What is the single most important indicator of the progress of labor?
Cervical dilation is the single most important indicator of the progress of labor.
When should vaginal examinations be avoided during labor assessment?
Vaginal examinations should be avoided in the presence of vaginal bleeding or until placenta previa or abruptio placentae is ruled out.
List three factors that can affect the progress of labor.
Size of fetal head, fetal presentation, fetal lie, fetal attitude, and fetal position.
In the first stage of labor, what are the cervical dilation parameters for the latent/early phase?
The latent or early phase is characterized by cervical dilation from 0 cm to 5 cm.
In the first stage of labor, what are the cervical dilation parameters for the active phase?
The active phase is characterized by cervical dilation from 6 cm to 10 cm.
What is the immediate first nursing assessment after a suspected rupture of membranes?
The first assessment should be the Fetal Heart Rate (FHR) to check for nonreassuring status due to a possible umbilical cord prolapse.
A positive nitrazine paper test for amniotic fluid will turn what color, indicating what pH range?
The nitrazine paper will turn blue, indicating an alkaline pH of 6.5 to 7.5.
When viewed under a microscope, amniotic fluid will exhibit what characteristic pattern?
Amniotic fluid will exhibit a frond-like ferning pattern.
Why is it important for a laboring client to void every 2 hours?
A distended bladder can impede fetal descent through the birth canal and cause trauma to the bladder.
A gentle circular stroking of the abdomen in rhythm with breathing during contractions is a nonpharmacological comfort measure known as _____.
effleurage
During the transition phase of labor, a client’s statement about needing to have a bowel movement is often an indication of what?
This sensation is a finding of complete cervical dilation and fetal descent.
The second stage of labor begins with _____ and ends with the birth of the fetus.
complete dilation and effacement of the cervix
A first-degree perineal laceration extends through what tissues?
It extends through the skin of the perineum and does not involve the muscles.
A second-degree perineal laceration extends through which tissues?
It extends through the skin and muscles into the perineum but not the anal sphincter.
What structures are involved in a fourth-degree perineal laceration?
It extends through the skin, muscles, anal sphincter, and the anterior rectal wall.
The appearance of the fetal head at the perineum is known as _____.
crowning
The third stage of labor begins with the birth of the fetus and ends with what event?
The delivery of the placenta.
List three clinical findings that indicate placental separation.
Fundus firmly contracting, a swift gush of dark blood from the introitus, and the umbilical cord appearing to lengthen.
What is the primary focus of nursing care during the fourth stage of labor?
The focus is to maintain uterine tone and to prevent hemorrhage.
During the first 2 hours of the fourth stage of labor, how often should the nurse assess maternal blood pressure and pulse?
Maternal blood pressure and pulse should be assessed every 15 minutes for the first 2 hours.
What is an external cephalic version (ECV)?
It is an ultrasound-guided, hands-on procedure to externally manipulate the fetus into a cephalic lie, typically performed at 37 to 38 weeks.
What is a major risk associated with an external cephalic version (ECV)?
There is a high risk of placental abruption, umbilical cord compression, and emergent cesarean birth.
What is the purpose of a Bishop score?
A Bishop score is used to determine maternal readiness for labor by evaluating if the cervix is favorable for induction.
A Bishop score of _____ or more for a client at 39 weeks of gestation is indicative of a successful induction.
8