Ch 19 Processes and Stages of Labor and Birth
20. The labor nurse would not encourage a mother to bear down until the cervix is completely dilated, to prevent which of the following? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply. A) Maternal exhaustion B) Cervical edema C) Tearing and bruising of the cervix D) Enhanced perineal thinning E) Having to perform an episiotomy
Answer: A, B, C Explanation: A) If the cervix is not completely dilated, maternal exhaustion can occur. B) If the cervix is not completely dilated, cervical edema can occur. C) If the cervix is not completely dilated, tearing and bruising of the cervix can occur. D) Cervical dilation has nothing to do with perineal thinning. E) Not bearing down until the cervix is completely dilated has nothing to do with needing an episiotomy. Page Ref: 437
17. The client in early labor asks the nurse what the contractions are like as labor progresses. What would the nurse respond? A) "In normal labor, as the uterine contractions become stronger, they usually also become less frequent." B) "In normal labor, as the uterine contractions become stronger, they usually also become less painful." C) "In normal labor, as the uterine contractions become stronger, they usually also become longer in duration." D) "In normal labor, as the uterine contractions become stronger, they usually also become shorter in duration."
Answer: C Explanation: A) The uterine contractions of labor become more frequent as labor progresses. B) The uterine contractions of labor become more painful over time. C) During the active and transition phases, contractions become more frequent, are longer in duration, and increase in intensity. D) The uterine contractions of labor do not become shorter in duration as labor progresses. Page Ref: 444
1. How would the nurse best analyze the results from a client's sonogram that shows the fetal shoulder as the presenting part? A) Breech, transverse B) Breech, longitudinal C) Breech, frank D) Vertex, transverse
Answer: A Explanation: A) A shoulder presentation is one type of breech presentation, and is also called a transverse lie. B) A shoulder presentation is not a longitudinal lie. C) In a frank breech, the buttocks are the presenting part. D) A shoulder presentation is not vertex. Page Ref: 435
19. A nurse needs to evaluate the progress of a woman's labor. The nurse obtains the following data: cervical dilation 6 c m; contractions mild in intensity, occurring every 5 minutes, with a duration of 30-40 seconds. Which clue in this data does not fit the pattern suggested by the rest of the clues? A) Cervical dilation 6 c m B) Mild contraction intensity C) Contraction frequency every 5 minutes D) Contraction duration 30-40 seconds
Answer: A Explanation: A) Cervical dilation of 6 c m indicates the active phase of labor. During this phase the cervix dilates from about 4 to 7 c m and contractions and pain intensify. B) Mild contractions are consistent with most of the scenario. C) This contraction frequency is consistent with most of the scenario. D) This contraction duration is consistent with most of the scenario. Page Ref: 444
8. To identify the duration of a contraction, the nurse would do which of the following? A) Start timing from the beginning of one contraction to the completion of the same contraction. B) Time between the beginning of one contraction and the beginning of the next contraction. C) Palpate for the strength of the contraction at its peak. D) Time from the beginning of the contraction to the peak of the same contraction.
Answer: A Explanation: A) The duration of each contraction is measured from the beginning of the contraction to the completion of the contraction. B) Duration is not measured this way. C) Duration is not measured this way. D) Duration is not measured this way. Page Ref: 437
7. The client has asked the nurse why her cervix has only changed from 1 to 2 c m in 3 hours of contractions occurring every 5 minutes. What is the nurse's best response to the client? A) "Your cervix has also effaced, or thinned out, and that change in the cervix is also labor progress." B) "When your perineal body thins out, your cervix will begin to dilate much faster than it is now." C) "What did you expect? You've only had contractions for a few hours. Labor takes time." D) "The hormones that cause labor to begin are just getting to be at levels that will change your cervix."
Answer: A Explanation: A) With each contraction, the muscles of the upper uterine segment shorten and exert a longitudinal traction on the cervix, causing effacement. Effacement is the taking up (or drawing up) of the internal os and the cervical canal into the uterine side walls. B) As the fetal head descends to the pelvic floor, the pressure of the presenting part causes the perineal structure, which was once 5 c m in thickness, to change to a structure less than 1 c m thick. The perineal body's thinning primarily occurs during later stages of labor; it is not expected now. C) This reply is not therapeutic. The nurse must always be therapeutic in all communication. D) The hormones that cause labor contractions do not directly cause cervical change; the contractions cause the cervix to change. Page Ref: 440
31. Childbirth preparation offers several advantages including which of the following? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply. A) It helps a pregnant woman and her support person understand the choices in the birth setting. B) It promotes awareness of available options. C) It provides tools for a pregnant woman and her support person to use during labor and birth. D) Women who receive continuous support during labor require more analgesia, and have more cesarean and instrument births. E) Each method has been shown to shorten labor.
