The labor and delivery nurse is caring for a 27-year-old primigravida with the following vaginal exam: 2 to 3 cm dilated/70% effaced/-2 station. For the last 2 hours the FHR tracing has displayed a Category I tracing and uterine contractions that are every 2 minutes. The contractions are strong to palpation and the patient is now 3/70%/-2. Which is the nurse’s next best action?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, documenting the findings. In this scenario, the patient is in active labor with regular strong contractions, cervical change, and a reassuring fetal heart rate tracing. The priority is to document these important clinical findings accurately for proper assessment and monitoring of progress. Encouraging ambulation (A) may not be safe due to the frequency and strength of contractions. Initiating oxytocin (B) is unnecessary as labor is progressing well on its own. Assisting the patient to a warm bath (C) may provide comfort but is not the most critical action at this time.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: The fetus must be at least 34 weeks gestation. This is because using vacuum or forceps delivery before 34 weeks gestation can increase the risk of complications for both the mother and the baby. For the other choices: A: The woman’s bladder being empty is not a specific criteria for vacuum or forceps use. C: A Category I tracing is related to fetal heart monitoring and does not directly impact the decision to use vacuum or forceps. D: While it is ideal for the cervix to be completely dilated before vacuum or forceps use, it is not the primary criteria to be verified.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the multigravida uterus has undergone labor before, making muscle coordination more efficient. This allows for faster and more coordinated contractions, leading to precipitous labor. Choice A is incorrect because the cervix does not weaken after each delivery. Choice B is incorrect as simultaneous dilation and effacement are not specific to multiparous women. Choice D is incorrect because the ability to recognize labor onset is not a determining factor in the occurrence of precipitous labor.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Sitting on birthing ball. This position helps to open up the pelvis, allowing gravity to assist in descent of the baby. It also promotes optimal positioning for the baby, reducing the risk of malpresentation. The other choices (A, B, D) do not provide the same benefits in terms of promoting optimal fetal positioning and utilizing gravity to aid in labor progress. Ambulation with assistance may not provide as much support for the pelvis, squatting with support from the partner may not be as stable or comfortable for the mother, and resting on hands and knees may not encourage as much engagement of the baby's head in the pelvis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B (A uterine resting tone of 30 mm Hg) because a high uterine resting tone indicates uterine hyperstimulation, which can lead to uterine rupture, fetal distress, and compromised blood flow to the placenta. A higher resting tone of 30 mm Hg is concerning compared to the normal range of 12-18 mm Hg. Choice A (A uterine resting tone of 17 mm Hg) is within the normal range, so it is not as concerning as a higher resting tone. Choices C (Contractions every 3 minutes lasting 60 seconds) and D (Contractions every 5 minutes lasting 60 seconds) describe the frequency and duration of contractions, which are important but are not as immediately concerning as a high uterine resting tone.