A nurse on the labor and delivery unit is caring for a patient following a vaginal examination by the provider which is documented as: -1. Which of the following interpretations of this finding should the nurse make?
The cervix is effaced 1 cm
The presenting part is 1 cm below the ischial spines
The presenting part is 1 cm above the ischial spines
The cervix is 1 cm dilated .
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
The term “effaced” refers to the thinning of the cervix, which is a process that occurs as labor approaches. However, the documentation “-1” does not indicate the degree of cervical effacement.
Choice B rationale
The term “presenting part is 1 cm below the ischial spines” would be documented as “+1” in a vaginal examination. This indicates that the presenting part of the fetus (usually the head) is 1 cm below the ischial spines, which are bony landmarks in the maternal pelvis.
Choice C rationale
The documentation “-1” in a vaginal examination refers to the position of the presenting part of the fetus in relation to the ischial spines of the maternal pelvis. A “-1” indicates that the presenting part is 1 cm above the ischial spines. This is a common finding during labor and does not indicate any abnormality.
Choice D rationale
The term “dilated” refers to the opening of the cervix. In the context of labor and delivery, the cervix dilates from 0 to 10 cm to allow for the passage of the baby. However, the documentation “-1” does not provide information about the degree of cervical dilation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is: d. Right lower
Choice A: Right upper
Reason: The right upper quadrant is not typically where fetal heart tones are auscultated when the fetal back is on the right side and the head is in the lower part of the uterus. This area is more likely to be associated with the breech presentation if the fetus’s head is in the fundus.
Choice B: Left upper
Reason: The left upper quadrant would be considered if the fetal back was on the left side and the head was in the fundus. Since the nurse palpated the fetal back on the right side, this option is not applicable.
Choice C: Left lower
Reason: The left lower quadrant would be relevant if the fetal back was on the left side and the head was in the lower part of the uterus. Given the fetal back is on the right side, this is not the correct location.
Choice D: Right lower
Reason: The correct answer is the right lower quadrant. When the nurse palpates a round, firm, movable part (likely the head) in the fundus and a long, smooth surface (the back) on the right side, it indicates that the fetus is in a cephalic (head-down) position with its back on the right. Therefore, the fetal heart tones are best auscultated in the right lower quadrant.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Vaginal discharge is common during pregnancy due to the increased production of estrogen and greater blood flow to the pelvic area. It is not typically a sign of preeclampsia.
Choice B rationale
Elevated blood pressure is a primary symptom of preeclampsia. If a pregnant client has high blood pressure, it should indicate to the nurse that the client requires further evaluation for this disorder.
Choice C rationale
Joint pain is not typically a symptom of preeclampsia. It could be related to other conditions or simply a result of the physical changes of pregnancy.
Choice D rationale
Increased urine output is not typically associated with preeclampsia. In fact, decreased urine output could potentially be a sign of kidney problems related to preeclampsia.
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