Chapter 15: Nursing Care During Labor and Birth - questions

The nurse notes that a client who has given birth 1 hour ago is touching her infant with her fingertips and talking to him softly in high-pitched tones. Based on this observation, which action should the nurse take? a. Request a social service consult for psychosocial support. b. Observe for other signs that the mother may not be accepting of the infant. c. Document this evidence of normal early maternal-infant attachment behavior. d. Determine whether the mother is too fatigued to interact normally with her infant.

ANS: C Normal early maternal-infant behaviors are tentative and include fingertip touch, eye contact, and using a high-pitched voice when talking to the infant. There is no indication at this point that a social service consult is necessary. The signs are of normal attachment behavior. These are signs of normal attachment behavior; no other assessment is necessary at this point. The mother may be fatigued but is interacting with the infant in an expected manner.

At 1 minute after birth, the nurse assesses the newborn to assign an Apgar score. The apical heart rate is 110 bpm, and the infant is crying vigorously with the limbs flexed. The infant's trunk is pink, but the hands and feet are blue. The Apgar score for this infant is: a. 7. b. 8. c. 9. d. 10.

ANS: C The Apgar score is 9 because 1 point is deducted from the total score of 10 for the infant's blue hands and feet. The baby received 2 points for each of the categories except color. Because the infant's hands and feet were blue, this category is given a grade of 1. The baby received 2 points for each of the categories except color. Because the infant's hands and feet were blue, this category is given a grade of 1. The infant had 1 point deducted because of the blue color of the hands and feet.

Which assessment finding could indicate hemorrhage in the postpartum patient? a. Elevated pulse rate b. Elevated blood pressure c. Firm fundus at the midline d. Saturation of two perineal pads in 4 hours

ANS: A An increasing pulse rate is an early sign of excessive blood loss. If the blood volume were diminishing, the blood pressure would decrease. A firm fundus indicates that the uterus is contracting and compressing the open blood vessels at the placental site. Saturation of one pad within the first hour is the maximum normal amount of lochial flow. Two pads within 4 hours is within normal limits.

The nurse is caring for a low-risk client in the active phase of labor. At which interval should the nurse assess the fetal heart rate? a. Every 15 minutes b. Every 30 minutes c. Every 45 minutes d. Every 1 hour

ANS: B For the fetus at low risk for complications, guidelines for frequency of assessments are at least every 30 minutes during the active phase of labor. 15-minute assessments would be appropriate for a fetus at high risk. 45-minute assessments during the active phase of labor are not frequent enough to monitor for complications. 1-hour assessments during the active phase of labor are not frequent enough to monitor for complications.

A client at 40 weeks' gestation should be instructed to go to a hospital or birth center for evaluation when she experiences: a. fetal movement. b. irregular contractions for 1 hour. c. a trickle of fluid from the vagina. d. thick pink or dark red vaginal mucus.

ANS: C A trickle of fluid from the vagina may indicate rupture of the membranes, requiring evaluation for infection or cord compression. The lack of fetal movement needs further assessment. Irregular contractions are a sign of false labor and do not require further assessment. Bloody show may occur before the onset of true labor. It does not require professional assessment unless the bleeding is pronounced.

A 25-year-old primigravida client is in the first stage of labor. She and her husband have been holding hands and breathing together through each contraction. Suddenly, the client pushes her husband's hand away and shouts, "Don't touch me!" This behavior is most likely: a. abnormal labor. b. a sign that she needs analgesia. c. normal and related to hyperventilation. d. common during the transition phase of labor.

ANS: D The transition phase of labor is often associated with an abrupt change in behavior, including increased anxiety and irritability. This change of behavior is an expected occurrence during the transition phase. If she is in the transitional phase of labor, analgesia may not be appropriate if the birth is near. Hyperventilation will produce signs of respiratory alkalosis.

