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?

The correct answer is choice B. A multipara is a woman who has given birth more than once.

After delivery, the uterus contracts to return to its normal size and position.

However, in multiparas, the uterine muscles may be weaker and less able to contract effectively.

This can lead to a condition called uterine atony, where the uterus does not contract enough to prevent bleeding.

Uterine atony can also cause the uterus to descend into the vagina, which is called a prolapsed uterus.

Therefore, multiparas need frequent uterine fundal assessments to monitor the tone and position of the uterus and prevent complications.

Choice A is wrong because breast care teaching is important for all postpartum women, regardless of parity.

Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue that can occur in any woman who is breastfeeding or not.

It is not more common in multiparas.

Choice C is wrong because a strict toileting schedule is not necessary for multiparas.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract, usually from the urethra.

UTIs are not more common in multiparas, unless they have other risk factors such as catheterization, diabetes, or sexual activity.

Choice D is wrong because an “as needed” order for an analgesic may not be adequate for multiparas.

Pain after delivery can vary depending on the type and duration of labor, the size and position of the baby, and the use of anesthesia or episiotomy.

Multiparas may experience more pain due to stretching of the pelvic muscles and ligaments, or due to afterpains, which are contractions of the uterus that occur after delivery.

Therefore, multiparas may need regular doses of analgesics to manage their pain effectively.

The correct answer is choice D. Rest on your side as much as possible.This is because resting on the side can improve blood flow to the placenta and lower blood pressure.It can also reduce the risk of supine hypotensive syndrome, which occurs when the weight of the uterus compresses the inferior vena cava and reduces venous return.

Choice A is wrong because spicy foods have no effect on blood pressure or pregnancy outcomes.Choice B is wrong because limiting fluid intake can lead to dehydration and increase blood viscosity, which can worsen hypertension.Choice C is wrong because urinating frequently does not lower blood pressure or prevent complications of pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is a condition that causes high blood pressure during pregnancy.It can lead to serious problems for both the mother and the baby, such as pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, placental abruption, fetal growth restriction, and stillbirth.

Women with PIH should follow their doctor’s advice on medication, diet, exercise, and monitoring.They should also report any symptoms of pre-eclampsia, such as severe headache, blurred vision, abdominal pain, or swelling.