A nurse Is caring for a primigravid client who is at 36 weeks of gestation and asks, "How will I know if I am in labor?" Which of the following manifestations of true labor should the nurse discuss with the client? (Select All that Apply.)
Contractions that increase in intensity
Leakage of fluid from the vagina
increased bladder pressure
Blood-tinged vaginal mucus
Uterine contractions that decrease with rest
Correct Answer : A,B,D
A) Contractions that increase in intensity:
This is a hallmark sign of true labor. In true labor, contractions become progressively more intense, frequent, and regular. They also do not subside with rest or changes in activity. The intensity of contractions gradually increases as the cervix dilates and effaces, signaling the onset of labor.
B) Leakage of fluid from the vagina:
Leakage of fluid from the vagina, particularly if it is clear and odorless, is indicative of rupture of membranes, which can occur in true labor. If the membranes rupture and there is a continuous leakage of fluid, it is important for the client to contact the healthcare provider as it may signal the onset of labor. This is a significant sign of labor, especially if accompanied by contractions.
C) Increased bladder pressure:
Increased bladder pressure can occur in pregnancy, especially as the uterus grows and presses on the bladder. However, bladder pressure alone is not a definitive sign of true labor. It can also be a common complaint during late pregnancy, even before labor begins. This symptom would not be specific to true labor.
D) Blood-tinged vaginal mucus:
A bloody show, or blood-tinged mucus, is another classic sign of true labor. This happens as the cervix begins to soften, dilate, and efface, causing small blood vessels in the cervix to break. The bloody show is typically a pink or brownish mucus discharge and can occur just before labor starts, signaling that the cervix is changing in preparation for delivery.
E) Uterine contractions that decrease with rest:
This is a characteristic of false labor (Braxton Hicks contractions). In false labor, contractions tend to decrease or stop when the woman changes position, rests, or hydrates. On the other hand, in true labor, contractions persist and increase in intensity and frequency even with rest or hydration. Therefore, this is not a sign of true labor.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
A) Change client position every 30 minutes:
Changing positions regularly during the second stage of labor can help facilitate fetal descent and improve the effectiveness of contractions. This strategy also helps relieve pressure on certain areas of the body, such as the perineum and lower back, promoting more effective pushing and reducing the need for assisted delivery. Frequent position changes can help the mother progress in labor without the need for tools or interventions.
B) Upright positions:
Upright positions, such as standing, squatting, or kneeling, can be beneficial in the second stage of labor. These positions allow gravity to assist in the descent of the baby, which can help avoid the need for forceps or vacuum extraction. Upright positions also tend to open up the pelvis and can result in more effective pushing, reducing the likelihood of an assisted vaginal delivery.
C) Supine positions:
Supine positions (lying on the back) are not recommended for avoiding an assisted vaginal birth. Lying on the back can hinder fetal descent and may also lead to increased pressure on the inferior vena cava, which can decrease blood flow and oxygen to the uterus. This position tends to slow down labor and may increase the need for interventions like forceps or vacuum extraction, making it less favorable for a spontaneous vaginal delivery.
D) Lateral positions:
Lateral positions (lying on one side) can also help in the second stage of labor. This position can improve uterine blood flow, relieve pressure on the perineum, and provide more room for the baby to descend. It is a good alternative to supine positions and can aid in achieving a vaginal birth without assistance.
E) Delayed pushing:
Delayed pushing can be helpful for some clients, especially if they are not fully dilated or if they need time to rest. However, delayed pushing is not directly related to preventing an assisted vaginal birth. In fact, if the mother waits too long to push or doesn't push effectively, it could potentially lead to more complications or require assisted interventions. The key is ensuring that pushing is done effectively and at the right time in the second stage, rather than delaying it unnecessarily.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Right upper quadrant:
The right upper quadrant would not be the most appropriate place to auscultate the fetal heart rate in this scenario. In a vertex presentation with the fetal back on the left side, the best location for auscultation is typically along the fetal back, which is on the left side of the mother. The right upper quadrant would place you over the small parts of the fetus (limbs, hands, etc.), which generally would not be where the fetal heart rate is best heard.
B) Left upper quadrant:
The left upper quadrant is the most appropriate area to begin auscultation for this fetal heart rate (FHR) pattern. In this position, the fetal back is positioned towards the left side of the mother's abdomen, and the heart rate is typically heard most clearly over the back. The left upper quadrant would be over the fetal back, making it the best location to auscultate the FHR accurately.
C) Right lower quadrant:
The right lower quadrant would not be ideal for auscultating the fetal heart rate in this scenario. Since the fetal back is on the left side, the right lower quadrant would likely be over the fetal small parts (arms and legs), where the FHR would be harder to distinguish.
D) Left lower quadrant:
Although the left lower quadrant is on the left side of the mother, it's closer to the pelvic area and may be less effective for auscultating the fetal heart rate in this vertex presentation. It's more likely to be over the lower parts of the fetus, potentially interfering with accurate heart rate auscultation.
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