A nurse is monitoring a client who is in the active phase of labor and has an electronic fetal monitor.
Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Uterine contractions every 15 minutes.
FHR baseline 166/min with minimal variability.
Late decelerations in FHR.
Contraction duration of 75 seconds.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Uterine contractions every 15 minutes are characteristic of the latent phase of labor, not the active phase. In the active phase, contractions typically become stronger, more frequent, and more regular, occurring every 2 to 5 minutes, signifying progressive cervical dilation.
Choice B rationale
A fetal heart rate (FHR) baseline of 166/min with minimal variability is concerning. While a baseline up to 160/min is generally normal, 166/min is slightly elevated, and minimal variability (5 bpm or less) can indicate fetal hypoxia or acidosis, necessitating further assessment and intervention. Normal FHR baseline is 110-160 bpm.
Choice C rationale
Late decelerations in FHR are non-reassuring findings indicative of uteroplacental insufficiency, meaning inadequate oxygen transfer to the fetus. These decelerations suggest potential fetal distress and require immediate intervention and reporting to the provider, not an expected finding in active labor.
Choice D rationale
Contraction duration of 75 seconds is an expected finding in the active phase of labor. During this phase, contractions typically last 45 to 90 seconds. This duration contributes to effective cervical effacement and dilation, signifying adequate uterine activity for labor progression.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"A"},"F":{"answers":"A"},"G":{"answers":"B"}}
Explanation
Placement of an internal fetal spiral electrode is contraindicated because it requires ruptured membranes and no active vaginal bleeding. In cases of antepartum bleeding, especially without rupture of membranes, it increases infection risk and fetal injury.
Laboratory testing (CBC, blood type, Rh factor, coagulation studies) is anticipated to evaluate maternal blood loss, anemia, blood type compatibility, and coagulation status. These are essential for managing bleeding risk and potential transfusions.
IV fluids are anticipated to maintain maternal hemodynamic stability and manage possible blood loss, preventing hypovolemia and hypotension.
Abdominal ultrasound is anticipated for placental localization, fetal wellbeing assessment, and to differentiate causes of bleeding (placenta previa vs. abruption).
Betamethasone administration is anticipated at 30 weeks to accelerate fetal lung maturity in case of preterm delivery.
Continuous fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring is essential to assess fetal status and detect hypoxia or distress promptly.
Digital cervical exam is contraindicated due to risk of exacerbating bleeding and infection in the presence of unknown placental position or bleeding source.
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"C"}
Explanation
Based on the 0715 assessment findings, the nurse identifies that the client is at greatest risk for developing postpartum hemorrhage and urinary tract infection.
Rationale for correct answers
Postpartum hemorrhage risk is indicated by a boggy fundus located 2 fingerbreadths above the umbilicus and deviated to the right, signifying uterine atony and bladder distention. Uterine atony causes inadequate contraction, increasing bleeding risk. Normal fundal position is firm, midline, at or below the umbilicus. The client’s saturated perineal pad confirms excessive bleeding. Urinary tract infection risk is suggested by urinary retention signs (urge to urinate but only voiding 50 mL) and straining, increasing bacterial colonization risk. Blood-tinged urine further supports urinary tract irritation or infection. Normal urine output in adults is approximately 0.5 mL/kg/hr; this client’s low output suggests retention.
Rationale for incorrect answers
Postpartum infection (B) and endometritis (C) are possible but less immediately likely; WBC is normal at 7,500/mm³ and temperature is only mildly elevated (37.7°C). Uterine inversion (D) is a rare, acute emergency with a prolapsed uterus, not described here. Endometritis (B) typically presents with fever, uterine tenderness, and elevated WBC, absent here.
Rationale for incorrect answers
Postpartum infection (A) and endometritis (B) again are unlikely given stable WBC and low-grade temperature. Uterine inversion (D) does not correlate with the clinical presentation of a boggy, displaced fundus and urinary retention. The urinary tract infection (C) is most consistent with symptoms of retention, pain, and bloody urine.
Take home points
- Boggy, displaced fundus with heavy bleeding signals uterine atony and postpartum hemorrhage risk.
- Urinary retention increases risk for urinary tract infection post-cesarean birth.
- Mild temperature elevation and normal WBC do not confirm infection but warrant monitoring.
- Differentiating uterine atony from uterine inversion and infection is critical for timely intervention.
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