Birth Process Sherpath
Which terms describe progressive changes that occur in the cervix during labor?
- Dilatation - Effacement
A woman with an epidural is 10 cm dilated and the baby is at 0 station. There is a reassuring fetal heart pattern, although the woman does not feel the urge to push. Which are appropriate actions by the nurse?
- Encourage the patient to wait to push until she feels the urge. - Encourage frequent position changes while remaining in the bed.
Which phrases describe how cephalic presentation of the fetus facilitates labor?
- Facilitates dilatation of the cervix - Allows the fetal head to adapt to the maternal pelvis
A woman is visibly anxious, refuses position changes in labor, and verbalizes, "I'm afraid I'm going to die." The nurse knows it is important to help the woman relax through effective coaching because of which responses to stress experienced in labor?
- Fetal intolerance to labor - Release of catecholamines in the mother's body - Inhibited uterine contractions because of decreased blood flow to the placenta
Which statements explain how the maternal psyche facilitates childbirth?
- Relaxation supports the natural process of labor. - Calmness increases a woman's ability to cope with pain during labor.
Which statements describe how the Ferguson reflex supports maternal pushing efforts?
- The fetal head pushing on the vaginal tissue triggers the Ferguson reflex. - When tissues are stretched, an endogenous surge of oxytocin is released. - The Ferguson reflex is a biological response causing an overwhelming urge to bear down.
How is effacement measured?
- Through digital palpation by a trained professional - Using transvaginal ultrasound
At_____station, the fetal head is considered "engaged" in the maternal pelvis.
0 The fetal head is considered engaged in the maternal pelvis when it reaches the ischial spines, or 0 station.
At_____cm, the cervix is considered to be fully dilated.
10 The cervix is fully dilated at 10 cm.
What would the nurse expect when caring for a full-term primigravida who presents for a routine office visit and is not in labor?
A fetus that is engaged in the maternal pelvis Fetal engagement often occurs before the beginning of labor in primigravidas, where with multigravidas the fetus often does not engage until labor begins.
Which action taken by the patient will reduce discomfort during Leopold maneuvers and make fetal presenting parts easier to feel?
Emptying the bladder Emptying the bladder reduces discomfort during palpation and makes fetal parts easier to feel.
Which pelvic type is most favorable for vaginal birth?
Gynecoid This is the classic female pelvis and is most favorable for vaginal birth.
Match the component of the birth process to the corresponding description.
Maternal pelvic and soft tissues - Passage Uterine contractions and maternal pushing efforts - Powers Fetus, membranes, and placenta - Passenger Adaptive or maladaptive responses that alter the birth process - Psyche
Occiput posterior refers to which component of the birth process?
Passenger Occiput posterior refers to the fetal presentation within the female pelvis. The occiput anterior position is the most favorable for vaginal birth.
A pregnant woman arrives at the emergency department, and after completing a vaginal examination the nurse midwife states that the patient is 5 cm dilated and 75% effaced and the fetus is at −3 station. Which statement is accurate regarding this assessment?
The fetus is not engaged within the maternal pelvis. Fetal engagement begins at 0 station.
Which passenger position would interfere with a safe vaginal birth?
Transverse fetal lie The fetal lie is the relationship of the long axis of the baby to the long axis of the mother. With a transverse fetal lie, there is a significant risk for fetal distress, trauma, and maternal trauma if vaginal delivery occurs.
