A primigravida at 40 weeks of gestation is having uterine contractions every 1.5 to 2 minutes and states that they are very painful. Her cervix is dilated 2 cm and has not changed in 3 hours. The woman is crying and wants an epidural. What is the likely status of this woman's labor?

She is exhibiting hypertonic uterine dysfunction.

She is experiencing a normal latent stage.

She is experiencing precipitous labor.

She is exhibiting hypotonic uterine dysfunction.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: She is exhibiting hypertonic uterine dysfunction, because she has frequent and painful contractions that are ineffective in dilating the cervix. Hypertonic uterine dysfunction occurs when the uterus contracts too often and too forcefully, resulting in poor oxygenation and fetal distress. The woman may need tocolytic therapy, pain relief, and hydration.

Choice B reason: She is not experiencing a normal latent stage, because her contractions are too frequent and too painful for this phase of labor. The normal latent stage is characterized by irregular and mild contractions that gradually increase in frequency and intensity, and cervical dilation from 0 to 3 cm.

Choice C reason: She is not experiencing precipitous labor, because her labor is not progressing rapidly. Precipitous labor is defined as labor that lasts less than 3 hours from the onset of contractions to the delivery of the baby. It is associated with cervical dilation of more than 5 cm per hour.

Choice D reason: She is not exhibiting hypotonic uterine dysfunction, because her contractions are not weak or infrequent. Hypotonic uterine dysfunction occurs when the uterus contracts too weakly or too rarely, resulting in prolonged labor and increased risk of infection. The woman may need oxytocin augmentation, amniotomy, or cesarean section.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta covers the cervix partially or completely. It can cause painless vaginal bleeding, but not abdominal pain.

Choice B reason: Prolapsed cord is a condition where the umbilical cord slips through the cervix and protrudes into the vagina or beyond. It can cause fetal distress, but not abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding.

Choice C reason: Incompetent cervix is a condition where the cervix dilates prematurely and painlessly. It can cause preterm labor and delivery, but not abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding.

Choice D reason: Abruptio placentae is a condition where the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery. It can cause severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and fetal distress. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention.

A. Increased subcutaneous fat B. Dry, cracked skin C. Scant scalp hair D. Copious vernix

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Increased subcutaneous fat is not a typical finding in a newborn who was born at 42.5 weeks of gestation, because it is more characteristic of a term or preterm newborn. A postterm newborn tends to have less subcutaneous fat, and may appear thin and wasted.

Choice B reason: Dry, cracked skin is a common finding in a newborn who was born at 42.5 weeks of gestation, because the skin has been exposed to the amniotic fluid for a prolonged period. The skin may also appear peeling, wrinkled, or leathery.

Choice C reason: Scant scalp hair is not a usual finding in a newborn who was born at 42.5 weeks of gestation, because it is more characteristic of a preterm newborn. A postterm newborn tends to have more scalp hair, and may also have long nails and abundant lanugo.

Choice D reason: Copious vernix is not a specific finding in a newborn who was born at 42.5 weeks of gestation, because it is more characteristic of a term or preterm newborn. A postterm newborn tends to have little or no vernix, which is a white, cheesy substance that protects the skin in utero.

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A primigravida at 40 weeks of gestation is having uterine contractions every 1.5 to 2 minutes and states that they are very painful. Her cervix is dilated 2 cm and has not changed in 3 hours. The woman is crying and wants an epidural. What is the likely status of this woman's labor?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse in the antepartum unit is caring for a client who is at 36 weeks of gestation and has pregnancy-induced hypertension. Suddenly, the client reports continuous abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. The nurse should suspect which of the following complications?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a newborn who was born at 42.5 weeks of gestation. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is teaching a pregnant woman with type 2 diabetes about her diet during pregnancy. Which client statement indicates that the nurse's teaching was successful?

A primigravida is being monitored at the prenatal clinic for preeclampsia. Which finding is of greatest concern to the nurse?

A nurse in a provider's office is caring for a client who is at 34 weeks of gestation and at risk for placental abruption. The nurse should recognize that which of the following is the most common risk factor for abruption?

A client comes to the emergency room reporting severe abdominal cramping and heavy bleeding at 10 weeks gestation. Cervical examination reveals heavy bleeding, the cervical os is open and tissue is present. Which type of abortion is the client experiencing?

A nurse is caring for a group of clients on an intrapartum unit. Which of the following findings should be reported to the provider immediately?

A nurse is caring for a client who is 12 hr postpartum. Which of the following findings should alert the nurse to the possibility of a postpartum complication?

A nurse is caring for a client who is at 36 weeks of gestation and who has a suspected placenta previa. Which of the following findings support this diagnosis?

A nurse is admitting a client who is at 30 weeks of gestation and is in preterm labor. The client has a new order for betamethasone and asks the nurse about the purpose of this medication. The nurse should provide which of the following explanations?