ATI RN
labor and delivery questions and answers Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is directing an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to obtain maternal vital signs between contractions. Which statement is the appropriate rationale for assessing maternal vital signs between contractions raNtheRr thaIn aGt anBot.heCr inMterval? U S N T O
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. During contractions, maternal circulating blood volume increases temporarily due to the compression of blood vessels. Therefore, assessing vital signs between contractions provides a more accurate baseline measurement. Choice A is incorrect because vital signs taken during contractions may be affected by the pain and stress of labor. Choice B is incorrect as fetal heart rate assessment is a separate priority. Choice C is incorrect as maternal blood flow to the heart actually increases during contractions to ensure adequate oxygen supply.
Question 2 of 5
Which factor ensures that the smallest anterior-posterior diameter of the fetal head enters the pelvis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Flexion is the correct answer. During labor, fetal head flexion allows the smallest anterior-posterior diameter of the head to enter the pelvis first, reducing the risk of cephalopelvic disproportion. Station refers to the level of the presenting part in the maternal pelvis, not the head orientation. Descent is the downward movement of the fetus in the birth canal, not related to head position. Engagement occurs when the widest part of the presenting part reaches the level of the maternal ischial spines, not specifically related to the orientation of the fetal head.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is assessing a patient in the active phase of labor. What should the nurse expect during this phase?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: During the active phase of labor, contractions become stronger and more frequent, leading to cervical dilation. This is when the patient typically experiences the urge to push as the cervix reaches around 7-10 cm dilation. This signifies progress towards the second stage of labor. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not specifically align with the characteristics of the active phase of labor. A patient may exhibit a range of emotions and behaviors during labor, but the key indicator of the active phase is the urge to push due to cervical dilation.
Question 4 of 5
The primary difference between the labor of a nullipara and that of a multipara is
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: total duration of labor. This is because nulliparas (women who have never given birth before) generally have longer labors compared to multiparas (women who have given birth before). This is due to factors such as the first-time stretching of the birth canal and the body's learning process. The level of pain experience (B) can vary among individuals and is not a primary difference between nulliparas and multiparas. The amount of cervical dilation (C) can be influenced by various factors and is not a defining difference between the two groups. The sequence of labor mechanisms (D) is a universal process in labor and does not differ based on whether a woman is a nullipara or multipara.
Question 5 of 5
On admission to the labor and birth unit, a 38-year-old female, gravida 4, para 3, at term in early labor is found to have a transverse lie on vaginal examination. What is the priority intervention at this time?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Notify the health care provider. This is the priority intervention because a transverse lie is a malpresentation that can lead to complications during labor and delivery. The healthcare provider needs to be informed immediately to determine the best course of action, which may include attempting to manually rotate the baby or preparing for a cesarean section. Performing a vaginal exam (A) can be dangerous and should be avoided in cases of transverse lie. Initiating parenteral therapy (C) and applying oxygen (D) are not priorities in this situation as addressing the malpresentation is more urgent.