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 A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Macrosomic fetus is a fetus that weighs more than 4000 grams or 8 pounds 13 ounces at birth. It is not a common complication of teenage pregnancy, but rather of maternal diabetes, obesity, or a history of large babies.
Choice B Reason: Preeclampsia is a condition characterized by high blood pressure and proteinuria in pregnancy. It can cause serious complications for both the mother and the baby, such as seizures, organ damage, growth restriction, and placental abruption. Teenage pregnancy is a risk factor for preeclampsia, especially if the mother is younger than 15 years old.
Choice C Reason: Inadequate nutritional status of mother is a condition where the mother does not consume enough calories, protein, vitamins, minerals, or fluids during pregnancy. It can affect the growth and development of the baby and increase the risk of low birth weight, preterm birth, and birth defects. Teenage pregnancy is a risk factor for inadequate nutritional status of mother, as teenagers may have poor dietary habits, eating disorders, or limited access to food.
Choice D Reason: Cephalopelvic disproportion is a condition where the size or shape of the baby's head or body is too large to fit through the mother's pelvis. It can prevent normal vaginal delivery and require cesarean section. Teenage pregnancy is a risk factor for cephalopelvic disproportion, as teenagers may have smaller or immature pelvises that are not fully developed.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Docusate sodium (Colace). This is because docusate sodium is a stool softener that can prevent constipation and straining during defecation, which can aggravate or impair the healing of a perineal laceration. A fourth-degree perineal laceration is a severe tear that extends through the skin, muscles, perineal body, and anal sphincter into the rectal mucosa. It can occur during vaginal delivery due to factors such as fetal macrosomia, forceps use, or episiotomy.
Choice B Reason: Bromocriptine (Parlodel). This is an inappropriate medication for a postpartum client with a fourth- degree perineal laceration, as it has no effect on wound healing or pain relief. Bromocriptine is a dopamine agonist that can suppress lactation by inhibiting prolactin secretion. It is used for women who do not wish to breastfeed or who have medical contraindications to breastfeeding.
Choice C Reason: Ferrous sulfate (Feosol). This is an unnecessary medication for a postpartum client with a fourth- degree perineal laceration, unless she has iron deficiency anemia. Ferrous sulfate is an iron supplement that can treat or prevent anemia by increasing hemoglobin production and oxygen-carrying capacity. Anemia can occur in the postpartum period due to blood loss during delivery or poor nutritional intake during pregnancy.
Choice D Reason: Methylergonovine (Methergine). This is an irrelevant medication for a postpartum client with a fourth-degree perineal laceration, as it does not affect wound healing or pain relief. Methylergonovine is an ergot alkaloid that can stimulate uterine contractions and reduce postpartum bleeding. It is used for women who have uterine atony or hemorrhage.
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