Answer: A, B, C, E Explanation: A) Childbirth preparation offers several advantages. It helps a pregnant woman and her support person understand the choices in the birth setting, promotes awareness of available options, and provides tools for them to use during labor and birth. B) Childbirth preparation offers several advantages. It helps a pregnant woman and her support person understand the choices in the birth setting, promotes awareness of available options, and provides tools for them to use during labor and birth. C) Childbirth preparation offers several advantages. It helps a pregnant woman and her support person understand the choices in the birth setting, promotes awareness of available options, and provides tools for them to use during labor and birth. D) This is not true. Women who receive continuous support during labor require less analgesia, and have fewer cesarean and instrument births. E) Childbirth preparation offers several advantages. Each method has been shown to shorten labor. Page Ref: 428
5. Premonitory signs of labor include which of the following? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply. A) Braxton Hicks contractions B) Cervical softening and effacement C) Weight gain D) Rupture of membranes E) Sudden loss of energy
Answer: A, B, D Explanation: A) A premonitory sign of labor includes Braxton Hicks contractions. B) A premonitory sign of labor includes cervical softening and effacement. C) A premonitory sign of labor includes weight loss, not weight gain. D) A premonitory sign of labor includes rupture of membranes. E) A premonitory sign of labor includes a sudden burst of energy, not a loss of energy. Page Ref: 440
2. A clinic nurse is preparing diagrams of pelvic shapes. Which pelvic shapes are considered least adequate for vaginal childbirth? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply. A) Android B) Anthropoid C) Gynecoid D) Platypelloid E) Lambdoidal suture
Answer: A, D Explanation: A) In the android and platypelloid types, the pelvic diameters are diminished. Labor is more likely to be difficult (longer) and a cesarean birth is more likely. B) The anthropoid pelvis type is considered favorable for vaginal childbirth. C) The gynecoid pelvis type is considered favorable for vaginal childbirth. D) In the android and platypelloid types, the pelvic diameters are diminished. Labor is more likely to be difficult (longer) and a cesarean birth is more likely. E) This is not a pelvis type. Page Ref: 431
14. The nurse is teaching a prenatal class about false labor. The nurse should teach clients that false labor will most likely include which of the following? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply. A) Contractions that do not intensify while walking B) An increase in the intensity and frequency of contractions C) Progressive cervical effacement and dilation D) Pain in the abdomen that does not radiate E) Contractions are at regular intervals
Answer: A, D Explanation: A) True labor contractions intensify while walking. B) True labor results in increased intensity and frequency of contractions. C) True labor results in progressive dilation. D) The discomfort of true labor contractions usually starts in the back and radiates around to the abdomen. E) With false labor, contractions are irregular. Page Ref: 440
12. A client who is having false labor most likely would have which of the following? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply. A) Contractions that do not intensify while walking B) An increase in the intensity and frequency of contractions C) Progressive cervical effacement and dilation D) Pain in the abdomen that does not radiate E) Contractions that lessen with rest and warm tub baths
Answer: A, D, E Explanation: A) True labor contractions intensify while walking. B) The contractions of true labor produce progressive dilation and effacement of the cervix. They occur regularly and increase in frequency, duration, and intensity. C) True labor results in progressive dilation, increased intensity and frequency of contractions, and pain in the back that radiates to the abdomen. D) True labor results in progressive dilation, increased intensity and frequency of contractions, and pain in the back that radiates to the abdomen. E) In true labor, contractions do not lessen with rest and warm tub baths. Page Ref: 440
24. The labor and delivery nurse is reviewing charts. The nurse should inform the supervisor about which client? A) Client at 5 c m requesting labor epidural analgesia B) Client whose cervix remains at 6 c m for 4 hours C) Client who has developed nausea and vomiting D) Client requesting her partner to stay with her
Answer: B Explanation: A) Contacting the supervisor is required when an abnormal situation is present. Requests for medication are not abnormal. B) Average cervical change in the active phase of the first stage of labor is 1.2 c m/hour; thus, this client's lack of cervical change is unexpected, and should be reported to the supervisor. C) Nausea and vomiting are common during the transitional phase of the first stage of labor. Contacting the supervisor is required only when an abnormal situation is present. D) Clients in the transitional phase of the first stage of labor often fear being left alone; this is an expected finding. Contacting the supervisor is required only when an abnormal situation is present. Page Ref: 444
