Exam 17: Processes and Stages of Labor and Birth

During the fourth stage of labor, your patient's assessment includes a BP of 110/60, pulse 90, and the fundus is firm midline and halfway between the symphysis pubis and the umbilicus. The priority action of the nurse should be to:

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?

While caring for a labor patient, the nurse determines during a vaginal exam that the baby's head has internally rotated. This information is given to the family. The labor support person asks the nurse, "What other position changes will the baby undertake during labor and birth?" How should the nurse describe the rest of the cardinal movements for a baby in a vertex presentation?

A 32-year-old laboring patient demonstrates cervical dilatation of 9 cm. Her contractions are two minutes apart and 60 to 90 seconds in duration. She complains of excruciating rectal pressure. How should the nurse interpret this complaint?

The primiparous patient 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 healthy 18-year-old patient who is 40 weeks' gestation presents at the clinic complaining of vaginal expulsion of stringy mucus followed by blood-tinged secretions. She denies any discomfort or any other changes. Based upon the patient's complaints, what is most likely to occur within the next 24 to 48 hours?

Which patient requires immediate intervention by the labor and delivery nurse?

The nurse is caring for laboring patients. Which women are experiencing problems related to a critical factor of labor?

The primiparous patient 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?

The nurse is caring for a laboring patient. A cervical exam indicates 8 cm dilation. The patient is restless, frequently changing position in an attempt to get comfortable. Which nursing action is most important?