The physician prescribes prostaglandin (PGE2) gel for a patient being admitted for induction of labor.
Which finding would best indicate that the prostaglandin gel is effective?
The patient’s cervix is dilated.
The patient’s uterine contraction pattern is enhanced.
The patient’s cervix is softened.
The patient’s uterus is softened.
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice B. The patient’s uterine contraction pattern is enhanced. Prostaglandin E2 gel is used to induce labor by ripening and dilating the cervix and stimulating uterine contractions. The effectiveness of the gel can be measured by the frequency, duration and intensity of the contractions.
A stronger and more regular contraction pattern indicates that the gel is working and labor is progressing.
Choice A is wrong because cervical dilation is not the only indicator of labor induction. Cervical dilation can occur without contractions or with weak and irregular contractions, which means that labor is not established yet.
Choice C is wrong because cervical softening (or effacement) is a prerequisite for cervical dilation, but it does not necessarily mean that labor has started. Cervical softening can occur weeks before labor or even during pregnancy.
Choice D is wrong because uterine softening (or relaxation) is the opposite of what prostaglandin E2 gel is supposed to do. Uterine softening reduces the contractility and tone of the uterus, which can lead to prolonged labor or fetal distress.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. “Your labor may slow down if you receive an epidural now.” An epidural is a type of regional anesthesia that blocks pain in a specific area of the body.
It can be used to reduce pain during labor and delivery.
However, an epidural can also have some side effects, such as lowering blood pressure, causing fever, and slowing down labor progress.
Therefore, it is usually recommended to wait until the cervix is at least 4 to 5 cm dilated and the contractions are strong and regular before receiving an epidural.
Choice B is wrong because there is no fixed rule about how dilated the cervix needs to be before receiving an epidural.
Some women may receive an epidural earlier or later than others, depending on their pain level, medical history, and preferences.
Choice C is wrong because catheterization is not a prerequisite for receiving an epidural.
Catheterization is the insertion of a tube into the bladder to drain urine.
It may be done after receiving an epidural because the anesthesia can affect the ability to urinate.
However, it is not required before receiving an epidural.
Choice D is wrong because the station of the baby does not determine when a woman can have an epidural.
The station of the baby refers to how far the baby has descended into the pelvis.
It is measured in relation to the ischial spines, which are bony landmarks in the pelvis.
A positive station means that the baby is below the spines, while a negative station means that the baby is above the spines.
Zero station means that the baby is at the level of the spines.
The station of the baby does not affect the administration of an epidural, as long as there are no other complications or contraindications.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Auscultate the fetal heart sounds.This is because spontaneous rupture of membranes (SROM) may be associated with fetal distress or cord prolapse, and the nurse should assess the fetal well-being as soon as possible.Fetal heart sounds can indicate the presence of fetal bradycardia, tachycardia, or decelerations, which may require immediate intervention.
Choice A is wrong because checking the specific gravity of the amniotic fluid is not a priority action after SROM.The specific gravity can help differentiate amniotic fluid from urine, but it is not as reliable as other methods such as nitrazine paper test or visual inspection.
Choice B is wrong because providing dry linens for the patient is a comfort measure, but not a priority action after SROM.The nurse should first ensure the safety of the fetus and the mother before attending to their comfort needs.
Choice D is wrong because notifying the health care provider is an important action after SROM, but not the first one.The nurse should gather relevant data such as fetal heart rate, maternal vital signs, and characteristics of the fluid before contacting the provider.
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