What does the nurse note when measuring the frequency of a laboring woman’s contractions?

A. Endurance: Refers to the ability to withstand pain over time.

B. Level: Refers to the intensity of pain but not the minimum sensation.

C. Tolerance: Refers to the maximum level of pain a person can endure.

D. Threshold: The lowest intensity at which a person perceives a stimulus as painful.

A. Gestational age: The client is 31 weeks of gestation, which is preterm. This is critical information to determine the risk for preterm labor and guide interventions such as corticosteroid administration for fetal lung maturity or tocolytic therapy.

B. Vaginal examination: While a vaginal examination can provide information on cervical dilation and effacement, it is not appropriate to perform without consulting the provider first, especially in a preterm client with contractions.

C. Uterine contractions: The frequency (every 10 minutes) and duration (lasting 30 seconds) of contractions are critical findings that suggest the possibility of preterm labor. This information helps the provider decide on appropriate diagnostic or therapeutic measures, such as starting a tocolytic or performing fetal monitoring.

D. Maternal blood pressure: The maternal blood pressure is within normal limits (118/78 mmHg) and does not indicate a pressing concern in this scenario.

E. Maternal report of pain: The client reports cramping and low back pain, which could indicate preterm labor or another issue affecting uterine activity. This subjective information helps the provider assess the need for further evaluation or pain relief measures.

F. Fetal heart rate: The FHR is 140 beats per minute, which is within the normal range (110-160 bpm). A normal FHR suggests that the fetus is not in distress, but continuous monitoring and assessment are necessary to ensure the fetus remains well-oxygenated, especially in the context of uterine contractions.