The labor nurse is reviewing the cardinal maneuvers with a group of nursing students. Which maneuver will immediately follow the birth of the baby's head? a. Expulsion b. Restitution c. Internal rotation d. External rotation

ANS: B After the head emerges, it realigns with the shoulders (restitution). External rotation occurs as the fetal shoulders rotate internally, aligning their transverse diameter with the anteroposterior diameter of the pelvic outlet. Expulsion occurs when the baby is completely delivered. Internal rotation occurs prior to birth of the head.

The gynecologist performs an amniotomy. What will the nurse's role include immediately following the procedure? a. Assessing for ballottement b. Conducting a pH and/or fern test c. Labeling of specimens for chromosomal analysis d. Recording the character and amount of amniotic fluid

ANS: D An amniotomy is a procedure in which the amniotic sac is deliberately ruptured. It is important to note and record the character and amount of amniotic fluid following this procedure. Assessing for ballottement is not indicated. Conducting a pH or fern test is not needed because an amniotomy releases amniotic fluid. An amniocentesis, not an amniotomy, is used to collect a specimen for chromosomal analysis.

At 5 minutes after birth, the nurse assesses that the neonate's heart rate is 96 bpm, respirations are spontaneous, with a strong cry, body posture is flexed with vigorous movement, reflexes are brisk, and there is cyanosis of the hands and feet. What Apgar score will the nurse assign? a. 7 b. 8 c. 9 d. 10

ANS: B The neonate is assigned a score of 1 for heart rate and color and a score of 2 for respiratory effort, muscle tone, and reflex response, for a combined total of 8.

During the labor process, the client's membranes rupture. Select all the assessments that are necessary for the nurse to carry out at this time. a. Color of amniotic fluid b. Odor of amniotic fluid c. Fetal heart rate d. Cervical dilatation e. Cervical effacement f. Time the membranes ruptured

A, B, C, F

During labor a vaginal examination should be performed only when necessary because of the risk of: a. infection. b. fetal injury. c. discomfort. d. perineal trauma.

ANS: A Vaginal examinations increase the risk of infection by carrying vaginal microorganisms upward toward the uterus. Properly performed vaginal examinations should not cause fetal injury. Vaginal examinations may be uncomfortable for some women in labor, but that is not the main reason for limiting them. A properly performed vaginal examination should not cause perineal trauma.

The nurse thoroughly dries the infant immediately after birth primarily to: a. reduce heat loss from evaporation. b. stimulate crying and lung expansion. c. increase blood supply to the hands and feet. d. remove maternal blood from the skin surface.

ANS: A Infants are wet with amniotic fluid and blood at birth, which accelerates evaporative heat loss. Rubbing the infant does stimulate crying but is not the main reason for drying the infant. The main purpose of drying the infant is to prevent heat loss. Drying the infant after birth does not remove all of the maternal blood.

A laboring client is 10 cm dilated but does not feel the urge to push. The nurse understands that according to laboring down, the advantages of waiting until an urge to push are which of the following? (Select all that apply.) a. Less maternal fatigue b. Less birth canal injuries c. Decreased pushing time d. Faster descent of the fetus e. An increase in frequency of contractions

ANS: A, B, C Delayed pushing has been shown to result in less maternal fatigue and decreased pushing time. Pushing vigorously sooner than the onset of the reflexive urge may contribute to birth canal injury because her vaginal tissues are stretched more forcefully and rapidly than if she pushed spontaneously and in response to her body's signals. A brief slowing of contractions often occurs at the beginning of the second stage.

The nurse is monitoring a client in the active stage of labor. Which conditions associated with fetal compromise should the nurse monitor? (Select all that apply.) a. Maternal hypotension b. Fetal heart rate of 140 to 150 bpm c. Meconium-stained amniotic fluid d. Maternal fever—38° C (100.4° F) or higher e. Complete uterine relaxation of more than 30 seconds between contractions

ANS: A, C, D Conditions associated with fetal compromise include maternal hypotension (may divert blood flow away from the placenta to ensure adequate perfusion of the maternal brain and heart), meconium-stained (greenish) amniotic fluid, and maternal fever (38° C [100.4° F] or higher). Fetal heart rate of 110 to 160 bpm for a term fetus is normal. Complete uterine relaxation is a normal finding.

