The nurse continues to care for the client.

Exhibits

For each assessment finding, click to specify if the finding is consistent with psychosis or mania. Each finding may support more than one diagnosis.

A. Contraction intensity increased by ambulation. This finding is typical of true labor, as walking or changing positions usually causes contractions to increase in strength, duration, and frequency. In contrast, false labor contractions often subside with rest or activity changes and do not intensify with movement.
B. Slow change in dilation and effacement. Any change in cervical dilation or effacement, even if slow, is more consistent with true labor. False labor does not produce any significant cervical change, and the cervix remains closed or minimally altered with time or contractions.
C. Presence of bloody show. Bloody show is the expulsion of the mucus plug mixed with blood, a common sign of cervical softening and dilation. This is a key indicator of true labor, as it reflects actual physical changes in preparation for delivery.
D. Intermittent painless contractions. These contractions, also called Braxton Hicks contractions, are a hallmark of false labor. They are usually irregular, mild, and do not lead to cervical changes. They often resolve with hydration, rest, or position changes and are considered a normal part of the body's preparation for labor, not the onset of true labor.

A. Place a small, folded blanket behind the baby's neck to provide support while in the car seat. Adding extra padding behind the infant’s neck is not recommended, as it can alter the positioning and compromise the safety design of the car seat. Only manufacturer-approved inserts should be used.
B. Anchor the car seat in a rear-facing position in the back seat of the vehicle. Infants under the age of 2 should always be placed in a rear-facing car seat in the back seat. This position offers the best protection for the infant’s head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash.
C. Ensure the water heater temperature is set to no more than 54° C (129.2° F). This temperature is too high and increases the risk of scalding. The recommended maximum temperature for a household water heater is 49° C (120° F) to ensure infant safety.
D. Cover the baby with a cotton blanket when they are asleep. Using loose bedding, including blankets, increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Instead, the infant should sleep in a wearable blanket or sleep sack on a firm mattress without soft items.