16. A client is admitted to the labor unit with contractions 1-2 minutes apart lasting 60-90 seconds. The client is apprehensive and irritable. This client is most likely in what phase of labor? A) Active B) Transition C) Latent D) Second
Answer: B Explanation: A) During the active phase, the cervix dilates from about 4 to 7 c m. When the woman enters the early active phase, her anxiety tends to increase as she senses the intensification of contractions and pain. B) During transition, contractions have a frequency of 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, a duration of 60 to 90 seconds, and are strong in intensity. When the woman enters the transition phase, she may demonstrate significant anxiety. C) The latent phase is characterized by mild contractions lasting 20 to 40 seconds with a frequency of 3 to 30 minutes. In the latent stage, the woman may be relieved that labor has finally started. D) The second stage is the pushing stage, and the woman might feel relieved that the birth is near and she can push. There is no second phase of labor. Page Ref: 444
11. A client calls the labor and delivery unit and tells the nurse that she is 39 weeks pregnant and over the last 4 or 5 days, she has noticed that although her breathing has become easier, she is having leg cramps, a slight amount of edema in her lower legs, and an increased amount of vaginal secretions. The nurse tells the client that she has experienced which of the following? A) Engagement B) Lightening C) Molding D) Braxton Hicks contractions
Answer: B Explanation: A) Engagement of the presenting part occurs when the largest diameter of the fetal presenting part reaches or passes through the pelvic inlet. B) Lightening describes the effect occurring when the fetus begins to settle into the pelvic inlet. C) The fetal cranial bones overlap under pressure of the powers of labor and the demands of the unyielding pelvis. This overlapping is called molding. D) Braxton Hicks contractions occur before the onset of labor. Page Ref: 440
18. Four minutes after the birth of a baby, there is a sudden gush of blood from the mother's vagina, and about 8 inches of umbilical cord slides out. What action should the nurse take first? A) Place the client in McRoberts position. B) Watch for the emergence of the placenta. C) Prepare for the delivery of an undiagnosed twin. D) Place the client in a supine position.
Answer: B Explanation: A) Exercises aimed at adducting the legs into an extended McRoberts position, which is performed by flexing the mother's thighs toward her shoulders while she is lying on her back, help enable the woman to stretch her hamstring muscles, a task usually required during the second stage of labor. B) Signs of placental separation usually appear around 5 minutes after birth of the infant, but can take up to 30 minutes to manifest. These signs are (1) a globular-shaped uterus, (2) a rise of the fundus in the abdomen, (3) a sudden gush or trickle of blood, and (4) further protrusion of the umbilical cord out of the vagina. C) The first placenta usually does not deliver before the birth of the second twin. D) Blood pressure may drop precipitously when the pregnant woman lies in a supine position and experiences aortocaval compression. Page Ref: 445
25. Which client requires immediate intervention by the labor and delivery nurse? A) Client at 8 c m, systolic blood pressure has increased 35 m m H g B) Client who delivered 1 hour ago with W B C of 50,000/m m3 C) Client at 5 c m with a respiratory rate of 22 between contractions D) Client in active labor with polyuria
Answer: B Explanation: A) In the first stage, systolic pressure may increase by 35 m m H g, and there may be further increases in the second stage during pushing efforts. B) The white blood cell (W B C) count increases to between 25,000/mm3 to 30,000/mm3 during labor and early postpartum. This count is abnormally high, and requires further assessment and provider notification. C) Oxygen demand and consumption increase at the onset of labor because of the presence of uterine contractions. This client requires no further intervention. D) Polyuria is common during labor. This results from the increase in cardiac output, which causes an increase in the glomerular filtration rate and renal plasma flow, and requires no further intervention. Page Ref: 450
9. The client at 40 weeks' gestation reports to the nurse that she has had increased pelvic pressure and increased urinary frequency. Which response by the nurse is best? A) "Unless you have pain with urination, we don't need to worry about it." B) "These symptoms usually mean the baby's head has descended further." C) "Come in for an appointment today and we'll check everything out." D) "This might indicate that the baby is no longer in a head-down position."
