A nurse Is caring for a primigravid client who is at 36 weeks of gestation and asks, "How will I know if I am in labor?" Which of the following manifestations of true labor should the nurse discuss with the client? (Select All that Apply.)
Contractions that increase in intensity
Leakage of fluid from the vagina
increased bladder pressure
Blood-tinged vaginal mucus
Uterine contractions that decrease with rest
Correct Answer : A,B,D
A) Contractions that increase in intensity:
This is a hallmark sign of true labor. In true labor, contractions become progressively more intense, frequent, and regular. They also do not subside with rest or changes in activity. The intensity of contractions gradually increases as the cervix dilates and effaces, signaling the onset of labor.
B) Leakage of fluid from the vagina:
Leakage of fluid from the vagina, particularly if it is clear and odorless, is indicative of rupture of membranes, which can occur in true labor. If the membranes rupture and there is a continuous leakage of fluid, it is important for the client to contact the healthcare provider as it may signal the onset of labor. This is a significant sign of labor, especially if accompanied by contractions.
C) Increased bladder pressure:
Increased bladder pressure can occur in pregnancy, especially as the uterus grows and presses on the bladder. However, bladder pressure alone is not a definitive sign of true labor. It can also be a common complaint during late pregnancy, even before labor begins. This symptom would not be specific to true labor.
D) Blood-tinged vaginal mucus:
A bloody show, or blood-tinged mucus, is another classic sign of true labor. This happens as the cervix begins to soften, dilate, and efface, causing small blood vessels in the cervix to break. The bloody show is typically a pink or brownish mucus discharge and can occur just before labor starts, signaling that the cervix is changing in preparation for delivery.
E) Uterine contractions that decrease with rest:
This is a characteristic of false labor (Braxton Hicks contractions). In false labor, contractions tend to decrease or stop when the woman changes position, rests, or hydrates. On the other hand, in true labor, contractions persist and increase in intensity and frequency even with rest or hydration. Therefore, this is not a sign of true labor.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) At the umbilicus:
After delivery, the fundus is typically located at or just below the umbilicus in the immediate postpartum period, but it will gradually descend over the next few days. By 8 hours postpartum, the fundus is often slightly below the umbilicus, not directly at the umbilicus. The fundus will continue to shrink in size and move downward toward the pelvic region as the uterus contracts and involutes.
B) At a non-palpable depth:
A fundus that is non-palpable is generally expected later in the postpartum period, typically by 10-14 days after delivery, as the uterus contracts and returns to its pre-pregnancy size. At 8 hours postpartum, the fundus is still palpable, generally just below the umbilicus, and should be evaluated for firmness and position.
C) Just above the symphysis pubis:
The fundus is usually higher than the symphysis pubis at 8 hours postpartum, as it is still in the process of descending from the higher position it occupied during pregnancy. It would be expected to be just below the umbilicus or about 1 to 2 finger widths below it. By the second or third day postpartum, the fundus begins to move lower toward the symphysis pubis as it continues to involute.
D) Just below the umbilicus:
Eight hours after delivery, the nurse should expect to palpate the fundus just below the umbilicus. This is a typical finding as the uterus begins to contract and shrink after the delivery of the placenta. The fundus will descend about 1-2 cm per day postpartum, so by 8 hours, it is usually just slightly below the level of the umbilicus.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) G5 T1 P2 A1 L2:
G (Gravida): Gravida refers to the total number of pregnancies, including the current pregnancy. In this case, the woman is currently pregnant and has had 4 previous pregnancies (one miscarriage at 10 weeks, one at 22 weeks, and two live births). Therefore, her Gravida (G) is 5.
T (Term births): Term births are those that occur at or after 37 weeks of gestation. The woman delivered an 18-month-old daughter who was born 2 days after her due date, which is a term birth. Thus, her Term (T) is 1.
P (Preterm births): Preterm births occur between 20 and 36 weeks of gestation. The woman had a son born at 35 weeks, which is classified as a preterm birth. Therefore, the Preterm (P) is 2.
A (Abortions or miscarriages): Abortions refer to pregnancies that ended before 20 weeks of gestation. The woman experienced two miscarriages, one at 10 weeks and one at 22 weeks. Thus, the Abortions (A) is 1.
L (Living children): Living children are those who are currently alive. The woman has a 3-year-old son and an 18-month-old daughter, so the Living (L) is 2.
Thus, the correct GTPAL classification is G5 T1 P2 A1 L2.
B) G5 T2 P2 A1 L2:
This is incorrect because the woman had only one term birth (not two). She delivered her daughter at term, but the son was preterm (born at 35 weeks). Therefore, her Term (T) should be 1, not 2.
C) G4 T1 P2 A2 L2:
This is incorrect because the woman is currently pregnant, so her Gravida (G) is 5, not 4. Additionally, the woman had 1 abortion, not 2.
D) G4 T1 P1 A2 L2:
This is also incorrect because the woman is currently pregnant, so her Gravida (G) is 5, not 4. Furthermore, the woman had 2 preterm births, not 1.
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