A woman at 40 weeks gestation calls the labor unit to see whether or not she should go to the hospital to be evaluated.
Which of the following statements by the woman indicates that she is probably in labor and should proceed to the hospital?
The contractions are 5 to 20 minutes apart.
The contractions are regular, about a minute long and I am unable to talk through them.
I saw a pink discharge on the toilet tissue when I went to the bathroom.
I have had cramping for the past 4 hours.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Contractions spaced 5 to 20 minutes apart can indicate early labor, but regular and intense contractions closer together suggest active labor. This does not indicate imminent hospital visit.
Choice B rationale
Regular contractions lasting about a minute and causing inability to talk through them are strong indicators of active labor, suggesting the need for hospital evaluation.
Choice C rationale
Seeing a pink discharge (bloody show) indicates the cervix is starting to dilate but does not necessarily mean active labor is present. It's not the most immediate sign to proceed to hospital.
Choice D rationale
Cramping for 4 hours can be a sign of early labor, but it lacks the regularity and intensity of active labor contractions. This does not suggest an immediate need for hospital visit.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Calling for help and notifying the care provider ensures that expert medical assistance is available promptly for any emergency interventions required.
Choice B rationale
Getting help and preparing the operating room ensures readiness for an immediate cesarean section if fetal distress persists and the situation does not improve rapidly.
Choice C rationale
Starting Pitocin is inappropriate during fetal distress as it may further stress the fetus by increasing contraction frequency and intensity, potentially worsening the situation.
Choice D rationale
Inserting a Foley catheter does not address the immediate concern of fetal distress and would not provide immediate benefit in improving fetal heart rate.
Choice E rationale
Repeating uterine resuscitation measures (e.g., repositioning, oxygen, IV fluids) is essential, but if they are ineffective, additional interventions, such as preparing for possible surgical delivery, are needed.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Fetal movement felt by the pregnant woman is a presumptive sign of pregnancy, indicating probable fetal presence, but not definitive evidence.
Choice B rationale
Fetal heart rate noted on ultrasound is a positive sign of pregnancy, providing objective evidence of fetal existence within the uterus.
Choice C rationale
A positive pregnancy test indicates probable pregnancy due to hormonal presence, but it is not a definitive confirmation without further clinical evidence.
Choice D rationale
Braxton Hicks contractions are considered probable signs of pregnancy, as they indicate uterine activity without confirming the presence of a fetus.
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