How is station assessed during labor?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: During labor, station refers to the position of the baby's head in relation to the mother's pelvis. Palpating the ischial spines is the correct way to assess station during labor because these bony landmarks indicate the level of descent of the baby's head into the pelvis. As the baby moves further down the birth canal, the ischial spines become more prominent and can help determine how close the baby is to being born. Palpating the sacral promontory (choice A) is not a reliable method for assessing station during labor because it does not provide information about the descent of the baby's head. The sacral promontory is a bony landmark at the back of the pelvis and is not directly related to the position of the baby. Palpating the cervix (choice C) is also not a reliable method for assessing station during labor because the cervix is the opening of the uterus and does not provide information about the descent of the baby's head into the pelvis. The cervix dilates and effaces during labor to allow for the passage of the baby, but it does not indicate the position of the baby's head. Palpating the symphysis pubis (choice D) is not a reliable method for assessing station during labor because this bony landmark is at the front of the pelvis and does not provide information about the descent of the baby's head. The symphysis pubis is important for assessing the progress of labor and the position of the baby's head, but it is not specifically used to determine station.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: C) Muscle relaxation is an integral part of Lamaze childbirth education because it helps women manage pain and stress during labor. Lamaze focuses on teaching women to relax their muscles to reduce tension and discomfort, ultimately leading to a more comfortable birthing experience. Muscle relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, visualization, and progressive muscle relaxation, are commonly used in Lamaze classes to prepare women for childbirth. A) Hypnotic suggestion is not typically a part of Lamaze childbirth education. While some women may choose to use hypnosis as a pain management technique during labor, it is not a core component of the Lamaze method. Lamaze primarily focuses on natural coping strategies, like breathing and relaxation techniques, rather than hypnosis. B) Rhythmic chanting is also not a key component of Lamaze childbirth education. While some women may find chanting or vocalizing helpful during labor, it is not a standard practice taught in Lamaze classes. The focus is more on breathing techniques and muscle relaxation to help manage pain and stress during childbirth. D) Pelvic rocking is not a central technique in Lamaze childbirth education. While movement and positioning are important during labor, pelvic rocking specifically is not a core component of the Lamaze method. Lamaze classes may teach various positions and movements to help women cope with labor pain, but pelvic rocking is not typically emphasized.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: If a laboring woman becomes light-headed and tachypneic, it is essential for the nurse to address the potential hyperventilation that may be causing these symptoms. Choice A: Checking the blood pressure is not the most appropriate action in this situation. While it is important to monitor blood pressure during labor, it is not the priority when a woman is experiencing light-headedness and tachypnea. Choice C: Moving the woman to her side is a common intervention for improving blood flow and oxygenation to the fetus, but it does not directly address the woman's symptoms of light-headedness and tachypnea. Choice D: Assessing the fetal heart rate is important during labor, but it is not the priority when the woman is experiencing symptoms that suggest hyperventilation. The correct answer is B: Having the woman rebreathe her exhalations. This technique helps to increase her carbon dioxide levels and decrease her respiratory rate, addressing the underlying cause of her symptoms. By having the woman rebreathe her exhalations, the nurse can help restore the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in her body, alleviating her light-headedness and tachypnea.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Maintaining the woman's privacy during the second stage of labor is the correct answer because it is essential for promoting a sense of dignity and comfort during a vulnerable and intense time. Option A, providing a bedpan, is incorrect because it is not necessary if the woman is sleeping between contractions. She should be allowed to rest comfortably without unnecessary interruptions. Option C, assessing vital signs, is also incorrect in this scenario. While monitoring vital signs is important during labor, if the woman is sleeping between contractions, it is likely that her vital signs are stable. Option D, administering oxygen, is unnecessary if the woman is sleeping between contractions and her vital signs are stable. Oxygen administration is typically indicated for specific situations such as fetal distress or maternal hypoxia. In conclusion, maintaining the woman's privacy allows her to rest and conserve energy during the second stage of labor, promoting a positive birthing experience.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Average variability in fetal heart tracing indicates that the baby's heart rate is fluctuating within the normal range, which is a positive sign of fetal well-being. In this case, no intervention is needed (Choice A). Administering oxygen (Choice B) would be unnecessary and potentially harmful as there is no indication of fetal distress. Changing the client's position (Choice C) may be helpful in cases of decreased variability, but in the case of average variability, it is not required. Increasing IV fluids (Choice D) would not have any impact on fetal heart rate variability and is not indicated in this situation. Therefore, the correct answer is A: No intervention needed, as average variability is a reassuring finding in fetal monitoring.