Labor and Childbirth Stages

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Questions and Answers

During which stage of labor does cervical dilation progress from 0-3 cm, characterized by irregular and mild contractions?

  • Second stage
  • Latent phase of the first stage (correct)
  • Transition phase of the first stage
  • Active phase of the first stage

A laboring woman is experiencing strong to very strong uterine contractions every 2-3 minutes. She expresses feeling overwhelmed and irritable. Which phase of the first stage of labor is she most likely in?

  • Second stage
  • Transition phase (correct)
  • Active phase
  • Latent phase

What is the primary nursing intervention during the fourth stage of labor, immediately following placental expulsion?

  • Continuous fetal heart rate monitoring
  • Administration of pain medication
  • Frequent monitoring of maternal vital signs and uterine fundus (correct)
  • Assessment of placental completeness

A nurse is caring for a woman in the second stage of labor. Which maternal behavior indicates that she is likely nearing the end of this stage?

<p>Reporting an urge to push (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the active phase of the first stage of labor, what is the typical frequency and intensity of uterine contractions a nurse would expect to assess?

<p>Regular, moderate to strong contractions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Following the birth of the baby, a nurse is monitoring for signs of placental separation. Which of the following is a sign of placental separation?

<p>Lengthening of the umbilical cord (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A nurse is teaching a childbirth education class about non-pharmacological pain management techniques. Which method relies on focused breathing patterns during contractions?

<p>Breathing techniques (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of administering oxytocin in the third stage of labor?

<p>To promote uterine contraction and placental expulsion (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A fetal heart rate deceleration is noted on the monitor that is abrupt and variable in timing with contractions. What type of deceleration is this most likely to be?

<p>Variable deceleration (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing intervention is crucial when caring for a patient experiencing shoulder dystocia during delivery?

<p>Performing McRobert's maneuver (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal baseline fetal heart rate range?

<p>110-160 bpm (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the fourth stage of labor, a nurse assesses a boggy uterus that is displaced to the side. What is the priority nursing action?

<p>Assist the mother to void and then reassess the fundus (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which Apgar score category evaluates the newborn's responsiveness to stimuli such as a gentle flick to the sole of the foot?

<p>Reflex Irritability (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A laboring patient is experiencing fetal distress. Which initial nursing intervention is most appropriate?

<p>Administer oxygen to the mother (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the duration of the second stage of labor?

<p>From full cervical dilation to the birth of the baby (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A nurse is reviewing a fetal monitoring strip and notes accelerations. How should accelerations be interpreted?

<p>They are reassuring signs of fetal well-being. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a pharmacological method of pain management commonly used in labor?

<p>Epidural analgesia (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the event of a uterine rupture, what is the most critical and immediate nursing intervention?

<p>Preparing for emergency surgery (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which stage of labor is ambulation encouraged, if appropriate, to aid in labor progress?

<p>Latent phase of the first stage (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary nursing action immediately after the birth of a newborn?

<p>Drying, warming, and assessing airway, breathing, and circulation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fetal heart rate deceleration is typically considered benign and is often associated with fetal head compression?

<p>Early deceleration (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A postpartum patient is experiencing excessive vaginal bleeding. What is the initial nursing intervention for postpartum hemorrhage?

<p>Performing fundal massage (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the transition phase of labor, a woman may exhibit which emotional characteristic?

<p>Overwhelmed and irritable (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical duration of the third stage of labor?

<p>From birth of the baby to expulsion of the placenta (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing action is essential when caring for a patient with umbilical cord prolapse?

<p>Elevating the presenting part off the cord (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'variability' in fetal heart rate monitoring indicate?

<p>Fluctuations in the baseline fetal heart rate (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the active phase of labor, what is the expected cervical dilation range?

<p>4-7 cm (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a non-pharmacological method for pain relief during labor?

<p>Massage (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the duration of the fourth stage of labor?

<p>For four hours after expulsion of the placenta (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A fetal heart rate pattern shows gradual decreases below baseline that begin at the peak of contractions and return to baseline after the contraction ends. What type of deceleration is this?

<p>Early deceleration (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following vital signs is most critical to monitor every 15 minutes during the first hour of the fourth stage of labor?

