Nurses can help their clients by keeping them informed about the distinctive stages of labor. Which description of the phases of the first stage of labor is accurate?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Active: Moderate, regular contractions; 4- to 7-cm dilation; duration of 3 to 6 hours. This phase marks the progression of labor as the cervix continues to dilate. The contractions become stronger and more frequent, indicating active labor. Option A is incorrect because the description aligns more closely with the latent phase of labor, where contractions are mild, dilation is minimal, and the duration is longer than stated. Option C is incorrect as there is no phase called "Lull" in labor and delivery. Labor involves progressive stages, and a phase with no contractions and stable dilation is not a recognized part of the process. Option D is incorrect as it describes the transition phase, which occurs when the cervix is nearly fully dilated, not during the first stage of labor. Understanding the stages of labor is crucial for nurses caring for laboring clients. By accurately identifying and differentiating between the phases, nurses can provide appropriate support and interventions to ensure a safe and positive birthing experience for both the mother and baby.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Assess the woman for other evidence of infection. A leukocyte count of 14,500/mm3 indicates a potential infection as it is above the normal range of 4,500-11,000/mm3. The nurse should assess the woman for other signs of infection like fever, chills, increased heart rate, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge. This is crucial for timely intervention to prevent complications for both the mother and the baby. Option B) Promptly inform the nurse-midwife of the results is incorrect because while it is important to communicate findings with the healthcare team, immediate assessment and action to address the potential infection take precedence. Option C) Using isolation techniques is unnecessary in this situation as leukocytosis does not necessarily indicate a communicable disease that requires isolation. Option D) Recording the results in the woman's chart is important for documentation purposes but does not address the immediate need for further assessment and intervention. In an educational context, understanding the significance of laboratory values in the context of labor and delivery is essential for providing safe and effective care to women in childbirth. Nurses must be able to recognize abnormal findings and take appropriate actions to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In determining the most reliable evidence that true labor has begun, the correct answer is option B) Change in the amount of cervical thinning. This is because cervical changes, such as thinning (effacement) and dilation, are key indicators of true labor. As the cervix prepares for childbirth, it thins out and opens up. This process is a direct sign that the body is getting ready for delivery. Option A) Regular contractions every 15 minutes may indicate early labor, but without accompanying cervical changes, it may not definitively signify true labor. Option C) Increased ease of breathing with frequent urination and option D) A sudden urge to do household tasks are not reliable indicators of labor onset and are not directly related to cervical changes or the progression of labor. In an educational context, understanding the signs of true labor is crucial for healthcare providers and expectant mothers to differentiate between false labor and actual labor. By recognizing the importance of cervical changes as a reliable indicator, healthcare professionals can provide appropriate care and support during the labor and delivery process. This knowledge empowers individuals to make informed decisions and ensures safe and effective management of childbirth.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of labor and delivery, the abbreviation LOA stands for "Left Occiput Anterior," which indicates that the baby's back is on the left side of the mother's abdomen, the baby's head is down, and the baby is facing the mother's spine. This position is considered the most favorable for vaginal birth because it allows the baby to pass through the birth canal more easily and reduces the risk of complications during delivery. The other options are not as favorable for vaginal birth: - RMP (Right Mentoposterior): In this position, the baby's face is toward the mother's front, which can make the birth process more challenging and increase the likelihood of interventions. - LST (Left Sacrum Transverse): In this position, the baby is lying sideways in the uterus, which can lead to a prolonged or difficult labor. - ROP (Right Occiput Posterior): This position means the baby's back is on the right side of the mother's abdomen, which can result in a longer and more painful labor due to the baby facing the mother's front. Understanding fetal presentation and position is crucial in obstetrics as it influences the course of labor, the mode of delivery, and the likelihood of complications. Healthcare providers use this information to monitor progress during labor and make informed decisions to ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Look at her perineum. The priority nursing action at this moment is to assess the perineum to determine if the baby is imminent and if delivery is about to occur. This is crucial as the woman's sudden change in behavior, with low-pitched grunting sounds, may indicate the urge to push and imminent delivery. Option A is incorrect because asking about pain medication is not the priority when the woman is exhibiting signs of imminent delivery. Option B, turning her to her left side, is not the priority when urgent assessment of the perineum is needed. Option C, assessing contraction duration, is not the priority when immediate action related to the imminent delivery is required. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of recognizing signs of imminent delivery and the need for prompt assessment to ensure safe and timely delivery of the baby. It emphasizes the critical role of nurses in monitoring laboring women for subtle cues indicating the progression of labor and the need for quick decision-making to provide appropriate care.