due touteroplacental insufficiencyas the result of decreased blood flow and oxygen to the fetus during the uterine contractions.This causeshypoxemiaand can lead to fetal acidosis and neurological damage.

Choice B is wrong because it indicates anormal variabilityin the fetal heart rate, which reflects a healthy autonomic nervous system.A normal fetal heart rate is 120-160 beats per minute.

Choice C is wrong because it indicates anearly accelerationin the fetal heart rate, which is a benign finding that may occur with fetal movement or stimulation.

Choice D is wrong because it indicates anearly decelerationin the fetal heart rate, which is a normal response to fetal head compression during contractions.

It does not indicate fetal distress.

Normal ranges for fetal heart rate patterns are:

• Baseline: 120-160 beats per minute

• Variability: 6-25 beats per minute

• Accelerations: at least 15 beats per minute above baseline for at least 15 seconds

• Decelerations: none or early (mirror contractions)

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient diagnosed with preeclampsia is admitted to the hospital and prescribed magnesium sulfate therapy. What is the purpose of administering magnesium sulfate to this patient?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse caring for a patient in labor is evaluating the fetal heart monitor.Which finding would indicate fetal distress?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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