Upon completion of a vaginal examination on a laboring woman, the nurse records: 50%, 6 cm, -1. Which of the following is a correct interpretation of the data? a. Fetal presenting part is 1 cm above the ischial spines. b. Effacement is 4 cm from completion . c. Dilation is 50% completed . d. Fetus has passed through the ischial spines.

A A station of -1 indicates that the fetal presenting part is above the ischial spines and has not yet passed through the pelvic inlet. A station of 0 would indicate that the presenting part has passed through the inlet and is at the level of the ischial spines or is engaged. Passage through the ischial spines with internal rotation would be indicated by a plus station, such as +1. Progress of effacement is referred to by percentages, with 100% indicating full effacement, and dilation by centimeters (cm), with 10 cm indicating full dilation.

Which of the following are important points when teaching a client the proper method for pushing during the second stage of labor? (Select all that apply). a. Begin and end by taking a deep breath and exhaling. b. Push for 4 to 6 seconds at a time. c. Take a deep breath and then push while holding her breath. d. Push at least five or six times with each contraction.

A, B

Which of the following findings during the fourth stage would require immediate interventions by the nurse? a. Fundus firm and at midline b. Fundus firm, deviated to the right, with slight distention over the symphysis pubis c. Blood pressure and pulse slightly lower than reading during second stage of labor d. Lochia is bright red, with a few small clots

B Even though the fundus is firm, it is not midline and the bladder is filling. A full bladder will interfere with contractions of the uterus and lead to increased bleeding. The rest of the answer choices are within normal limits for this stage.

A client is being discharged, having been diagnosed with false labor. The nursing diagnosis for her is Deficient Knowledge: characteristics of true labor. An appropriate expected outcome for this diagnosis is that the: a. Client will return to the hospital when she is in true labor. b. Client will define true labor. c. Client will describe reasons for returning to the hospital for evaluation. d. Client will be able to determine false from true labor.

C The client may not be able to determine true from false labor; however, she should be made aware of what signs to look for that may indicate the need for evaluation.

The nurse in the birth room receives an order to give a newborn 0.3 mg of naloxone (Narcan) intramuscularly. The medication vial reads naloxone (Narcan), 0.4 mg/mL. The nurse should prepare how many milliliters to administer the correct dose? Fill in the blank and record your answer using two decimal places. _____ mL

0.75

A 39-week primigravida calls the birthing center and tells the nurse she has contractions that are 10 to 15 minutes apart and had a small gush of fluid about 1 hour ago. The nurse should tell her to: a. Wait until the contractions are about 5 minutes apart and come to the center. b. Come to the birthing center now. c. Come to the birthing center in about an hour if she lives farther than 1 hour away. d. Come to the birthing center if the baby stops moving.

B A gush or trickle of fluid from the vagina should be evaluated as soon as possible. Waiting until the contractions are 5 minutes apart is appropriate for a primigravida if the membranes have not ruptured.

The technique of delaying pushing until the reflex urge to push occurs may be called _____________________.

Delayed pushing, laboring down, rest and descend, or passive pushing

A nursing priority during admission of a laboring client who has not had prenatal care is: a. obtaining admission labs. b. identifying labor risk factors. c. discussing her birth plan choices. d. explaining importance of prenatal care.

ANS: B When a client has not had prenatal care, the nurse must determine through interviewing and examination the presence of any pregnancy or labor risk factors, obtain admission labs, and discuss birth plan choices. Explaining the importance of prenatal care can be accomplished after the patient's history has been completed.

When taking care of a client in labor who is not considered to be at risk, which assessments should be included in the plan of care? (Select all that apply.) a. Check the DTR each shift. b. Monitor and record vital signs frequently during the course of labor. c. Document the FHR pattern, noting baseline and response to contraction patterns. d. Indicate on the EFM tracing when maternal position changes are done. e. Provide food, as tolerated, during the course of labor.

