During a vaginal birth, a birthing person experienced a second-degree perineal laceration. What is a characteristic of a second-degree laceration?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because a second-degree perineal laceration extends through the vaginal mucosa and perineal muscles. First, a second-degree laceration involves more than just the vaginal mucosa, as it also affects the perineal muscles. This type of laceration is more severe than a first-degree laceration, which only involves the vaginal mucosa. Second, due to the involvement of deeper structures like the perineal muscles, suturing is typically required to promote proper healing and prevent complications. Therefore, choice B is correct. Choices A and C are incorrect because a second-degree laceration involves more than just the vaginal mucosa and is not the least severe type of laceration. Choice D is incorrect because suturing is usually necessary for second-degree lacerations.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for a nurse when a birthing person experiences late deceleration in fetal heart rate is to turn the laboring person to the left side. This helps improve placental perfusion by reducing pressure on the vena cava, enhancing blood flow to the uterus, and thus improving oxygenation to the fetus. This action can help alleviate the late deceleration and prevent fetal distress. Increasing maternal oxygen supply (choice B) is important but not the first-line intervention for late decelerations. Emergency cesarean section (choice C) is not typically indicated for late decelerations unless other interventions fail. Administering terbutaline (choice D) is not appropriate for late decelerations as it is a tocolytic used to inhibit uterine contractions and prevent preterm labor.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Performing an amniotomy during labor is done to augment labor by releasing amniotic fluid, which can help progress labor by increasing uterine contractions and encouraging the descent of the baby's head. This can help prevent prolonged labor and facilitate a smoother delivery process. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because inducing labor, reducing the risk of infection, and preventing fetal infection are not the primary purposes of performing an amniotomy.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The primary goal of using an epidural during labor is to provide analgesia without sedation. Epidurals block pain signals, allowing the laboring individual to feel relief while remaining fully conscious. This helps manage labor pain effectively without causing sedation, allowing the individual to actively participate in the birthing process. Choice B is incorrect because epidurals can limit movement and positioning due to numbness. Choice C is incorrect as the main purpose is pain relief, not anxiety relief. Choice D is incorrect as continuous monitoring can be achieved through other methods, and it is not the primary goal of using an epidural.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ensure the person is positioned correctly. This is crucial because proper positioning ensures the medication is distributed correctly and helps prevent complications like uneven distribution or nerve injury. Monitoring blood pressure (B) and oxygen saturation (C) are important but secondary to ensuring correct positioning. Administering pain medication (D) is not a nursing intervention specific to epidural administration.