A 40-year-old G2, P1 woman is admitted to the labor and delivery unit with contractions 6 minutes apart. She is 36 weeks pregnant, has a history of placenta previa, and is currently experiencing moderate vaginal bleeding. What should the nurse be prepared to do?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Initiate external fetal monitoring. In this scenario, the patient is at 36 weeks of gestation with a history of placenta previa and moderate vaginal bleeding, indicating a high-risk situation. External fetal monitoring allows for continuous assessment of the fetal heart rate and uterine contractions, which is crucial for identifying signs of fetal distress or complications related to placenta previa. This monitoring can help guide timely interventions and decision-making to ensure the safety of the mother and baby. Performing a vaginal examination (A) may increase the risk of bleeding in cases of placenta previa. Artificial rupture of membranes (B) can also lead to increased bleeding and should be avoided in this situation. Encouraging ambulation (D) is not recommended due to the risk of exacerbating bleeding and potential complications.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cervical dilation is occurring. During true labor, the cervix begins to dilate and efface in preparation for childbirth. This process is a definitive sign of active labor. In contrast, the other choices are not definitive signs of true labor. Choice A is incorrect because pain decreasing when walking is not a specific indicator of true labor. Choice C, the fetal membranes rupturing, indicates the beginning of labor but is not the definitive sign. Choice D, the fetal head at –1 station, signifies the descent of the baby into the pelvis but does not confirm active labor.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Provide nonpharmacological pain relief. A doula's role is to offer emotional support, comfort measures, and advocacy during labor. Providing nonpharmacological pain relief techniques such as massage, breathing exercises, and positioning is within the scope of a doula's practice. This helps the mother cope with labor discomfort without the use of medication. Choice A is incorrect because doulas do not administer medications. Choice B is incorrect as assessing fetal heart rate is typically done by healthcare providers. Choice C is incorrect as performing vaginal examinations is not a part of a doula's role.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: FHR baseline of 165. In this scenario, a FHR baseline of 165 is concerning as it is higher than the normal range (110-160 bpm) for a term fetus. This may indicate fetal distress or hypoxia, possibly due to cord compression or placental insufficiency. High baseline FHR can lead to fetal complications like acidosis or asphyxia. The other choices are less concerning: A is subjective and manageable, C indicates a common response to labor and is usually transient, and D is expected after amniotomy. Monitoring and addressing the abnormal FHR is crucial for fetal well-being.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Misoprostol is a medication used for cervical ripening and induction of labor. Step 2: The characteristics of the cervix that indicate the need for misoprostol are early in the dilation process (1 cm dilated), minimally effaced (20%), high station (-3), and firm and posterior position. Step 3: Choice A best aligns with these characteristics, making it the correct answer. Step 4: Choices B, C, and D are more advanced in dilation, effacement, station, and cervical position which do not indicate the need for misoprostol.