The woman's partner is lightly stroking her abdomen as an alternative to medication for pain relief in labor. What is this known as?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Counterpressure. This technique involves applying pressure to specific areas to alleviate pain during labor. In this scenario, the partner is using light strokes on the woman's abdomen to provide pain relief. Counterpressure helps release endorphins, which are natural painkillers, and distracts the brain from focusing on the pain sensations. Effleurage (B) is a gentle stroking technique used for relaxation, not specifically for pain relief. Guided imagery (C) involves visualizing calming scenes to reduce stress, not directly addressing pain. Biofeedback (D) is a method of monitoring and controlling physiological responses, not a hands-on pain relief technique like counterpressure.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Placental abruption. Placental abruption is the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, leading to vaginal bleeding and fetal distress. The sudden increase in bleeding and fetal heart rate deceleration are hallmark signs of placental abruption. Placenta previa (choice A) involves bleeding without fetal distress. Uterine rupture (choice C) typically presents with severe abdominal pain and shock. Cervical laceration (choice D) would not cause fetal heart rate deceleration.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Start prophylactic antibiotics for the patient. In this scenario, the woman is at risk for ascending infection due to ruptured membranes and positive GBS test. Prophylactic antibiotics are necessary to prevent neonatal GBS sepsis. Performing a cesarean section is not indicated unless there are other obstetric indications. Administering IV fluids is important but not the priority in this case. Patient education on labor progression is not the immediate concern when the woman is at risk for infection.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Assess the fetal heart rate. This is the next priority action because monitoring the fetal heart rate is crucial to ensure the well-being of the baby during labor. It helps in identifying any signs of fetal distress and guides the healthcare provider in making timely interventions to prevent complications. Administering an epidural block (choice A) can be considered later once the fetal well-being is ensured. Performing a vaginal examination (choice B) may not be necessary at this moment as the woman is already in active labor and has progressed to 8 cm dilation. Preparing for delivery (choice D) should only be done after assessing the fetal well-being to ensure a safe delivery.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Check for a cord prolapse. This is the first step because cord prolapse is a critical emergency that can lead to fetal compromise. By checking for cord prolapse, the nurse can quickly assess the situation and take appropriate actions to relieve pressure on the cord. Administering oxygen (choice A) may be necessary later but not the first step. Performing a vaginal examination (choices C and D) can exacerbate the situation by pushing the cord further into the birth canal.