A nurse is caring for a primigravida whose cervix is 2 cm dilated, 75% effaced, and the fetal presenting part is at +2 station.
The patient says to the nurse, “I want an epidural now.Why won’t someone give me an epidural?” Which response is most appropriate for the nurse to make?

“Your labor may slow down if you receive an epidural now.”.

“You need to be at least eight centimeters dilated prior to receiving an epidural.”.

“You will need to be catheterized prior to receiving an epidural.”.

“Your baby needs to be at zero station before you can have an epidural.”.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

The correct answer is choice A. “Your labor may slow down if you receive an epidural now.” An epidural is a type of regional anesthesia that blocks pain in a specific area of the body.

It can be used to reduce pain during labor and delivery.

However, an epidural can also have some side effects, such as lowering blood pressure, causing fever, and slowing down labor progress.

Therefore, it is usually recommended to wait until the cervix is at least 4 to 5 cm dilated and the contractions are strong and regular before receiving an epidural.

Choice B is wrong because there is no fixed rule about how dilated the cervix needs to be before receiving an epidural.

Some women may receive an epidural earlier or later than others, depending on their pain level, medical history, and preferences.

Choice C is wrong because catheterization is not a prerequisite for receiving an epidural.

Catheterization is the insertion of a tube into the bladder to drain urine.

It may be done after receiving an epidural because the anesthesia can affect the ability to urinate.

However, it is not required before receiving an epidural.

Choice D is wrong because the station of the baby does not determine when a woman can have an epidural.

The station of the baby refers to how far the baby has descended into the pelvis.

It is measured in relation to the ischial spines, which are bony landmarks in the pelvis.

A positive station means that the baby is below the spines, while a negative station means that the baby is above the spines.

Zero station means that the baby is at the level of the spines.

The station of the baby does not affect the administration of an epidural, as long as there are no other complications or contraindications.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason:
At 37 weeks, especially in gestational diabetes, fetal lungs may still be immature. Amniocentesis checks lung maturity to ensure the baby can breathe effectively if early delivery is needed due to fetal compromise.

Choice B reason:
Fetal renal function is not typically assessed through amniocentesis at term. Kidney function is monitored via ultrasound, not by analyzing amniotic fluid at 37 weeks.

Choice C reason:
Amniotic fluid glucose levels are not used to manage gestational diabetes. Maternal blood glucose is the standard for monitoring and treatment.

Choice D reason:
Congenital anomalies are usually detected earlier in pregnancy. By 37 weeks, the focus of amniocentesis is on delivery planning, not anomaly detection.

A. Count the time from the end of one contraction to the beginning of the next contraction. B. Count the time from the middle of one contraction to the end of the same contraction. C. Count the time from the beginning of one contraction to the end of the same contraction. D. Count the time from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next contraction.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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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A nurse is caring for a primigravida whose cervix is 2 cm dilated, 75% effaced, and the fetal presenting part is at +2 station. The patient says to the nurse, “I want an epidural now.Why won’t someone give me an epidural?” Which response is most appropriate for the nurse to make?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has gestational diabetes and is scheduled for an amniocentesis at 37 weeks of gestation due to suspected fetal compromise. What is the nurse’s best response to the client’s question as to why the amniocentesis test is being done?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client with postpartum hemorrhage. The provider has ordered Methylergonovine 200 mcg intravenously to be administered stat. The nurse should perform which priority assessment prior to administering this medication?

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A nurse is caring for a 16-year-old primigravida who is in the last month of an uncomplicated pregnancy. Which measure is most appropriate to include in the patient’s plan of care?

A nurse is caring for a primigravida whose cervix is 2 cm dilated, 75% effaced, and the fetal presenting part is at +2 station.
The patient says to the nurse, “I want an epidural now.Why won’t someone give me an epidural?” Which response is most appropriate for the nurse to make?