ATI RN
Comfort Measures During Labor Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which breech position is depicted if one leg is extended through the cervix and vagina?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In a single footling breech position, one leg is extended through the cervix and vagina while the other leg is flexed at the hip and knee. This position is considered more dangerous than a frank breech because the extended leg can easily become trapped during delivery, leading to complications such as umbilical cord prolapse or head entrapment. In a double footling breech position, both legs are extended through the cervix and vagina, making it even more risky than a single footling breech. This position increases the likelihood of cord prolapse and head entrapment, making it a high-risk presentation that often requires a cesarean section for delivery. A frank breech position is when both legs are flexed at the hips and knees, with the feet near the baby's head. This position is considered the safest type of breech presentation for vaginal delivery as the baby's buttocks present first, reducing the risk of cord prolapse and head entrapment. Therefore, the correct answer is A: single footling breech position because it describes a breech presentation where one leg is extended through the cervix and vagina, posing a higher risk during delivery compared to a frank breech position.
Question 2 of 5
Which deceleration pattern is related to cord compression?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Variable decelerations are related to cord compression. Variable decelerations are characterized by abrupt and sharp decreases in fetal heart rate that are not consistent with contractions. This pattern is caused by umbilical cord compression, which can occur when the cord is compressed between the fetal presenting part and the maternal pelvis, leading to decreased blood flow to the fetus. Early decelerations, on the other hand, are caused by head compression during contractions and are considered benign and not related to cord compression. These decelerations mirror the contraction pattern and typically return to baseline once the contraction is over. Late decelerations are associated with uteroplacental insufficiency, where the placenta is not providing enough oxygen to the fetus during contractions. This can lead to fetal hypoxia and acidosis, but it is not directly related to cord compression. A flat baseline is indicative of fetal distress and can be caused by a variety of factors such as fetal hypoxia, drug use, or fetal sleep cycles. It is a non-reassuring finding but is not specific to cord compression. In summary, variable decelerations are the most likely pattern related to cord compression due to the abrupt and variable nature of the decelerations, which are not directly related to contractions. Other deceleration patterns are associated with different causes such as head compression, uteroplacental insufficiency, or fetal distress.
Question 3 of 5
What is the likely outcome for a multipara at 3 station in the LOA position?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: At 3 station in the LOA (left occiput anterior) position, the likely outcome for a multipara is likely delivery soon (answer B). This is because the baby is already descending into the birth canal and is at a relatively low station, indicating that labor is progressing well and the baby is moving closer to being born. Option A, requesting for an epidural, is not necessarily the likely outcome at this stage. While some women may choose to have an epidural at any point during labor, the specific station of the baby does not dictate the need for pain management. Option C, requesting for a cesarean section, is unlikely at this point for a multipara in the LOA position at 3 station. A cesarean section is typically reserved for situations where vaginal delivery is not possible or safe, such as fetal distress or failure to progress, neither of which are indicated by the baby's position and station. Option D, needing additional interventions, may not be necessary at this stage for a multipara in the LOA position at 3 station. The baby's descent into the birth canal is a positive sign of progress in labor, and additional interventions would only be required if there were complications or stalled progress. In conclusion, the likely outcome for a multipara at 3 station in the LOA position is likely delivery soon, as the baby is descending into the birth canal and labor is progressing well.
Question 4 of 5
What indicates the completion of the second stage of labor?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: During the second stage of labor, the baby is delivered. The completion of this stage is indicated by the baby no longer being in the uterus, making choice A the correct answer. This is because the second stage of labor involves the actual birth of the baby. Choice B, the placenta being delivered, actually indicates the completion of the third stage of labor, not the second stage. The third stage of labor involves the delivery of the placenta after the baby is born. Choice C, the cervix being fully dilated, is actually an indication of the beginning of the second stage of labor, not the completion. During the first stage of labor, the cervix gradually dilates to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal. Once the cervix is fully dilated, the second stage of labor begins. Choice D, rectal pressure being noted, is a common sign that the baby is descending into the birth canal and the mother is getting closer to delivering the baby. However, this is not a definitive indicator of the completion of the second stage of labor. In summary, the completion of the second stage of labor is indicated by the baby no longer being in the uterus, making choice A the correct answer. Placenta delivery (choice B) indicates the completion of the third stage, cervix dilation (choice C) marks the beginning of the second stage, and rectal pressure (choice D) is a sign of progress but not a definitive indicator of completion.
Question 5 of 5
What is the appropriate action for a primigravida at 2 cm dilation, contracting q 12 minutes, with a reassuring fetal heart rate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: B is the correct answer because the primigravida is only 2 cm dilated, contracting every 12 minutes, and the fetal heart rate is reassuring. At this early stage of labor, it is common for contractions to be irregular and spaced out, indicating that labor is still in its early stages. Admitting the patient to the hospital at this point would be premature and could lead to unnecessary interventions or interventions such as induction that may not be needed. Sending the patient home is the appropriate action because she is not in active labor, and being in a hospital setting too early can increase the risk of unnecessary interventions and potential complications. Preparing for a cesarean (Choice C) is not indicated at this point because the patient is only 2 cm dilated and the fetal heart rate is reassuring. A cesarean section is typically performed for specific medical reasons, such as fetal distress or failure to progress in labor, neither of which are present in this scenario. Administering analgesics (Choice D) is not the appropriate action at this point because the patient is still in early labor and does not require pain management. It is important to assess the progress of labor before administering any medications, especially if the patient is not in significant discomfort.