ATI RN
labor and delivery questions and answers Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which factor ensures that the smallest anterior-posterior diameter of the fetal head enters the pelvis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Flexion is the correct answer. During labor, fetal head flexion allows the smallest anterior-posterior diameter of the head to enter the pelvis first, reducing the risk of cephalopelvic disproportion. Station refers to the level of the presenting part in the maternal pelvis, not the head orientation. Descent is the downward movement of the fetus in the birth canal, not related to head position. Engagement occurs when the widest part of the presenting part reaches the level of the maternal ischial spines, not specifically related to the orientation of the fetal head.
Question 2 of 5
The primary difference between the labor of a nullipara and that of a multipara is
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: total duration of labor. This is because nulliparas (women who have never given birth before) generally have longer labors compared to multiparas (women who have given birth before). This is due to factors such as the first-time stretching of the birth canal and the body's learning process. The level of pain experience (B) can vary among individuals and is not a primary difference between nulliparas and multiparas. The amount of cervical dilation (C) can be influenced by various factors and is not a defining difference between the two groups. The sequence of labor mechanisms (D) is a universal process in labor and does not differ based on whether a woman is a nullipara or multipara.
Question 3 of 5
On admission to the labor and birth unit, a 38-year-old female, gravida 4, para 3, at term in early labor is found to have a transverse lie on vaginal examination. What is the priority intervention at this time?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Notify the health care provider. This is the priority intervention because a transverse lie is a malpresentation that can lead to complications during labor and delivery. The healthcare provider needs to be informed immediately to determine the best course of action, which may include attempting to manually rotate the baby or preparing for a cesarean section. Performing a vaginal exam (A) can be dangerous and should be avoided in cases of transverse lie. Initiating parenteral therapy (C) and applying oxygen (D) are not priorities in this situation as addressing the malpresentation is more urgent.
Question 4 of 5
To determine if the patient is in true labor, the nurse would assess for changes in
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. The pattern of uterine contractions is crucial in determining true labor as true contractions are regular, increasing in frequency, duration, and intensity. 2. Assessing cervical dilation alone may not confirm true labor as some women may have cervical changes without being in active labor. 3. Bloody show may occur in both true and false labor, making it an unreliable indicator. 4. Fetal position and station are important for labor progression but do not definitively confirm true labor. Therefore, by assessing the pattern of uterine contractions, the nurse can accurately determine if the patient is in true labor.
Question 5 of 5
A 28-year-old gravida 1, para 0 patient who is at term calls the labor and birth unit stating that she thinks she is in labor. She states that she does have some vaginal discharge and feels wet;
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the patient's irregular contraction pattern and timing indicate early labor. The nurse should ask about the frequency, duration, and intensity of contractions to assess progression. Choices B and C focus on specific signs of labor but do not address the need for continuous monitoring and assessment like choice A does. Choice D does not address the need to gather specific information about the contraction pattern to determine the appropriate next steps. Therefore, A is the correct choice as it directly addresses the patient's current situation and provides guidance on what information is necessary for appropriate triage.