A woman at 26 weeks of gestation is being assessed to determine whether she is experiencing preterm labor. Which finding is most indicative that preterm labor is occurring?

The cervix is effacing and dilated to 2 cm

Irregular, mild uterine contractions are occurring every 15-30 minutes

Estriol is not found in maternal saliva

Fetal fibronectin is present in vaginal secretions

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. The cervix is effacing and dilated to 2 cm. Cervical changes, including effacement and dilation, are the most definitive signs of preterm labor. Uterine contractions alone do not confirm preterm labor unless they result in cervical dilation, indicating that labor is progressing.

B. Irregular, mild uterine contractions are occurring every 15-30 minutes. Irregular contractions, known as Braxton Hicks contractions, can be common in pregnancy and do not necessarily indicate preterm labor. True preterm labor involves regular contractions that lead to cervical changes.

C. Estriol is not found in maternal saliva. The absence of estriol in maternal saliva does not confirm or rule out preterm labor. Salivary estriol testing is not a widely used or reliable diagnostic tool for determining the onset of preterm labor.

D. Fetal fibronectin is present in vaginal secretion. Fetal fibronectin (fFN) is a protein found in vaginal secretions between 22-34 weeks of pregnancy and can indicate a risk of preterm labor, but its presence alone does not confirm that labor is actively occurring. A positive fFN test means the patient may be at increased risk for preterm labor, but cervical changes remain the best indicator of actual labor.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. To prevent uterine atony. Suprapubic pressure is not used to prevent uterine atony. Uterine atony, which leads to postpartum hemorrhage, is managed through uterine massage and medications such as oxytocin.

B. To facilitate the delivery of the baby's head. The baby's head has already been delivered in shoulder dystocia. The emergency arises because the shoulders are stuck behind the pubic bone, requiring specific maneuvers to release them.

C. To facilitate the delivery of the baby's shoulders. Shoulder dystocia occurs when the anterior shoulder becomes impacted behind the maternal pubic bone, preventing delivery. Suprapubic pressure is applied to help dislodge the shoulder by compressing it downward, allowing it to pass under the pubic bone. This maneuver, along with the McRoberts position, is commonly used to resolve the dystocia.

D. To prepare for the third stage of labor. The third stage of labor refers to the delivery of the placenta, which occurs after the baby is born. Suprapubic pressure is specifically used to assist in the second stage of labor when shoulder dystocia occurs.

A. There is progressive resistance to the effects of insulin B. Pregnancy fosters the development of carbohydrate cravings. C. Hypoinsulinemia develops early in the first trimester D. Glucose levels decrease to accommodate fetal growth.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. There is progressive resistance to the effects of insulin. During pregnancy, placental hormones (such as human placental lactogen, estrogen, and progesterone) cause increasing insulin resistance. This ensures that glucose remains available for fetal growth. However, in gestational diabetes, the pancreas cannot compensate with increased insulin production, leading to hyperglycemia.

B. Pregnancy fosters the development of carbohydrate cravings. While some pregnant individuals experience cravings, this is not a defining cause of gestational diabetes. The condition results from hormonal changes leading to insulin resistance, not dietary habits alone.

C. Hypoinsulinemia develops early in the first trimester. Gestational diabetes is not caused by a deficiency of insulin (hypoinsulinemia) but by insulin resistance. In fact, insulin production often increases, but it is insufficient to overcome the resistance caused by placental hormones.

D. Glucose levels decrease to accommodate fetal growth. In a normal pregnancy, glucose levels remain stable, and the fetus actively takes glucose from maternal circulation. However, in gestational diabetes, maternal glucose levels rise due to insulin resistance, increasing the risk of fetal overgrowth (macrosomia).

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A woman at 26 weeks of gestation is being assessed to determine whether she is experiencing preterm labor. Which finding is most indicative that preterm labor is occurring?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

An emergency shoulder dystocia delivery occurred that requires the nurse to apply suprapubic pressure. What is the rationale for this action?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse would include which of the following statements when describing the pathophysiology of gestational diabetes?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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