ANS: B, C, D Nursing care of the normal laboring client would include monitoring and documentation of vital signs as part of the labor assessment, documentation the FHR, checking patterns to look for assurance of fetal well-being by evaluating baseline and the fetal response to contraction patterns, and noting any position changes on the monitor tracing to evaluate the fetal response. Providing dietary offerings during the course of labor is not part of the nursing care plan because the introduction of food may lead to nausea and vomiting in response to the labor process and might affect the mode of birth.

Labor pain management may include which of the following interventions? (Select all that apply). a. Cool, damp washcloths on the face and neck b. Decreasing bright lights in the room c. Keeping the woman clean and dry d. Administering pain medication as ordered f. Offering simple snacks every 2 hours

A, B, C, D

An intravenous access is started in most labor clients because of which of the following? (Select all that apply). a. To have quick access if drugs are needed b. To provide fluids to prevent dehydration c. In case an epidural block is administered d. To provide a route for pain medications for the 48-hour postpartum period

A, B, C By 48 hours postpartum, mothers are expected to be on oral pain medication.

Which nursing diagnosis would take priority in the care of a primipara client with no visible support person in attendance who has entered the second stage of labor after a first stage of labor lasting 4 hours? a. Fluid volume deficit (FVD) related to fluid loss during labor and birth process b. Fatigue related to length of labor requiring increased energy expenditure c. Acute pain related to increased intensity of contractions d. Anxiety related to imminent birth process

ANS: D A primipara is experiencing the birthing event for the first time and may experience anxiety because of fear of the unknown. It would be important to recognize this because the client is alone in the labor-birth room and will need additional support and reassurance. Although FVD may occur as a result of fluid loss, prospective management of labor clients includes the use of parenteral fluid therapy; the client should be monitored for FVD and, if symptoms warrant, receive intervention. Because the client has been in labor for 4 hours, this is not considered to be a prolonged labor pattern for a primipara client. Although the client may be tired, this nursing diagnosis would not be a priority unless there were other symptoms manifested. Because the client is entering the second stage of labor, she will be allowed to push with contractions. Thus, in terms of pain management, medication will not be administered at this time because of imminent birth.

A pregnant client walks into the birthing center complaining of contractions. After getting her to bed, the first thing the nurse should do is: a. Assess the mother's pulse and respirations. b. Gather information about her medical history. c. Assess the fetal heart rate. d. Start an intravenous line.

C Assessment priorities on admission of a labor client are to determine the condition of the mother and fetus and whether birth is imminent. Checking the fetal heart rate is one of the first assessments that should be carried out. Along with assessing the fetus, the nurse should also check the maternal blood pressure and temperature.

If a woman's fundus is soft 30 minutes after birth, the nurse's first response should be to: a. massage the fundus. b. take the blood pressure. c. notify the physician or nurse-midwife. d. place the woman in Trendelenburg position.

ANS: A The nurse's first response should be to massage the fundus to stimulate contraction of the uterus to compress open blood vessels at the placental site, limiting blood loss. The blood pressure is an important assessment to determine the extent of blood loss but is not the top priority. Notification should occur after all nursing measures have been attempted with no favorable results. The Trendelenburg position is contraindicated for this woman at this point. This position would not allow for appropriate vaginal drainage of lochia. The lochia remaining in the uterus would clot and produce further bleeding.

When using the second Leopold's maneuver in fetal assessment, the nurse would palpate (the): a. both sides of the maternal abdomen. b. lower abdomen above the symphysis pubis. c. both upper quadrants of the maternal abdomen . d. lower abdomen for flexion of the presenting part.

ANS: A The second Leopold's maneuver involves determining the location of the fetal back and is performed by palpating both sides of the maternal abdomen. Palpating the lower abdomen above the symphysis pubis is the third maneuver. Palpating the upper quadrants of the maternal abdomen is the first maneuver. Palpating the lower abdomen for flexion of the presenting part is the fourth maneuver.

The nurse is caring for a client in the fourth stage of labor. Which assessment findings should the nurse identify as a potential complication? (Select all that apply.) a. Soft boggy uterus b. Maternal temperature of 99° F c. High uterine fundus displaced to the right d. Intense vaginal pain unrelieved by analgesics e. Half of a lochia pad saturated in the first hour after birth

ANS: A, C, D Assessment findings that may indicate a potential complication in the fourth stage include a soft boggy uterus, high uterine fundus displaced to the right, and intense vaginal pain unrelieved by analgesics. The maternal temperature may be slightly elevated after birth because of the inflammation to tissues, and half of a lochia pad saturated in the first hour after birth is within expected amounts.

