What is a religious mandate for observant Jewish women?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of the exam on Comfort Measures During Labor, the correct answer is B) Covering elbows. Observant Jewish women follow the religious mandate of covering their elbows as part of the principle of tzniut, modesty in dress. This practice is rooted in Jewish laws and customs that dictate appropriate attire for modesty, particularly during religious observances and everyday life. Option A) Avoidance of sexual contact during menstruation is a religious mandate in Judaism, known as the laws of niddah, but it specifically pertains to laws of family purity and is not directly related to the labor and delivery context of this question. Option C) Following a vegetarian diet is not a specific religious mandate for observant Jewish women. While dietary laws (kashrut) are important in Judaism, being vegetarian is a personal choice and not a religious requirement. Option D) Consulting a priest is more commonly associated with other religions, such as Christianity, where priests play a central role in religious guidance and rituals. In Judaism, religious guidance is typically provided by rabbis or other learned individuals, rather than priests. Understanding the religious mandates and practices of different faiths is crucial for healthcare providers working with diverse populations, including observant Jewish women in the context of labor and delivery. By being aware of these practices, healthcare providers can offer culturally sensitive care that respects the beliefs and preferences of their patients.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Record the expected results in the woman's chart. Rationale: A: Assess the woman for other evidence of infection - While a high leukocyte count can indicate infection, it is not the nurse's role to diagnose. The leukocyte count alone is not enough evidence to confirm an infection. It would be inappropriate to jump to conclusions without further assessment and diagnostic tests. B: Promptly inform the nurse-midwife of the results - It is important to communicate lab results to the healthcare team, including the nurse-midwife. However, simply informing the nurse-midwife of the leukocyte count without proper context or analysis does not provide a complete picture. Recording the results in the chart is a standard practice to document the information for future reference and continuity of care. C: Use isolation techniques to limit the spread of infection - While a high leukocyte count may indicate infection, it does not necessarily mean that the woman is infectious. Isolation techniques are not warranted solely based on leukocyte count results. It is important to assess the woman further to determine if she has any symptoms of infection before implementing isolation precautions. D: Record the expected results in the woman's chart - This is the correct answer because documenting the leukocyte count in the woman's chart is essential for tracking her health status, monitoring any changes over time, and providing a comprehensive record of her care. This information will be valuable for the healthcare team to refer back to and make informed decisions regarding the woman's care. Recording the results in the chart ensures that the information is easily accessible and organized for all involved in the woman's care.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Option A is incorrect because the interval between contractions is not related to maternal cells restoring their glucose levels. Glucose levels are important for maternal health but are not directly impacted by the timing of contractions. Option B is incorrect because a very short interval between contractions may indicate a more intense labor pattern but does not necessarily require earlier administration of analgesia. Pain management decisions should be based on the woman's individual pain tolerance and overall labor progress rather than just the timing of contractions. Option D is incorrect because the interval between contractions does not necessarily become longer as cervical dilation increases. The duration of contractions may vary depending on various factors such as the stage of labor, position of the baby, and maternal comfort level. The correct answer is C because the interval between contractions is an important time for the exchange of fetal oxygen and waste products. During the interval, the baby has a brief period of rest and recovery before the next contraction begins. This allows for proper oxygenation of the baby and removal of waste products, helping to ensure the baby's well-being during labor. Monitoring the length of the interval between contractions can provide valuable information about the baby's response to labor and help guide clinical decision-making.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The strength of uterine contractions is a direct influence on cervical dilation. During labor, the uterus contracts to push the baby down the birth canal, which in turn causes the cervix to dilate. Strong, coordinated contractions are necessary for effective cervical dilation to progress labor. Positioning of the pregnant person can indirectly influence cervical dilation by affecting the baby's position and the effectiveness of contractions, but it is not a direct influence on cervical dilation itself. The length of time since rupture of membranes (ROM) can impact the risk of infection, but it is not a direct influence on cervical dilation. However, prolonged ROM can sometimes lead to interventions that may affect the progression of labor. Fetal size can impact the descent and passage of the baby through the birth canal, but it is not a direct influence on cervical dilation. Fetal size may influence the duration of labor, but it does not directly affect the process of cervical dilation. In summary, the strength of uterine contractions directly influences cervical dilation by causing the cervix to dilate in response to the pushing of the baby through the birth canal. The other factors may play a role in labor progression but do not directly impact cervical dilation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The active phase of labor is defined as the phase in which cervical dilation progresses more rapidly. According to ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists), the active phase of labor begins when the cervix is dilated to 6 cm. Choice B (3 cm) is incorrect because 3 cm dilation is typically considered to be in the early phase of labor, where contractions are usually less intense and frequent compared to the active phase. Choice C (5 cm) is incorrect because while 5 cm dilation is closer to the active phase, it is still considered to be in the early phase of labor. The active phase is characterized by more rapid dilation and stronger, more frequent contractions. Choice D (10 cm) is incorrect because 10 cm dilation marks the end of the active phase and the beginning of the second stage of labor, where the woman is fully dilated and can begin pushing. Therefore, the correct answer is A (6 cm) because this is the point at which the active phase of labor officially begins, as defined by ACOG.