Answer: B Explanation: A) Increased pelvic pressure and urinary frequency are premonitory signs of labor. These are not signs of a urinary tract infection. B) This is the best response because it most directly addresses what the client has reported. C) There is no need for an additional appointment. D) The fetus's changing to a breech presentation would be experienced as fetal movement that was formerly felt in the upper abdomen but now is down in the pelvis. Page Ref: 440
6. A client arrives in the labor and delivery unit and describes her contractions as occurring every 10-12 minutes, lasting 30 seconds. She is smiling and very excited about the possibility of being in labor. On exam, her cervix is dilated 2 c m, 100% effaced, and -2 station. What best describes this labor? A) Second phase B) Latent phase C) Active phase D) Transition phase
Answer: B Explanation: A) There is no phase of labor that is identified as the second phase. B) In the early or latent phase of the first stage of labor, contractions are usually mild. The woman feels able to cope with the discomfort. The woman is often talkative and smiling and is eager to talk about herself and answer questions. C) When the woman enters the early active phase, her anxiety tends to increase as she senses the intensification of contractions and pain. During this phase the cervix dilates from about 4 to 7 c m. D) When the woman enters the transition phase, she may demonstrate significant anxiety. She becomes acutely aware of the increasing force and intensity of the contractions. She may become restless, frequently changing position. Page Ref: 443
13. The nurse is preparing a client education handout on the differences between false labor and true labor. What information is most important for the nurse to include? A) True labor contractions begin in the back and sweep toward the front. B) False labor often feels like abdominal tightening, or "balling up." C) True labor can be diagnosed only if cervical change occurs. D) False labor contractions do not increase in intensity or duration.
Answer: C Explanation: A) Although this is a true statement, it is not the most important indication of true labor. B) Although this is a true statement, it is not the most important fact about false and true labor. C) Cervical change is the only factor that actually distinguishes false from true labor. The contractions of true labor produce progressive dilation and effacement of the cervix. The contractions of false labor do not produce progressive cervical effacement and dilation. D) Although this is a true statement, it is not the most important fact about true and false labor. Page Ref: 440
15. A client is admitted to the labor and delivery unit with contractions that are 2 minutes apart, lasting 60 seconds. She reports that she had bloody show earlier that morning. A vaginal exam reveals that her cervix is 100 percent effaced and 8 c m dilated. The nurse knows that the client is in which phase of labor? A) Active B) Latent C) Transition D) Fourth
Answer: C Explanation: A) In the active phase, the woman dilates from 4 to 7 centimeters. B) The latent phase is the beginning of labor contractions and the cervix may be dilated 0 to 3 centimeters. C) The transition phase begins with 8 c m to 10 c m of dilation, and contractions become more frequent, are longer in duration, and increase in intensity. D) There is no fourth phase. The fourth stage occurs after delivery of the placenta. Page Ref: 444
26. The labor and delivery nurse is preparing a prenatal class about facilitating the progress of labor. Which of the following frequent responses to pain should the nurse indicate is most likely to impede progress in labor? A) Increased pulse B) Elevated blood pressure C) Muscle tension D) Increased respirations
Answer: C Explanation: A) Increased pulse is a manifestation of pain, but does not impede labor. B) Elevated blood pressure is a manifestation of pain, but does not impede labor. C) It is important for the woman to relax each part of her body. Be alert for signs of muscle tension and tightening. Dissociative relaxation, controlled muscle relaxation, and specified breathing patterns are used to promote birth as a normal process. D) Increased respiration is a manifestation of pain, but does not impede labor. Page Ref: 428
10. The client at 39 weeks' gestation calls the clinic and reports increased bladder pressure but easier breathing and irregular, mild contractions. She also states that she just cleaned the entire house. Which statement should the nurse make? A) "You shouldn't work so much at this point in pregnancy." B) "What you are describing is not commonly experienced in the last weeks." C) "Your body may be telling you it is going into labor soon." D) "If the bladder pressure continues, come in to the clinic tomorrow."