Which nursing assessment indicates that a woman who is in the second stage of labor is almost ready to give birth? a. Bloody mucous discharge increases. b. The vulva bulges and encircles the fetal head. c. The membranes rupture during a contraction. d. The fetal head is felt at 0 station during the vaginal examination.

ANS: B A bulging vulva that encircles the fetal head describes crowning, which occurs shortly before birth. Bloody show occurs throughout the labor process and is not an indication of an imminent birth. Rupture of membranes can occur at any time during the labor process and does not indicate an imminent birth. Birth of the head occurs when the station is +4. A 0 station indicates engagement.

Which of the following behaviors would be applicable to a nursing diagnosis of risk for injury in a client who is in labor? a. Length of second-stage labor is 2 hours. b. Client has received an epidural for pain control during the labor process. c. Client is using breathing techniques during contractions to maximize pain relief. d. Client is receiving parenteral fluids during the course of labor to maintain hydration.

ANS: B A client who has received medication during labor is at risk for injury as a result of altered sensorium, so this presentation is applicable to the diagnosis. A length of 2 hours for the second stage of labor is within the range of normal. Breathing techniques help maintain control over the labor process. Fluids administered during the labor process are used to prevent potential fluid volume deficit.

A woman who is gravida 3, para 2, enters the intrapartum unit. The most important nursing assessments are: a. contraction pattern, amount of discomfort, and pregnancy history. b. fetal heart rate, maternal vital signs, and the woman's nearness to birth. c. last food intake, when labor began, and cultural practices the couple desires. d. identification of ruptured membranes, the woman's gravida and para, and her support person.

ANS: B All options describe relevant intrapartum nursing assessments, but the focus assessment has priority. If the maternal and fetal conditions are normal and birth is not imminent, other assessments can be performed in an unhurried manner. Contraction pattern, amount of discomfort, and pregnancy history are important nursing assessments but do not take priority if the birth is imminent. Last food intake, when labor began, and cultural practices the couple desires is an assessment that can occur later in the admission process, if time permits. Identification of ruptured membranes, the woman's gravida and para, and her support person are assessments that can occur later in the admission process if time permits.

A gravida 1, para 0, 38 weeks' gestation is in the transition phase of labor with SROM and is very anxious. Vaginal exam, 8 cm, 100% effaced, -1 station vertex presentation. She wants the nurse to keep checking her by performing repeated vaginal exams because she is sure that she is progressing rapidly. What is the best response that the nurse can provide to this client at this time? a. Performing more frequent vaginal exams will not make the labor go any quicker. b. Even though she is in transition, frequent vaginal exams must be limited because of the potential for infection. c. Tell the client that she will check every 30 minutes. d. Medicate the client as needed for anxiety so that the labor can progress.

ANS: B Data reveals a primipara in labor who is in transition (8 to 10 cm) with ruptured membranes. At this point, vaginal exams should be limited until the client feels further pressure and/or has increased bloody show, indicating fetal descent. Telling the client that performing more frequent vaginal exams will not make the labor go any quicker would not be therapeutic because this does not address client's anxiety. Telling the client that the nurse will continue checking every 30 minutes without adequate clinical indication is not the standard of care. Medicating the client is not an appropriate intervention at this time because effective communication will help alleviate stress, and the use of medications during transition may affect maternal and/or fetal well-being during birth.

The nurse notes a concerning fetal heart rate pattern for a patient in active labor. The health care provider has prescribed the placement of a Foley catheter. What priority nursing action will the nurse implement when placing the catheter? a. Place the catheter as quickly as possible. b. Place a small pillow under the patient's left hip. c. Omit the use of a cleansing agent, such as Betadine. d. Set up the catheter tray before positioning the patient.

