The nurse, working in labor and delivery, performs a sterile vaginal exam on a laboring woman. During the exam, she feels a loop of pulsating cord in the vagina. The nurse would anticipate:
Select one:

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.

Choice A Reason: Maintain the client on strict bedrest. This is an inappropriate action that may worsen the client's condition and increase her isolation and depression. Postpartum psychosis requires prompt psychiatric treatment with medication and psychotherapy, not bedrest.

Choice B Reason: Carefully monitor intake and output. This is an irrelevant action that has no direct relation to postpartum psychosis or its management. Monitoring intake and output may be indicated for other postpartum complications such as hemorrhage, infection, or preeclampsia.

Choice C Reason: Restrict visitation of the client's partner. This is an unnecessary action that may deprive the client of social support and emotional comfort. The partner may be an important source of help and information for the client and the health care team. The partner should be involved in the client's care and education, unless there are signs of abuse or violence.

Choice D Reason: Closely supervise all infant care and interaction. This is because postpartum psychosis is a severe mental disorder that occurs in some women after childbirth, which can cause delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, mood swings, confusion, and suicidal or homicidal thoughts. Postpartum psychosis can pose a danger to both the mother and the infant, as the mother may harm herself or the infant due to distorted perceptions or impulses. The nurse should closely supervise all infant care and interaction to ensure safety and prevent injury.