Answer: C Explanation: A) There is no indication that the client should decrease her work schedule. B) Lightening is a common and expected finding. C) One of the premonitory signs of labor is lightening: The fetus begins to settle into the pelvic inlet (engagement). With fetal descent, the uterus moves downward, and the fundus no longer presses on the diaphragm, which eases breathing. D) Lightening does not indicate pathology, and therefore there is no need for the client to come to the clinic if the symptoms continue. Page Ref: 440
3. The nurse is caring for laboring clients. Which women are experiencing problems related to a critical factor of labor? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply. A) Woman at 7 c m, fetus in general flexion B) Woman at 3 c m, fetus in longitudinal lie C) Woman at 4 c m, fetus with transverse lie D) Woman at 6 c m, fetus at -2 station, mild contractions E) Woman at 5 c m, fetal presenting part is right shoulder
Answer: C, D, E Explanation: A) Fetal attitude refers to the relation of the fetal body parts to one another and describes the posture the fetus assumes as it conforms to the shape of the uterine cavity. The normal attitude of the fetus is termed general flexion, where the head is flexed so that the chin is on the chest with the arms crossed over the chest, and the legs are flexed at the knees with the thighs on the abdomen. B) Fetal lie refers to the relationship of the long, or cephalocaudal, axis (spinal column) of the fetus to the long, or cephalocaudal, axis of the mother. The fetus may assume either a longitudinal (vertical) or a transverse (horizontal) lie; a longitudinal lie is normal. C) A transverse lie occurs when the cephalocaudal axis of the fetal spine is at a right angle to the woman's spine and is associated with a shoulder presentation and can lead to complications in the later stages of labor. D) Station refers to the relationship of the presenting part to an imaginary line drawn between the ischial spines of the maternal pelvis. If the presenting part is higher than the ischial spines, a negative number is assigned, noting centimeters above zero station. A -2 station is high in the pelvis. Contractions should be strong to cause fetal descent. Mild contractions will not move the baby down or open the cervix. This client is experiencing a problem between the maternal pelvis and the presenting part. E) When the fetal shoulder is the presenting part, the fetus is in a transverse lie and the acromion process of the scapula is the landmark. This type of presentation occurs less than 1% of the time. This client is experiencing a problem between the maternal pelvis and the presenting part. Page Ref: 432
22. During the fourth stage of labor, the client's assessment includes a B P of 110/60, pulse 90, and the fundus is firm midline and halfway between the symphysis pubis and the umbilicus. What is the priority action of the nurse? A) Turn the client onto her left side. B) Place the bed in Trendelenburg position. C) Massage the fundus. D) Continue to monitor.
Answer: D Explanation: A) A left lateral position is not necessary with a B P of 110/60 and a pulse of 90. B) The Trendelenburg position is not necessary with a B P of 110/60 and a pulse of 90. C) The uterus should be midline and firm; massage is not necessary. D) The client's assessment data are normal for the fourth stage of labor, so monitoring is the only action necessary. During the fourth stage of labor, the mother experiences a moderate drop in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, increased pulse pressure, and moderate tachycardia. Page Ref: 449
30. The midwife performs a vaginal exam and determines that the fetal head is at a -2 station. What does this indicate to the nurse about the birth? A) The birth is imminent. B) The birth is likely to occur in 1-2 hours. C) The birth will occur later in the shift. D) The birth is difficult to predict.
