A client in the second stage of labor reports to a nurse that they are feeling pain and pressure in their pelvis and perinium. Which of the following should the nurse understand that this pain is caused by?

Uterine contractions

The fetal head applying pressure

Nerve stimulation

Cervical dilation

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A) Uterine contractions:
While uterine contractions cause significant pain and discomfort during labor, particularly in the first and early second stages, by the time the client reaches the second stage of labor, the cervix is fully dilated, and the main cause of pain and pressure is no longer from the contractions themselves. Instead, the pain and pressure described in the second stage are primarily due to the fetal head descending through the birth canal, applying pressure to the perineum.

B) The fetal head applying pressure:
The pain and pressure reported in the second stage of labor are primarily due to the fetal head descending into and through the birth canal, putting pressure on the cervix, vagina, perineum, and pelvic floor. This pressure is a major source of discomfort in the second stage, as the fetal head stretches the tissues of the perineum, which is essential for facilitating birth. The sensation of pressure on the pelvic floor is often described by clients during this stage.

C) Nerve stimulation:
Nerve stimulation occurs during labor as a result of uterine contractions and the fetal descent, which can cause radiating pain to the lower back, thighs, and pelvic region. However, the specific pain and pressure in the pelvis and perineum described by the client are more directly related to the fetal head applying pressure, rather than generalized nerve stimulation. Nerve stimulation may contribute to pain but is not the primary cause of the pelvic and perineal pressure at this stage.

D) Cervical dilation:
Cervical dilation occurs in the earlier stages of labor (latent and active phases), and while it contributes to pain during these stages, by the second stage, the cervix should be fully dilated (10 cm). The pain and pressure that the client is feeling in the second stage are less about cervical dilation and more about the descent of the fetal head through the birth canal and its pressure on the perineum and pelvic floor.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) Flexion:
Flexion is a movement where the fetal head bends forward during labor, which allows the smallest diameter of the head to pass through the birth canal. It is an important part of the labor process but does not refer to the initial descent of the fetus into the pelvis. Flexion typically occurs once the fetus begins to descend into the pelvis.

B) Engagement:
Engagement refers to the initial descent of the fetal head into the pelvis and the passage of the largest part of the fetal head (the biparietal diameter) into the maternal pelvis. This occurs when the fetal head reaches zero station at the level of the ischial spines and is the first cardinal movement of labor. It marks the point at which the presenting part of the fetus enters the pelvic inlet and begins the process of descent.

C) Extension:
Extension is the movement of the fetal head as it exits the birth canal after engagement and descent. The head moves from a flexed position (chin to chest) to an extended position (chin moving away from the chest) as it passes through the birth canal. This movement occurs after engagement and is a part of the expulsion phase, not the initial descent.

D) Expulsion:
Expulsion is the final phase of labor, which occurs after the fetal head has been delivered. It involves the delivery of the rest of the body (shoulders, torso, and legs) following the birth of the head. This is the final cardinal movement, which takes place after engagement, descent, flexion, internal rotation, extension, and external rotation.

A. June 10 B. June 24 C. June 20 D. June 14

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Naegele's Rule is a method used to estimate the due date of a pregnancy. It involves the following steps:

Start with the first day of the client's last menstrual period (LMP).
Add one year.
Subtract three months.
Add seven days.

Using the client's LMP of September 17:

Start with September 17.
Add one year: September 17, the following year.
Subtract three months: June 17 of the following year.
Add seven days: June 24.

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A client in the second stage of labor reports to a nurse that they are feeling pain and pressure in their pelvis and perinium. Which of the following should the nurse understand that this pain is caused by?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nursing, intructor is explaining the cardinal movements of labor to the nursing students. The instructor explains that the initial descent of the fetus into the pelvis to zero station is which one of the cardinal movements of labor.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client at their first prenatal appointment. The client reports that the first day of their last menstrual period was September 17. Which of the following accurately represents the client's estimated date of birth using Naegele's Rule?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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