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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Meconium is produced by the fetal intestines. The intestines start to form meconium around the 16th week of gestation. Meconium is composed of shed cells, mucus, amniotic fluid, bile, and lanugo.
Choice B rationale
The placenta does not produce meconium. Its primary functions include nutrient transfer, gas exchange, and waste elimination, but it does not have the structures necessary for the production of meconium.
Choice C rationale
Amniotic fluid does not produce meconium. Amniotic fluid surrounds and protects the fetus but does not contain the components needed to create meconium. Instead, the fetus swallows and then excretes it into the intestines.
Choice D rationale
Fetal kidneys are responsible for filtering waste and producing urine, but they do not produce meconium. The production of meconium is a function of the intestines, not the kidneys.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Testing the fluid with nitrazine paper can confirm membrane rupture but is not the first priority. Assessing the fetal heart rate is crucial to ensure fetal well-being immediately after membrane rupture.
Choice B rationale
Documenting the time of rupture is important for clinical records but is not the first priority. Immediate assessment of fetal status takes precedence to detect any distress.
Choice C rationale
Monitoring the fetal heart rate and pattern immediately after membrane rupture is essential to ensure the fetus is not in distress. It helps detect any complications like cord prolapse.
Choice D rationale
Notifying the physician or midwife is necessary but not the first priority. Ensuring fetal well-being through heart rate monitoring is the immediate concern following membrane rupture.
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