A nurse concludes that a woman is in the latent phase of labor. Which of the following signs/symptoms would lead a nurse to that conclusion?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: During the latent phase of labor, contractions are typically mild to moderate in intensity and occur at regular intervals. Choice A is correct because if the woman is able to talk and laugh during contractions, it indicates that her contractions are not yet intense or close enough together to signify active labor. This aligns with the characteristics of the latent phase. Choice B is incorrect because complaining about severe back labor is more indicative of active labor, where contractions are stronger and more frequent. This symptom is not typically associated with the latent phase of labor. Choice C is incorrect because performing effleurage (light circular stroking of the abdomen) during a contraction is a coping mechanism often used in active labor to help manage pain. In the latent phase, contractions are usually not intense enough to necessitate coping techniques like effleurage. Choice D is incorrect because the urge to defecate is more commonly associated with the later stages of labor as the baby descends and puts pressure on the rectum. In the latent phase, the woman is typically still able to walk around and may not yet feel the urge to bear down. In summary, the ability to talk and laugh during contractions is a key characteristic of the latent phase of labor, making choice A the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are all more indicative of active labor or the later stages of labor, making them incorrect in this context.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: pH of 7.30. Fetal blood sampling is a test used to assess the well-being of the fetus during pregnancy. The pH of the fetal blood is a crucial indicator of the fetus's oxygenation status. A pH of 7.30 is within the normal range for fetal blood, indicating adequate oxygenation. Choice A, oxygen saturation of 99%, is not typically reported in fetal blood sampling tests. Oxygen saturation levels are more commonly measured in maternal blood tests. Choice B, Hgb of 11 gm/dL, is a measurement of hemoglobin levels which is not typically reported in fetal blood sampling tests. Hemoglobin levels are more relevant in assessing anemia in adults rather than in fetal blood tests. Choice C, serum glucose of 140 mg/dL, is a measurement of glucose levels which is also not typically reported in fetal blood sampling tests. Glucose levels are more commonly monitored in maternal blood tests for gestational diabetes. In summary, the correct answer is D because the pH of the fetal blood is a critical indicator of oxygenation status in the fetus, while the other choices are not typically reported in fetal blood sampling tests and are more relevant to maternal blood tests.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Performing yoga exercises is a nonpharmacological intervention recommended by nurse midwives to help a client at full term go into labor. Yoga exercises can help promote relaxation, reduce stress, and increase circulation, all of which can potentially help stimulate labor. Additionally, certain yoga poses can help open up the pelvis and encourage the baby to move into the optimal position for birth. Engaging in sexual intercourse is also a commonly recommended nonpharmacological intervention to help induce labor. Sexual intercourse can help release oxytocin, a hormone that can stimulate contractions. Additionally, semen contains prostaglandins which can help soften the cervix. Ingesting evening primrose oil is not typically recommended as a method to induce labor. While evening primrose oil is sometimes used to help ripen the cervix, there is limited scientific evidence to support its effectiveness in stimulating labor. Massaging the breast and nipples is not a commonly recommended method to induce labor. While nipple stimulation can help release oxytocin and stimulate contractions, it should be done under the supervision of a healthcare provider due to the potential risks of overstimulation and uterine hyperstimulation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: To calculate the amount of medication to administer, we can use the formula: Dose prescribed (mg) / Concentration on hand (mg/mL) = Volume to administer (mL) In this case, the dose prescribed is 0.5 mg and the concentration on hand is 2 mg/mL. So, 0.5 mg / 2 mg/mL = 0.25 mL. Therefore, the nurse will administer 0.25 mL of Stadol to the laboring client. Choice B, C, and D are marked as N/A because they do not have any relevance to the question. The correct answer is based on the calculation of the dose prescribed and the concentration on hand, which results in 0.25 mL. Choice B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not provide a valid answer to the question. Only choice A provides a clear and accurate calculation based on the information given in the question.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A vaginal examination provides the best information about the status of labor because it allows healthcare providers to directly assess the cervix for dilation, effacement, and station of the baby. This information is crucial in determining the progress of labor and deciding on the appropriate course of action. Leopold's maneuvers (choice A) are a series of four movements used to assess the position of the fetus in the uterus. While they can provide some information about the baby's position, they do not give as much detail about the status of labor as a vaginal examination. Fundal contractility (choice B) refers to the strength and regularity of contractions, which is important in labor progress. However, this information alone does not provide a comprehensive picture of the status of labor as it does not give information on cervical dilation and effacement. Assessment of the fetal heart (choice C) is important for monitoring the well-being of the baby during labor, but it does not provide direct information about the progress of labor in terms of cervical changes. In conclusion, a vaginal examination is the best choice for assessing the status of labor as it provides direct and detailed information about cervical dilation, effacement, and station of the baby, which are crucial in managing labor effectively.