<p>Blood pressure (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of nursing care during the latent phase of the first stage of labor?

<p>Providing emotional support and encouragement (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which Apgar score component assesses the newborn's muscle tone?

<p>Muscle Tone (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A fetal heart rate pattern shows late decelerations. What do late decelerations typically indicate?

<p>Uteroplacental insufficiency (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended frequency for voiding during the first stage of labor?

<p>Every 1-2 hours (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of nursing interventions during the second stage of labor?

<p>Facilitating safe and effective pushing efforts (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a sign of potential postpartum hemorrhage that a nurse should assess for?

<p>Excessive lochia with clots saturating a pad in 15 minutes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In newborn care, what is the purpose of stimulating the newborn immediately after birth?

<p>To initiate respiratory effort (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Labor and Childbirth

Expulsion of the fetus and placenta from the uterus.

First Stage of Labor

Begins with regular contractions and ends with full cervical effacement and dilation.

Second Stage of Labor

Extends from full cervical dilation to the birth of the baby.

Third Stage of Labor

From the baby's birth until the placenta is expelled.

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Fourth Stage of Labor

After placental expulsion until the mother is stable (about 4 hours).

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Latent Phase

Cervical dilation of 0-3 cm, irregular contractions, mother is talkative and eager.

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Active Phase

Cervical dilation of 4-7 cm, more regular contractions, increasing anxiety and pain.

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Transition Phase

Cervical dilation of 8-10 cm, strong contractions, mother may feel overwhelmed.

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Nursing Assessments: First Stage

Assess maternal vital signs, FHR, and contractions regularly.

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Nursing interventions: Comfort

Encouraging ambulation during the latent phase or comfortable positioning.

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Second Stage of Labor

Begins with full cervical dilation (10 cm) and ends with the birth of the infant.

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Third Stage of Labor

Begins immediately after newborn's birth, ends with placental expulsion.

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Nursing: Third Stage

Observe for signs of placental separation, administer oxytocin, assess completeness.

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Nursing: Fourth Stage

Monitor vital signs, uterine fundus, lochia, encourage breastfeeding.

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Non-Pharmacological Pain Relief

Breathing, relaxation, massage, hydrotherapy, music.

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Pharmacological Pain Relief

Analgesics (opioids), anesthetics (epidural, spinal, pudendal block).

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Fetal Heart Rate: Baseline

Average fetal heart rate over 10 minutes, normally 110-160 bpm.

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FHR Variability

Fluctuations in the baseline fetal heart rate.

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FHR Accelerations

Abrupt increases in the fetal heart rate above the baseline.

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FHR Decelerations

Decreases in the fetal heart rate below the baseline (early, late, and variable).

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Fetal Distress

Compromise of fetal oxygen supply.

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Umbilical Cord Prolapse

Umbilical cord precedes the fetal presenting part.

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Shoulder Dystocia

Difficulty delivering the fetal shoulders after the head.

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Postpartum Hemorrhage

Excessive bleeding after childbirth.

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Uterine Rupture

Tear in the wall of the uterus.

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Umbilical cord prolapse: Nursing

Elevate the presenting part off the cord, call for assistance, prepare for emergency delivery.

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Postpartum Hemorrhage: Nursing

Fundal massage, administer oxytocin, assess for shock.

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Apgar Score

Assesses heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color.

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Study Notes

  • Labor and childbirth refer to the events expelling the fetus and placenta from the uterus
  • Nursing care during this period focuses on promoting a safe and positive experience for the mother and baby.

