A woman in her 40th week of pregnancy calls the nurse at the clinic and says she's not sure whether she is in true or false labor. Which statement by the client would lead the nurse to suspect that the woman is experiencing false labor?
Select one:
"If I try to talk to my partner during a contraction, I can't."
"My contractions slow down when I walk around."
"I feel contractions start mostly in my back and they sweep around to the top of my abdomen."
"My contractions are about 6 minutes apart and regular."
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason: "If I try to talk to my partner during a contraction, I can't." This is an incorrect answer that indicates a sign of true labor, not false labor. True labor is a condition where there are regular and painful uterine contractions that cause cervical dilation and effacement, and lead to delivery of the baby and placenta. True labor contractions are usually strong and consistent, and they tend to increase or persist with activity or position changes. True labor contractions can be so intense that they interfere with speech or breathing.
Choice B Reason: ) "My contractions slow down when I walk around." This is because this statement by the client would lead the nurse to suspect that the woman is experiencing false labor, which is also known as Braxton Hicks contractions or practice contractions. False labor is a condition where there are irregular and painless uterine contractions that do not cause cervical dilation or effacement. False labor can occur throughout pregnancy, but it becomes more noticeable and frequent in late pregnancy. False labor contractions are usually weak and inconsistent, and they tend to decrease or stop with activity or position changes.
Choice C Reason: "I feel contractions start mostly in my back and they sweep around to the top of my abdomen." This is an incorrect answer that indicates a sign of true labor, not false labor. True labor contractions usually start in the lower back and radiate to the lower abdomen or groin, following a wave-like patern. False labor contractions are more likely to be felt in the upper abdomen or sides, without a clear patern.
Choice D Reason: "My contractions are about 6 minutes apart and regular." This is an incorrect answer that indicates a sign of true labor, not false labor. True labor contractions usually have a regular frequency and duration, and they become closer and longer as labor progresses. False labor contractions are more likely to have an irregular frequency and duration, and they do not change significantly over time.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Shoulder dystocia. This is an incorrect answer that describes a different obstetric complication. Shoulder dystocia is a condition where the baby's shoulder gets stuck behind the mother's pubic bone during delivery, which can cause nerve injury, fracture, or asphyxia to the baby. Shoulder dystocia does not cause fetal bradycardia, abdominal pain, or vaginal bleeding.
Choice B Reason: Placental abruption. This is a correct answer that explains the symptoms of fetal bradycardia, abdominal pain, and vaginal bleeding in a woman with a history of crack cocaine use. Placental abruption. This is because placental abruption is a condition where the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery, which can cause fetal distress, maternal hemorrhage, and shock. Placental abruption can be triggered by maternal hypertension, trauma, or substance abuse, such as crack cocaine.
Choice C Reason: Anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy. This is an incorrect answer that refers to a rare and fatal condition also known as amniotic fluid embolism. Anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy is a condition where amniotic fluid enters into the maternal bloodstream and causes an allergic reaction, which can lead to respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, coagulopathy, and coma. Anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy does not cause fetal bradycardia or vaginal bleeding.
Choice D Reason: Placenta previa. This is an incorrect answer that indicates another placental disorder. Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta covers or is near the cervix, which can cause painless bright red bleeding during pregnancy or labor. Placenta previa does not cause fetal bradycardia or abdominal pain.

Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Homans' sign. This is an incorrect answer that refers to a different sign that is not related to pregnancy. Homans' sign is a sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) that occurs when there is pain or discomfort in the calf or popliteal region when the foot is dorsiflexed. Homans' sign can be elicited by passive or active movement of the foot, but it is not a reliable or specific indicator of DVT.
Choice B Reason: Chadwick's sign. This is an incorrect answer that refers to a different sign of pregnancy that affects the color of the cervix, not the texture. Chadwick's sign is a sign of pregnancy that refers to the bluish or purplish discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and vulva due to increased blood flow and congestion. Chadwick's sign can be observed by visual inspection of the cervix during the first prenatal visit, usually around 6 to 8 weeks of gestation.
Choice C Reason: Goodell's sign. This is because Goodell's sign is a sign of pregnancy that refers to the softening of the cervix due to increased vascularity and edema. Goodell's sign can be detected by digital examination of the cervix during the first prenatal visit, usually around 6 to 8 weeks of gestation.
Choice D Reason: McDonald's sign. This is an incorrect answer that refers to a different sign of pregnancy that involves the angle of the uterus, not the cervix. McDonald's sign is a sign of pregnancy that refers to the ease of flexing the body of the uterus against the cervix, which creates an angle of 90 degrees or less. McDonald's sign can be assessed by bimanual examination of the uterus during the first prenatal visit, usually around 7 to 8 weeks of gestation.

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