The nurse midwife caring for a multiparous client who is 5 cm dilated requests intermittent auscultation (IA) of the fetal heart rate. The woman’s history reveals no risk factors. How often should IA be performed in this patient?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Every 15 minutes. During active labor, intermittent auscultation should be performed every 15 minutes for low-risk women without complications. This frequency allows for close monitoring of fetal well-being while also promoting a woman-centered approach to labor care. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the standard guidelines for IA frequency during active labor. Every 5 minutes (B) is too frequent and may disrupt the woman's labor progress. Every 20 minutes (C) and every 30 minutes (D) are too far apart to ensure adequate monitoring of the fetal heart rate. Thus, choice A is the most appropriate option for this scenario.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Complete breech. In this presentation, the fetus is positioned with hips and knees flexed, and the head is in the fundus. This is different from a Frank breech where the hips are flexed but the knees are extended. Vertex presentation refers to the head being down and Transverse presentation is when the fetus is lying horizontally. In this case, the description matches the characteristics of a complete breech presentation, making it the correct answer.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct order of the seven cardinal movements of labor is: Descent, Flexion, Internal Rotation, Extension, Restitution, External Rotation, and Expulsion. Descent is the first cardinal movement, as the baby moves down the birth canal. Flexion follows to allow the baby's head to pass through the pelvis. Internal Rotation, Extension, and Restitution then occur to facilitate the baby's shoulders and body turning in alignment with the mother's pelvis. External Rotation follows to help the shoulders rotate to the correct position for delivery. Finally, Expulsion is when the baby is born. This sequence ensures a smooth and safe delivery. The other choices are incorrect as they are not part of the specific sequence of cardinal movements during labor.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Have the patient slow down her breathing. Circumoral numbness and dizziness are signs of hyperventilation, which can occur due to rapid breathing during labor. Slowing down the patient's breathing helps prevent respiratory alkalosis and promotes proper oxygenation for both the mother and the baby. Calling the health care provider immediately (A) may cause a delay in addressing the immediate issue. Increasing IV fluids (B) may not address the root cause of the symptoms. Having her start pushing (D) prematurely can be harmful if she is not fully dilated.