The physician prescribes prostaglandin (PGE2) gel for a patient being admitted for induction of labor.
Which finding would best indicate that the prostaglandin gel is effective?
The patient’s cervix is dilated.
The patient’s uterine contraction pattern is enhanced.
The patient’s cervix is softened.
The patient’s uterus is softened.
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice B. The patient’s uterine contraction pattern is enhanced. Prostaglandin E2 gel is used to induce labor by ripening and dilating the cervix and stimulating uterine contractions. The effectiveness of the gel can be measured by the frequency, duration and intensity of the contractions.
A stronger and more regular contraction pattern indicates that the gel is working and labor is progressing.
Choice A is wrong because cervical dilation is not the only indicator of labor induction. Cervical dilation can occur without contractions or with weak and irregular contractions, which means that labor is not established yet.
Choice C is wrong because cervical softening (or effacement) is a prerequisite for cervical dilation, but it does not necessarily mean that labor has started. Cervical softening can occur weeks before labor or even during pregnancy.
Choice D is wrong because uterine softening (or relaxation) is the opposite of what prostaglandin E2 gel is supposed to do. Uterine softening reduces the contractility and tone of the uterus, which can lead to prolonged labor or fetal distress.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, painless uterine contractions that occur throughout pregnancy, but are more noticeable in the third trimester.They do not indicate labor, but rather help in softening and ripening the cervix.
Choice A is wrong because the patient does not need to time the contractions unless they become regular, painful, and closer together, which are signs of true labor.
Choice B is wrong because documenting fetal activity daily is not related to Braxton Hicks contractions.Fetal activity is monitored to assess fetal well-being and detect any signs of fetal distress.
Choice C is wrong because losing the mucus plug is also not related to Braxton Hicks contractions.The mucus plug is a thick plug of mucus that seals the cervical canal during pregnancy and may be expelled before or during labor.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Ask what the patient ate and drank within the last day or two.This is because the nurse needs to assess the patient’s current nutritional status and eating habits before providing any education or advice.The nurse can then tailor the counseling to the patient’s specific needs and preferences.
Choice A is wrong because it is not the first action that the nurse should take.While it is important to explain the importance of adequate nutrition for the patient’s own growth and development, this should be done after assessing the patient’s current situation.
Choice B is wrong because it is not the first action that the nurse should take.While it is important to explain the relationship between the patient’s eating habits and fetal development, this should be done after assessing the patient’s current situation.
Choice D is wrong because it is not the first action that the nurse should take.While it is important to discuss with the patient the basic nutritional requirements of pregnancy, this should be done after assessing the patient’s current situation.
The normal ranges for nutritional intake during pregnancy vary depending on the age, weight, activity level, and health status of the patient.
However, some general guidelines are:
• Increase calorie intake by about 300 calories per day
• Increase protein intake by about 25 grams per day
• Increase calcium intake by about 1000 milligrams per day
• Increase iron intake by about 27 milligrams per day
• Increase folic acid intake by about 600 micrograms per day
• Increase fluid intake by about 8 to 10 cups per day
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