Stages of Labor

  • First stage begins with regular uterine contractions and ends with full cervical effacement and dilation
  • Second stage extends from full cervical dilation to the birth of the baby
  • Third stage lasts from the baby's birth until the placenta is expelled
  • Fourth stage begins after the placenta is expelled and continues for four hours or until the mother is stable

First Stage of Labor:

  • Latent phase sees cervical dilation of 0-3 cm
  • Latent phase involves irregular, mild to moderate uterine contractions
  • Latent phase is characterized by the mother being talkative and eager
  • Active phase sees cervical dilation of 4-7 cm
  • Active phase involves more regular, moderate to strong uterine contractions
  • Active phase is characterized by the mother experiencing increasing anxiety and pain
  • Transition phase sees cervical dilation of 8-10 cm
  • Transition phase involves strong to very strong uterine contractions every 2-3 minutes
  • Transition phase is characterized by the mother feeling overwhelmed, irritable, and restless

Nursing Interventions for the First stage of Labor

  • Regularly assess maternal vital signs, fetal heart rate, and uterine contractions
  • Encourage ambulation or comfortable positioning during the latent phase
  • Assist with voiding every 1-2 hours
  • Provide clear explanations, emotional support, and encouragement
  • Offer pain management techniques like breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and pharmacological interventions

Second Stage of Labor:

  • Begins with full cervical dilation (10 cm) and complete effacement
  • Ends with the birth of the infant
  • The woman experiences an urge to push
  • Contractions are strong and occur every 2-3 minutes lasting 60-90 seconds

Nursing Interventions for the Second stage of Labor

  • Continuously monitor maternal vital signs and fetal heart rate
  • Provide encouragement and support during pushing efforts
  • Prepare the delivery room and assist the provider with the delivery
  • Immediately after birth, assess the newborn's airway, breathing, and circulation

Third Stage of Labor:

  • Begins immediately after newborn birth
  • Ends with placental expulsion
  • Placental expulsion usually occurs within 5-30 minutes after birth

Nursing Interventions for the Third stage of Labor

  • Observe for signs of placental separation
  • Administer oxytocin as prescribed to promote uterine contraction
  • Assist with placental expulsion
  • Assess the placenta for completeness
  • Provide immediate care to the newborn, including drying, warming, and assessing

Fourth Stage of Labor

  • Begins after the expulsion of the placenta
  • Lasts for 1-4 hours
  • Physiological stabilization occurs

Nursing Interventions for the Fourth stage of Labor

  • Monitor maternal vital signs every 15 minutes for the first hour
  • Assess uterine fundus for firmness and location
  • Assess lochia for color, amount, and clots
  • Encourage breastfeeding and promote bonding between mother and baby
  • Provide pain relief as needed

Pain Management during Labor

  • Non-pharmacological methods include breathing techniques
  • Non-pharmacological methods also include relaxation techniques, massage, hydrotherapy, and music therapy
  • Pharmacological methods include analgesics (opioids)
  • Pharmacological methods also include anesthetics like epidural, spinal, and pudendal blocks

Fetal Monitoring

  • Intermittent auscultation uses a fetoscope or Doppler to assess fetal heart rate periodically
  • Continuous electronic fetal monitoring provides continuous data on fetal heart rate and uterine contractions
  • Baseline fetal heart rate is the average heart rate over 10 minutes, normally 110-160 bpm
  • Variability refers to fluctuations in the baseline fetal heart rate
  • Accelerations are abrupt increases in the fetal heart rate above the baseline
  • Decelerations are decreases in the fetal heart rate below the baseline, categorized as early, late, and variable

Complications during Labor and Birth

  • Fetal distress is a possible complication
  • Umbilical cord prolapse is a possible complication
  • Shoulder dystocia is a possible complication
  • Postpartum hemorrhage is a possible complication
  • Uterine rupture is a possible complication

Nursing Interventions for Complications during Labor and Birth

  • For fetal distress, administer oxygen to the mother
  • For fetal distress, reposition the mother and increase intravenous fluids
  • For fetal distress, prepare for emergency delivery
  • For umbilical cord prolapse, elevate the presenting part off the cord
  • For umbilical cord prolapse, call for assistance and prepare for emergency delivery
  • For shoulder dystocia, use McRobert's maneuver and apply suprapubic pressure
  • For postpartum hemorrhage, perform fundal massage and administer oxytocin
  • For postpartum hemorrhage, assess for signs of shock
  • For uterine rupture, prepare for emergency surgery

Newborn Assessment and Care

  • Apgar score assesses the newborn's heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color
  • Vital signs to check include heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature
  • Physical assessment involves checking for abnormalities
  • Immediate care includes drying, warming, and stimulating the newborn
  • Promote bonding between mother and baby

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