What is the longest stage of labor?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Dilation and effacement of the cervix. This stage can last for hours, especially for first-time mothers, as the cervix needs to dilate and efface to allow for the baby's passage through the birth canal. Once the cervix is fully dilated and effaced, the woman can begin pushing during the second stage of labor to deliver the baby. The delivery of the baby itself is usually a shorter process compared to the time taken for the cervix to dilate and efface. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they represent other stages within the labor process that come after the dilation and effacement of the cervix.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Before the late 1800s, childbirth usually took place at home and was a family-centered event. During this period, most women gave birth at home with the help of family members and possibly a midwife. Hospitals were not common settings for childbirth at that time. Choice B is incorrect because childbirth was not typically done away from family members. Choice C is incorrect because hospitals were not the common setting for childbirth before the late 1800s. Choice D is incorrect because giving birth in the home of a medical professional or a hospital was not the norm during that period.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Anoxia during labor and delivery can cause cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect a person's ability to move and maintain balance and posture. It is caused by damage to the developing brain, often due to a lack of oxygen during labor and delivery. Spina bifida (Choice A) is a neural tube defect that occurs during embryonic development and is not directly caused by anoxia during labor. Anencephaly (Choice B) is a severe neural tube defect where the baby is born without parts of the brain and skull, not typically caused by anoxia during labor. Muscular dystrophy (Choice D) is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness and is not directly related to anoxia during labor and delivery.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Anesthetics, such as epidurals, are a strong type of painkiller used in labor and delivery that block sensation. They work by numbing the nerves in the lower part of the spine, providing pain relief during childbirth. Choice B, Analgesics, are pain relievers that reduce pain without causing loss of consciousness, but they are not as strong as anesthetics for labor pain. Choice C, Anti-inflammatories, are medications that reduce inflammation and do not directly block sensation like anesthetics. Choice D, Folic acids, are a type of B vitamin crucial for cell growth and metabolism, not used as painkillers in labor and delivery.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A small-for-date baby, also known as a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) baby, is a baby who is born below their expected weight considering the length of the pregnancy. This can be due to various factors including issues with growth restriction in the womb. Being small-for-date is different from being preterm (born prematurely) and does not necessarily mean that the baby was born early. Choice A is incorrect because being small-for-date does not specifically indicate being born several weeks or more before the due date. Choice C is incorrect because being small-for-date does not guarantee fewer problems than a preterm infant, as each baby's health outcomes can vary. Choice D is incorrect because while small-for-date babies may have initial difficulties, it does not guarantee that these issues will be outgrown by the preschool years.