What effect will the presence of support people in labor most likely have?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Having support people present during labor can have a significant impact on the birthing experience and outcomes. Option A states that the presence of support people will improve the experience of the birthing person. This is partially true as support people can provide emotional and physical support, but it is not the only effect. Option B suggests that the presence of support people will improve the outcomes of the birthing person. While support during labor can lead to better outcomes such as reduced labor times and decreased need for interventions, it is not the complete picture. Option D is incorrect as it states that having support people present will cause birth trauma and/or postpartum depression. This is not supported by evidence. In fact, having a supportive presence during labor has been shown to reduce the risk of postpartum depression and can help prevent birth trauma. The correct answer is C because having support people present during labor can improve both the experience and outcomes of the birthing person. Support people can provide comfort, advocacy, and encouragement, leading to a more positive birth experience. Additionally, having a supportive presence has been linked to better birth outcomes, such as lower rates of interventions and complications. Overall, having support people present during labor can have a dual benefit of improving both the experience and outcomes for the birthing person.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Intermittent auscultation is the correct answer because it allows for more patient mobility and freedom of movement during labor. With intermittent auscultation, the healthcare provider uses a handheld Doppler or fetoscope to listen to the fetal heart rate at regular intervals, typically every 15-30 minutes in active labor. This method does not restrict the mother's movement as she can change positions, walk, or use a birthing ball without being attached to any monitors or devices. Option A, internal electronic monitor, is incorrect because it involves placing a fetal scalp electrode or intrauterine pressure catheter (IUPC) inside the mother's uterus, which restricts her movement and limits her ability to change positions freely. This option is more invasive and is typically used in high-risk situations where continuous fetal monitoring is necessary. Option B, external electronic monitor, is also incorrect because it involves attaching external monitors to the mother's abdomen to monitor the fetal heart rate and uterine contractions continuously. While this method provides continuous monitoring, it restricts the mother's movement and may limit her ability to change positions comfortably. Option D, IUPC and scalp electrode, is incorrect for similar reasons as option A. Both IUPC and scalp electrodes are invasive methods of monitoring that restrict the mother's mobility and freedom of movement during labor. These methods are typically reserved for high-risk situations where continuous and more accurate monitoring is needed. In summary, intermittent auscultation is the preferred method for monitoring fetal heart rate in low-risk pregnancies as it allows for more patient mobility and freedom of movement during labor compared to the other options mentioned.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A: Uterine tachysystole refers to excessively frequent contractions of the uterus, which can lead to decreased oxygen supply to the fetus. This finding is crucial to document as it may require intervention to prevent complications for both the mother and the baby during labor and delivery. By documenting uterine tachysystole, the healthcare team can monitor the situation closely and take appropriate actions to ensure a safe outcome. B: Active labor is characterized by regular contractions that cause progressive cervical dilation and effacement. Uterine tachysystole, on the other hand, refers to excessively frequent contractions rather than the regular progression of labor. Documenting active labor when uterine tachysystole is present may lead to underestimating the severity of the situation and missing the opportunity for timely intervention. C: Latent labor is the early phase of labor characterized by irregular contractions and slow cervical changes. Uterine tachysystole, however, represents a situation where contractions are too frequent and may compromise fetal well-being. Documenting latent labor instead of uterine tachysystole could result in inadequate monitoring and management of the condition. D: Tachycardia refers to a rapid heart rate, which can be a sign of distress in the mother or the fetus. While tachycardia is a concerning finding that also requires documentation and intervention, it is not directly related to uterine tachysystole. Failing to document uterine tachysystole separately could lead to overlooking the need for specific interventions to address the excessive contractions of the uterus.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: As the fetal nervous system matures, the correct answer is that the FHR decreases. This is because as the fetus grows and develops, the nervous system becomes more developed and efficient at regulating the heart rate. A lower FHR is a sign of a healthy, mature nervous system in the fetus. Choice B, FHR increases, is incorrect because a normal, healthy fetus will typically have a lower heart rate as it matures. An increasing heart rate would be more concerning and could indicate issues with the fetal nervous system. Choice C, marked variability occurs, is also incorrect. Variability in the FHR is actually a positive sign and indicates a healthy, well-developed nervous system in the fetus. Marked variability would not be expected as a direct result of the fetal nervous system maturing. Choice D, minimal variability occurs, is also incorrect. Minimal variability in the FHR can be a sign of fetal distress or issues with the nervous system. It is not a normal or expected change as the fetal nervous system matures. In summary, as the fetal nervous system matures, the FHR typically decreases as a sign of a healthy, well-developed nervous system. Variability in the FHR is expected and a positive sign, while minimal variability or marked variability would not be normal changes as the fetus matures.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Decreased FHR baseline variability is a concerning finding during fetal monitoring as it can indicate fetal distress. Magnesium sulfate is the correct answer because it is a known cause of decreased FHR baseline variability. Magnesium sulfate is commonly used to prevent seizures in preeclampsia, but it can also have the side effect of depressing the fetal central nervous system, leading to decreased variability in the fetal heart rate pattern. Incorrect choices: A: Ampicillin is an antibiotic commonly used in pregnancy to treat infections. While it can cross the placenta, it is not known to directly affect fetal heart rate variability. B: Cocaine is a vasoconstrictor and can lead to fetal distress, but it is not specifically associated with decreased FHR baseline variability. D: Terbutaline is a medication used to stop preterm labor by relaxing the uterus. While it can have side effects such as tachycardia in the mother, it is not known to directly impact fetal heart rate variability.