What assessment data are collected to assess progress during the second stage of labor?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: fetal descent. During the second stage of labor, assessing fetal descent is crucial to monitor progress. This data helps determine if the baby is moving down the birth canal appropriately. Fetal descent indicates the effectiveness of contractions and pushing efforts. It is a key indicator of labor progression. Rationale: - A: Fetal heart rate is important but primarily assesses fetal well-being, not progress during the second stage of labor. - C: Bearing-down effort is relevant for pushing but does not directly measure progress in terms of fetal descent. - D: Contraction strength is essential but does not specifically indicate the progress of the baby's descent in the birth canal during the second stage of labor.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, an increase in blood pressure, which is most likely to indicate the need for further evaluation during the first stage of labor. An increase in blood pressure could signal potential complications like preeclampsia or hypertension, which require immediate attention to ensure the safety of both the laboring person and the baby. A: A decrease in heart rate is not typically concerning during the first stage of labor, as it can be a normal response to relaxation or rest periods between contractions. C: An increase in pulse rate is expected during labor as the body works harder, so it may not necessarily indicate a need for further evaluation unless it is excessively high. D: No change in vital signs could be normal, but it is important to monitor for any signs of distress or complications even if vital signs remain stable.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for a nurse when a birthing person experiences late deceleration in fetal heart rate is to turn the laboring person to the left side. This helps improve placental perfusion by reducing pressure on the vena cava, enhancing blood flow to the uterus, and thus improving oxygenation to the fetus. This action can help alleviate the late deceleration and prevent fetal distress. Increasing maternal oxygen supply (choice B) is important but not the first-line intervention for late decelerations. Emergency cesarean section (choice C) is not typically indicated for late decelerations unless other interventions fail. Administering terbutaline (choice D) is not appropriate for late decelerations as it is a tocolytic used to inhibit uterine contractions and prevent preterm labor.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Performing an amniotomy during labor is done to augment labor by releasing amniotic fluid, which can help progress labor by increasing uterine contractions and encouraging the descent of the baby's head. This can help prevent prolonged labor and facilitate a smoother delivery process. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because inducing labor, reducing the risk of infection, and preventing fetal infection are not the primary purposes of performing an amniotomy.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The primary goal of using an epidural during labor is to provide analgesia without sedation. Epidurals block pain signals, allowing the laboring individual to feel relief while remaining fully conscious. This helps manage labor pain effectively without causing sedation, allowing the individual to actively participate in the birthing process. Choice B is incorrect because epidurals can limit movement and positioning due to numbness. Choice C is incorrect as the main purpose is pain relief, not anxiety relief. Choice D is incorrect as continuous monitoring can be achieved through other methods, and it is not the primary goal of using an epidural.