When assessing a laboring woman's blood pressure, the nurse should:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: B) Checking the blood pressure between two contractions is the correct approach when assessing a laboring woman's blood pressure. This is because blood pressure can fluctuate during contractions due to the increased stress on the body. By checking the blood pressure between contractions, the nurse can obtain a more accurate baseline reading. This allows for a more reliable assessment of the woman's blood pressure status and any potential concerns. A) Inflating the cuff at the beginning of a contraction is not recommended as it may result in an inaccurate reading due to the increased pressure on the arm during a contraction. This can lead to falsely elevated readings and potentially unnecessary interventions. C) While it is true that a slight elevation of blood pressure can be expected during labor due to the stress and pain experienced, this does not mean that an elevated blood pressure is always normal. It is essential to monitor the blood pressure regularly and accurately to detect any significant changes that may require intervention. D) Positioning the woman on her back with her knees bent is not directly related to assessing blood pressure. In fact, this position may actually decrease blood flow and increase pressure on major blood vessels, potentially affecting blood pressure readings. It is important to ensure the woman is in a comfortable and supported position during blood pressure assessments to obtain accurate readings.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A station of +1 means that the fetal presenting part is 1 cm below the mother's ischial spines. Stations are used to describe the position of the baby's head in relation to the mother's pelvis during labor. The ischial spines are bony landmarks in the pelvis that help healthcare providers determine the progress of labor. Choice A is incorrect because a station of +1 does not necessarily mean that the maternal cervix is open 1 cm. Cervical dilation is measured in centimeters, not stations. Stations refer to the position of the baby in the pelvis. Choice B is incorrect because a station of +1 does not mean that the mother's ischial spines project into her pelvis 1 cm. Ischial spines are fixed bony landmarks in the pelvis and do not move in relation to the baby's position. Choice C is incorrect because a station of +1 does not indicate that the pelvis is small or that the fetus is unlikely to be born vaginally. Stations are used to assess the progress of labor and the position of the baby, not the size of the pelvis. Therefore, the correct answer is D because a station of +1 specifically refers to the baby's presenting part being 1 cm below the mother's ischial spines, indicating the descent of the baby into the pelvis in preparation for birth.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Contractions and pushing efforts are the correct answer because they are the primary components that make up the powers of labor and birth. A) Contractions are involuntary muscle movements of the uterus that help to efface (thin) and dilate (open) the cervix, allowing the baby to pass through the birth canal. Pushing efforts refer to the voluntary actions of the mother to help push the baby out during the second stage of labor. Together, contractions and pushing efforts work in tandem to facilitate the process of labor and birth. B) The pelvis and pelvic floor tissues are important anatomical structures that play a role in childbirth by providing a passage for the baby to descend through. While they are crucial for the mechanics of labor, they are not considered the powers of labor and birth themselves. C) Fetal position, attitude, lie, and presentation refer to the orientation and position of the baby within the mother's pelvis. While these factors can impact the progress and outcome of labor, they are not considered the powers of labor and birth. D) Oxytocin is a hormone that plays a key role in stimulating uterine contractions during labor and promoting the ejection of breast milk during breastfeeding. While oxytocin is essential for the progression of labor, it is not the sole component that makes up the powers of labor and birth. In conclusion, contractions and pushing efforts are the correct answer because they are the active forces that drive the process of labor and birth, working together to help the baby move through the birth canal and be born.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: During the third stage of labor, the placenta is delivered. This stage typically lasts around 5-30 minutes. Choice A suggests 60 minutes or less, which is too long for the third stage of labor, making it incorrect. Choice C states 1 hour for a multiparous person and 2 hours for a nulliparous person. This is incorrect because it overestimates the length of the third stage of labor. The third stage of labor is usually shorter and should not exceed 30 minutes. Choice D suggests 3 hours for a multiparous person and 4 hours for a nulliparous person. This is significantly longer than the expected length of the third stage of labor. Waiting for 3-4 hours for the delivery of the placenta can increase the risk of complications for the mother. Therefore, choice B, 30 minutes or less, is the correct answer. It aligns with the typical duration of the third stage of labor and ensures a safe and timely delivery of the placenta without prolonging the process unnecessarily.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: During the second stage of labor, the birthing person's vital signs are likely to show an increased heart rate during contractions and a baseline heart rate between contractions, which is why option A is correct. Option B, which states increased heart rate during contractions and decreased heart rate between contractions, is incorrect because the heart rate typically remains elevated during contractions due to the increased demand for oxygen and blood flow to the uterus. The heart rate should not decrease between contractions as the body is still working to support the birthing process. Option C, which suggests a decreased heart rate during contractions and an increased heart rate between contractions, is also incorrect. A decreased heart rate during contractions could indicate fetal distress or other complications, which is not typical during the second stage of labor. Additionally, an increased heart rate between contractions is not expected as the body should be recovering and preparing for the next contraction. Option D, stating a decreased heart rate during contractions and a baseline heart rate between contractions, is incorrect because a decreased heart rate during contractions is concerning and could indicate fetal distress or other complications. The baseline heart rate should remain relatively stable between contractions. In summary, the correct choice A accurately reflects the expected changes in the birthing person's vital signs during the second stage of labor, while the other options inaccurately describe potential deviations from the normal physiological response.