ANS: B To promote placental function, the nurse can place a small pillow or rolled blanket under the patient's left hip to shift the weight of the uterus off the aorta and inferior vena cava. Catheter placement is a sterile procedure, with very prescribed steps. Placing the catheter quickly might lead to skipping a step and place the patient at risk for infection. Use of a cleansing agent, such as Hibiclens or Betadine, is included in the catheter placement procedure to ensure a sterile area for placement. Setting up the catheter tray before positioning the patient is the standard of care.

Which interventions should be performed in the birth room to facilitate thermoregulation of the newborn? (Select all that apply.) a. Place the infant covered with blankets in the radiant warmer. b. Dry the infant off with sterile towels. c. Place stockinette cap on infant's head. d. Bathe the newborn within 30 minutes of birth. e. Remove wet linen as needed.

ANS: B, C, E Following birth, the newborn is at risk for hypothermia. Therefore, nursing interventions are aimed at maintaining warmth. Drying the infant off, in addition to maintaining warmth, helps stimulate crying and lung expansion, which helps in the transition period following birth. Placing a cap on the infant's head helps prevent heat loss. Removal of wet linens helps minimize further heat loss caused by exposure. Newborns should not be covered while in a radiant warmer with blankets because this will impede birth of heat transfer. Bathing a newborn should be delayed for at least a few hours so that the newborn temperature can stabilize during the transition period.

The nurse is preparing to perform Leopold's maneuvers. Why are Leopold's maneuvers used by practitioners? a. To determine the status of the membranes b. To determine cervical dilation and effacement c. To determine the best location to assess the fetal heart rate d. To determine whether the fetus is in the posterior position

ANS: C Leopold's maneuvers are often performed before assessing the fetal heart rate (FHR). These maneuvers help identify the best location to obtain the FHR. A Nitrazine or ferning test can be performed to determine the status of the fetal membranes. Dilation and effacement are best determined by vaginal examination. Assessment of fetal position is more accurate with vaginal examination.

A woman arrives to the labor and birth unit at term. She is greeted by a staff nurse and a nursing student. The student reviews the initial intake assessment with the staff nurse. Which action will the staff nurse have to correct? a. Obtain a fetal heart rate. b. Determine the estimated due date. c. Auscultate anterior and posterior breath sounds. d. Ask the client when she last had something to eat.

ANS: C On admission to the labor and birth unit, a focused assessment is performed. This includes the following: names of mother and support person(s); name of her physician or nurse-midwife if she had prenatal care; number of pregnancies and prior births, including whether the birth was vaginal or cesarean; status of membranes; expected date of birth; problems during this or other pregnancies; allergies to medications, foods, or other substances; time and type of last oral intake; maternal vital signs and FHR; and pain—location, intensity, factors that intensify or relieve, duration, whether constant or intermittent, and whether the pain is acceptable to the woman. Generally, women of childbearing years are healthy and auscultation of lung sounds can be delayed until the initial intake assessment has been completed.

The nurse assists the midwife during a vaginal examination of the client in labor. What does the nurse recognize as the primary reason that a vaginal exam is done at this time? a. To apply internal monitoring electrodes b. To assess for Goodell's sign c. To determine cervical dilation and effacement d. To determine strength of contractions

ANS: C The primary purpose of a vaginal exam during labor is to determine cervical dilation and effacement and fetal descent. Goodell's sign is assessed in early pregnancy, not during labor. Although application of monitoring electrodes is done by entering the vagina, it is not the primary purpose of a vaginal exam. Vaginal exams are not done to determine the strength of contractions.

Which client at term should go to the hospital or birth center the soonest after labor begins? a. Gravida 2, para 1, who lives 10 minutes away b. Gravida 1, para 0, who lives 40 minutes away c. Gravida 2, para 1, whose first labor lasted 16 hours d. Gravida 3, para 2, whose longest previous labor was 4 hours

ANS: D Multiparous women usually have shorter labors than do nulliparous women. The woman described in option D is multiparous with a history of rapid labors, increasing the likelihood that her infant might be born in uncontrolled circumstances. A gravida 2 would be expected to have a longer labor than the gravida in option C. The fact that she lives close to the hospital allows her to stay home for a longer period of time. A gravida 1 will be expected to have the longest labor. The gravida 2 would be expected to have a longer labor than the gravida 3, especially because her first labor was 16 hours.

