What indicates true labor?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: True labor is indicated by cervical dilation. This is because as labor progresses, the cervix effaces (thins out) and dilates (opens up) to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal. Cervical dilation is a clear sign that the body is preparing for childbirth. Choice A, regular contractions without cervical change, is incorrect because regular contractions alone are not enough to indicate true labor. While contractions are a key component of labor, they must be accompanied by cervical changes such as dilation and effacement to confirm that true labor has begun. Choice C, rupture of membranes, is also incorrect as it is not a definitive indicator of true labor. While the rupture of membranes (water breaking) can be a sign that labor is imminent, it does not necessarily confirm that true labor has started. Some women may experience their water breaking before true labor begins, while others may have their water break well into the labor process. Choice D, engagement of the fetal head, is not a reliable indicator of true labor either. While the engagement of the fetal head (when the baby's head moves down into the pelvis) is a sign that labor is progressing, it does not confirm that true labor has begun. True labor is primarily defined by cervical changes, specifically dilation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Station refers to the level of the presenting part of the fetus in relation to the maternal pelvis. When the fetal head is engaged, it means that it has descended into the pelvis and is at the level of the ischial spines in the maternal pelvis. Choice A: -1 station is incorrect because this would indicate that the fetal head is above the level of the ischial spines, which is not the case when the head is engaged. Choice B: (+)1 station is incorrect because this would indicate that the fetal head is 1 cm below the level of the ischial spines, which is also not accurate when the head is engaged. Choice D: (+)5 station is incorrect because this would indicate that the fetal head is 5 cm below the level of the ischial spines, which is too far down in the pelvis to be considered engaged. Therefore, the correct answer is C: 0 station, because when the fetal head is engaged, it is at the level of the ischial spines, which is considered 0 station.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When the baby's presenting part reaches the ischial spines, it signifies engagement. Engagement is when the widest diameter of the fetal presenting part (usually the biparietal diameter of the fetal head) reaches the level of the maternal ischial spines. This is an important milestone in labor as it indicates that the fetus is descending into the pelvis in preparation for birth. Floating (choice A) refers to when the baby's presenting part is not yet engaged and is still freely movable above the maternal pelvis. Once the presenting part reaches the ischial spines, the baby is no longer considered to be floating. Inlet entry (choice C) is not a term commonly used in obstetrics. It does not accurately describe the specific event of the baby's presenting part reaching the ischial spines. Crowning (choice D) occurs during the second stage of labor when the baby's head distends the vaginal opening. It is the final stage before the birth of the baby, not the same as engagement at the ischial spines. In summary, when the baby's presenting part reaches the ischial spines, it signifies engagement, which is an important milestone in labor. Floating, inlet entry, and crowning are not accurate descriptions of this specific event in labor.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Internal rotation is the correct answer because it is a cardinal movement that occurs while the baby is still in utero. During labor and delivery, the baby must move through the birth canal in a specific sequence of movements known as the cardinal movements of labor. Internal rotation refers to the movement of the baby's head as it turns to align with the mother's pelvis during the process of descent through the birth canal. This movement is necessary for the baby to navigate through the pelvis and be born successfully. Flexion, on the other hand, is another cardinal movement that occurs during labor and delivery but not while the baby is still in utero. Flexion refers to the baby's chin tucking towards its chest as it descends through the birth canal. This movement helps the smallest diameter of the baby's head to pass through the pelvis. Extension is another cardinal movement that occurs during labor and delivery but not while the baby is still in utero. Extension refers to the baby's head stretching back as it crowns and is born. This movement helps the baby's head to pass under the pubic arch. External rotation is also a cardinal movement that occurs during labor and delivery but not while the baby is still in utero. External rotation refers to the baby's head turning back to its original position after the shoulders have been born. This movement helps the shoulders to be born successfully. In summary, internal rotation is the correct answer because it is a cardinal movement that occurs while the baby is still in utero, specifically during the descent through the birth canal. Flexion, extension, and external rotation are also cardinal movements of labor and delivery but occur at different stages of the birthing process.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Early decelerations are typically seen during the second stage of labor. This is because early decelerations are caused by head compression during contractions, which commonly occurs as the baby descends into the birth canal during the pushing phase of labor. Choice A, Latent phase, is incorrect because early decelerations are not typically seen during the early stages of labor when contractions are usually mild and not as intense. Choice B, Epidural insertion, is incorrect because early decelerations are not directly related to the administration of an epidural. While epidurals can sometimes lead to fetal heart rate changes, early decelerations specifically relate to head compression during contractions. Choice D, Placental delivery, is incorrect because early decelerations are usually resolved before the delivery of the placenta. Early decelerations are considered a normal response to fetal head compression and are not necessarily indicative of any complications during the delivery of the placenta. In conclusion, the correct answer is C, Second stage, because early decelerations are commonly seen during this stage of labor when the baby is descending into the birth canal and experiencing head compression during contractions.