ATI RN
Comfort Measures During Labor Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which fetal attitude corresponds to a chin-on-chest position?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Flexed. When a fetus is in a flexed position, it means that the head is bent towards the chest, which is also known as the chin-on-chest position. This position is considered the optimal fetal attitude for vaginal delivery as it allows for easier passage through the birth canal. Choice A: Extended is incorrect because an extended fetal attitude refers to the head being in a position where it is tilted back, away from the chest. This position can make it more difficult for the baby to pass through the birth canal during delivery. Choice B: Neutral is incorrect because a neutral fetal attitude indicates that the baby's head is in a straight, neutral position with neither flexion nor extension. This position is less common and may not be ideal for vaginal delivery. Choice D: Variable is incorrect because a variable fetal attitude means that the baby's head can be in various positions, including flexed, extended, or neutral. This position can make it difficult to predict the optimal position for delivery and may increase the risk of complications during childbirth. In summary, the correct answer is C: Flexed because it represents the chin-on-chest position, which is the ideal fetal attitude for vaginal delivery. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not describe the specific position of the fetus's head in relation to the chest during childbirth.
Question 2 of 5
What causes a decrease in fetal heart rate variability?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Fetal heart rate variability is an essential parameter indicating the health and well-being of the fetus. Fetal heart rate variability is influenced by various factors, including fetal sleep cycles. Choice A, hypoxia, would actually result in an increase in fetal heart rate variability as the fetus tries to compensate for the lack of oxygen by increasing its heart rate variability. Choice B, alkalosis, would also lead to an increase in fetal heart rate variability as the body tries to restore the acid-base balance by altering the heart rate variability. Choice D, fetal activity, typically causes an increase in fetal heart rate variability as the fetus moves around, leading to changes in heart rate variability. However, fetal sleep cycles have been shown to decrease fetal heart rate variability. During periods of fetal sleep, the heart rate tends to stabilize, leading to a decrease in variability. This is because the autonomic nervous system activity decreases during sleep, resulting in a more consistent heart rate pattern. Therefore, the correct answer is C: Fetal sleep cycles.
Question 3 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 4 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 5 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.