The client in labor experiences a spontaneous rupture of membranes. What information related to this event must the nurse include in the client's record? a. Fetal heart rate b. Pain level c. Test results ensuring that the fluid is not urine d. The client's understanding of the event

ANS: A Charting related to membrane rupture includes the time, FHR, and character and amount of the fluid. Pain is not associated with this event. When it is obvious that the fluid is amniotic fluid, which is anticipated during labor, it is not necessary to verify this by testing. The client's understanding of the event would only need to be documented if it presents a problem.

A multigravida at 37 weeks of gestation is admitted to the labor room. She has contractions every 3 to 4 minutes lasting 40 to 50 seconds and no history of clear fluid leakage from the vagina, but complains of bright red bleeding for the past hour. The fetal heart rate is 145 beats/min (bpm). What should be the nurse's next intervention? a. Call the physician. b. Perform a vaginal exam to determine imminence of birth. c. Continue to monitor contractions and fetal heart rate. d. Administer an enema according to protocol of the agency.

A Bright red bleeding is a sign of complications, and the physician or primary health care provider should be notified immediately. Vaginal exams or enemas are contraindicated in the presence of bleeding. Continuing to monitor the mother and fetus is important after notifying the health care provider.

The nurse assesses the amniotic fluid. Which characteristic presents the lowest risk of fetal complications? a. Bloody b. Clear with bits of vernix caseosa c. Green and thick d. Yellow and cloudy with foul odor

ANS: B Amniotic fluid should be clear and may include bits of vernix caseosa, the creamy white fetal skin lubricant. Green fluid indicates that the fetus passed meconium before birth. The newborn may need extra respiratory suctioning at birth if the fluid is heavily stained with meconium. Cloudy, yellowish, strong-smelling, or foul-smelling fluid suggests infection. Bloody fluid may indicate partial placental separation.

A primigravida at 39 weeks of gestation is observed for 2 hours in the intrapartum unit. The fetal heart rate has been normal. Contractions are 5 to 9 minutes apart, 20 to 30 seconds in duration, and of mild intensity. Cervical dilation is 1 to 2 cm and uneffaced (unchanged from admission). Membranes are intact. The nurse should expect the client to be: a. discharged home with a sedative. b. admitted for extended observation. c. admitted and prepared for a cesarean birth. d. discharged home to await the onset of true labor.

ANS: D The situation describes a client with normal assessments who is probably in false labor and will probably not deliver rapidly once true labor begins. The client will probably be discharged, but there is no indication that a sedative is needed. These are all indications of false labor; there is no indication that further assessment or observations are indicated. These are all indications of false labor without fetal distress. There is no indication that a cesarean birth is indicated.

Which should the nurse recognize as being associated with fetal compromise? a. Active fetal movements b. Fetal heart rate in the 140s c. Contractions lasting 90 seconds d. Meconium-stained amniotic fluid

ANS: D When fetal oxygen is compromised, relaxation of the rectal sphincter allows passage of meconium into the amniotic fluid. Active fetal movement is an expected occurrence. The expected FHR range is 120 to 160 bpm. The fetus should be able to tolerate contractions lasting 90 seconds if the resting phase is sufficient to allow for a return of adequate blood flow.

After birth, the nurse assesses the newborn. The heart rate is 90 bpm, the body is flexed, there is vigorous movement, the newborn is actively crying when stimulated, and has bluish coloration in the feet and hands. The proper Apgar score for this newborn should be: a. 7. b. 8. c. 9. d. 10.

B The heart rate less than 100 bpm gets a score of 1, a lusty cry will give a score of 2 for both respiratory effort and reflex response, the flexed posture and vigorous movements gives a score of 2, and the bluish coloration of the hands and feet will give a score of 1.