Answer: D Explanation: A) Birth is not imminent at this time. B) Birth will not likely occur in 1-2 hours. C) Birth cannot really be predicted at this time. D) A -2 station means that the fetus is 2 c m above the ischial spines. The ischial spines as a landmark have been designated as zero station. If the presenting part is higher than the ischial spines, a negative number is assigned, noting centimeters above zero station. With the fetus's head that high in the pelvis, it is difficult to predict when birth will occur. Page Ref: 436
29. The nurse is aware that labor and birth will most likely proceed normally when the fetus is in what position? A) Right-acromion-dorsal-anterior B) Right-sacrum-transverse C) Occiput anterior D) Posterior position
Answer: D Explanation: A) Right-acromion-dorsal-anterior denotes a fetal position in a shoulder presentation, which would be a difficult delivery. B) Right-sacrum-transverse indicates a breech delivery, which would be a difficult delivery. C) The most common fetal position is occiput anterior. When this position occurs, labor and birth are likely to proceed normally. D) The fetal head presents a larger diameter in a posterior position than in an anterior position. A posterior position increases the pressure on the maternal sacral nerves, causing the laboring woman to experience backache and pelvic pressure. Page Ref: 436
4. The charge nurse has received the shift change report. Which client requires immediate intervention? A) Woman at 6 c m undergoing induction of labor, strong contractions every 3 minutes B) Woman at 4 c m whose fetus is in a longitudinal lie with a cephalic presentation C) Woman at 10 c m and fetus at +2 station experiencing a strong expulsion urge D) Woman at 3 c m screaming in fear because her mother died during childbirth
Answer: D Explanation: A) Strong contractions every 3 minutes constitute an adequate labor pattern during induction of labor. This client is experiencing no complications. B) Longitudinal lie with cephalic presentation is a head-down position. This is expected. C) 10 c m is fully dilated; a +2 station is low in the pelvis. A strong expulsion urge is the urge to push, which will facilitate the birth of the child. These are expected. D) This client is most likely fearful that she will die during labor because her mother died during childbirth. This client requires education and a great deal of support, and is therefore the top priority. Page Ref: 443
28. When comparing the anterior and posterior fontanelles of a newborn, the nurse knows that both are what? A) Both are approximately the same size. B) Both close within 12 months of birth. C) Both are used in labor to identify station. D) Both allow for assessing the status of the newborn after birth.
Answer: D Explanation: A) The anterior fontanelle measures approximately 2-3 c m. The posterior fontanelle is much smaller. B) The anterior fontanelle closes around the 18th month. The posterior fontanelle closes between 8 and 12 weeks after birth. C) In labor, the presenting part, not the fontanelles, is used to identify station. D) The anterior and posterior fontanelles are clinically useful in identifying the position of the fetal head in the pelvis and in assessing the status of the newborn after birth. Page Ref: 432
21. The nurse is caring for a laboring client. A cervical exam indicates 8 c m dilation. The client is restless, frequently changing position in an attempt to get comfortable. Which nursing action is most important? A) Leave the client alone so she can rest. B) Ask the family to take a coffee-and-snack break. C) Encourage the client to have an epidural for pain. D) Reassure the client that she will not be left alone.
Answer: D Explanation: A) The client is in the transitional phase of the first stage of labor, and will not want to be alone. B) The client is in the transitional phase of the first stage of labor. The family members might want to take a break, but the client will not want to be alone. C) The client is in the transitional phase of the first stage of labor. There is no indication that the client wants pain relief. D) Because the client is in the transitional phase of the first stage of labor, she will not want to be left alone; staying with the client and reassuring her that she will not be alone are the highest priorities at this time. Page Ref: 444
27. While caring for a client in labor, the nurse notices during a vaginal exam that the fetus's head has rotated internally. What would the nurse expect the next set of cardinal movements for a fetus in a vertex presentation to be? A) Flexion, extension, restitution, external rotation, and expulsion B) Expulsion, external rotation, and restitution C) Restitution, flexion, external rotation, and expulsion D) Extension, restitution, external rotation, and expulsion
Answer: D Explanation: A) The next set of cardinal movements would not begin with flexion. B) This is not the correct order of fetal position changes. C) This is not the correct order of fetal position changes. D) The fetus changes position in the following order: descent, flexion, internal rotation, extension, restitution, external rotation, and expulsion. Page Ref: 445
23. The nurse has just palpated a laboring woman's contractions. The uterus cannot be indented during a contraction. What would the intensity of these contractions best be characterized as? A) Weak B) Mild C) Moderate D) Strong
Answer: D Explanation: A) Weak contractions are not identified. B) If the uterine wall can be indented easily, the contraction is considered mild. C) Moderate intensity falls between these two ranges. When intensity is measured with an intrauterine catheter, the normal resting tonus (between contractions) is about 10 to 12 m m H g of pressure. During acme the intensity ranges from 25 to 40 m m H g in early labor, 50 to 70 m m H g in active labor, 80 to 100 m m H g during transition, and greater than 100 m m H g while the woman is pushing in the second stage. D) Strong intensity exists when the uterine wall cannot be indented. Page Ref: 437
