The nurse recognizes that a woman is in true labor when she states…., and finds that her cervix has dilated and effaced on examination.

A. Do you have any headaches or blurry vision? Headaches and blurry vision are common neurological symptoms of preeclampsia. These occur due to cerebral edema and hypertension-related vascular changes. Persistent headaches or visual disturbances (such as seeing spots or flashing lights) warrant further evaluation.

B. I am going to check your reflexes now. Hyperreflexia (brisk deep tendon reflexes) is a key neurological sign of worsening preeclampsia. Severe hyperreflexia can indicate impending eclampsia and increased seizure risk. Checking for clonus (involuntary rhythmic muscle contractions) is also important.

C. Have you been having trouble with urinary incontinence? Urinary incontinence is not a sign of preeclampsia. However, decreased urine output (oliguria) would be concerning as it may indicate worsening renal impairment, but incontinence itself is unrelated.

D. Do you have any right upper quadrant pain? Right upper quadrant or epigastric pain is a concerning sign of liver involvement in severe preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome. It occurs due to liver swelling and can be a precursor to serious complications such as hepatic rupture.

E. Have you had any nausea or vomiting recently? While nausea and vomiting are common in pregnancy, they are not defining symptoms of preeclampsia unless they are sudden and severe. If present in the third trimester, they may suggest worsening disease, but they are not primary indicators.

F. Do you feel safe at home? Screening for domestic violence is important in pregnancy, but it is not a diagnostic question for preeclampsia. While stress and abuse can impact blood pressure, this question does not help in determining preeclampsia.

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.