Which is an essential part of nursing care for a laboring client? a. Helping the woman manage the pain b. Eliminating the pain associated with labor c. Feeling comfortable with the predictable nature of intrapartal care d. Sharing personal experiences regarding labor and birth to decrease her anxiety

ANS: A Helping a client manage the pain is an essential part of nursing care because pain is an expected part of normal labor and cannot be fully relieved. Labor pain cannot be fully relieved. The labor nurse should always be assessing for unpredictable occurrences. Decreasing anxiety is important, but managing pain is a top priority.

The nurse has given the newborn an Apgar score of 5. She should then: a. begin ventilation and compressions. b. do nothing except place the infant under a radiant warmer. c. observe the infant and recheck the score after 10 minutes. d. gently stimulate by rubbing the infant's back while administering O2.

ANS: D An infant who receives a score of 4 to 6 requires only additional oxygen and gentle stimulation. An infant who receive a score of 3 or less requires ventilation and compressions. An infant who scores less than 7 requires more intervention than placement under a radiant warmer. Observing and rechecking the infant will not improve newborn's transition to extrauterine life.

Which comfort measure should a nurse use to assist a laboring woman to relax? a. Recommend frequent position changes. b. Palpate her filling bladder every 15 minutes. c. Offer warm wet cloths to use on the client's face and neck. d. Keep the room lights lit so the client and her coach can see everything.

ANS: A Frequent maternal position changes reduce the discomfort from constant pressure and promote fetal descent. A full bladder intensifies labor pain. The bladder should be emptied every 2 hours. Women in labor get hot and perspire. Cool cloths are much better. Soft indirect lighting is more soothing than irritating bright lights.

9. The nurse auscultates the fetal heart rate and determines a rate of 152 bpm. Which nursing intervention is appropriate? a. Inform the mother that the rate is normal. b. Reassess the fetal heart rate in 5 minutes because the rate is too high. c. Report the fetal heart rate to the physician or nurse-midwife immediately. d. Tell the mother that she is going to have a boy because the heart rate is fast.

ANS: A The FHR is within the normal range, so no other action is indicated at this time. The FHR is within the expected range; reassessment should occur, but not in 5 minutes. The FHR is within the expected range; no further action is necessary at this point. The gender of the baby cannot be determined by the FHR.

The nurse is preparing to initiate intravenous (IV) access on a patient in the active phase of labor. Which size IV cannula is best for this patient? a. 18-gauge b. 20-gauge c. 22-gauge d. 24-gauge

ANS: A The larger the number, the smaller the diameter of the cannula. The nurse should select the largest bore cannula possible. IV access is initiated for hydration prior to epidural placement and for use in an emergency. Both require the rapid administration of fluid, which is most easily accomplished with a large bore cannula.

Which interventions are required following an amniotomy procedure? (Select all that apply.) a. Notation related to amount of fluid expelled b. Color and consistency of fluid c. Fetal heart rate d. Maternal blood pressure e. Maternal heart rate

ANS: A, B, C Following amniotomy (AROM), observation and documentation of the amount of fluid, color and consistency, and fetal heart rate should be done. Maternal assessments related to blood pressure and heart rate are not required.

The nurse examines a primipara's cervix at 8-9/100%/+2; it is tight against the fetal head. The patient reports a strong urge to bear down. What is the nurse's priority action? a. Palpate her bladder for fullness. b. Assess the frequency and duration of her contractions. c. Determine who will stay with the patient for the birth. d. Encourage the patient to exhale in short breaths with contractions.

ANS: D Teach the woman to exhale in short breaths if pushing is likely to injure her cervix or cause cervical edema. Pushing against a cervix that does not easily yield to pressure from the presenting part may result in cervical edema, which can block labor progress or cause cervical lacerations. A full bladder may impede the progress of labor. Although this is an important nursing action, it does not address the patient's urge to push. This patient is in the transition phase of the first stage of labor. Her contractions will be every 2 to 3 minutes and last 60 to 90 seconds. Determining the frequency and duration of the contractions does not add to the known assessment data for this patient. Determining who will attend the birth, although nice to know, does not address her urge to push.