A nurse is caring for a client who is at 39 weeks of gestation and is in active labor. The nurse locates the fetal heart tones above the client's umbilicus at midline. The nurse should suspect that the fetus is in which of the following positions?

A. Frank breech position

A. In a frank breech presentation, the baby's buttocks are the presenting part. When the nurse locates fetal heart tones above the client's umbilicus at midline during active labor, it is indicative of a breech presentation, and the frank breech position is one possibility.

B. In a cephalic presentation, which is the most common and ideal position for childbirth, the fetal head is the presenting part, and the fetal heart tones would typically be heard below the umbilicus.

C. In a posterior position, the back of the baby's head is against the mother's spine. Fetal heart tones in this position would be typically heard below the umbilicus.

D. In a transverse lie, the baby is positioned horizontally across the uterus. Fetal heart tones may be heard laterally in this position, not necessarily above the umbilicus at midline.

A. The pattern of contractions is important in assessing labor, but the presence of regular contractions alone does not confirm true labor. It is the changes in the cervix that indicate progress in labor.

B. The station of the presenting part (the level at which the baby's head has descended into the pelvis) is also a factor in labor, but it is not the primary indicator of true labor. Changes in the cervix are more indicative.

C. Changes in the cervix are a key sign of true labor.

True labor involves cervical effacement (thinning) and dilation (opening). These changes in the cervix signify progress in the labor process.

D. Rupture of the membranes (water breaking) can be a sign of labor, but it doesn't confirm true labor on its own. It might occur before, during, or after labor has begun.