1. Question Mechanism of labor, also known as the cardinal movements, refers to the sequencing of events involved in posturing and positioning that allows the baby to find the easiest to come out of the birth canal. Arrange the following mechanisms of

1. Question Mechanism of labor, also known as the cardinal movements, refers to the sequencing of events involved in posturing and positioning that allows the baby to find the easiest to come out of the birth canal. Arrange the following mechanisms of labor in the order during the course of labor and fetal delivery. • Extension • Engagement • Descent • External rotation • Internal rotation • Expulsion • Flexion The correct order is shown above. The mechanism of fetal delivery begins with descent into the pelvic inlet which may occur several days before true labor sets in the primigravida. Flexion, internal rotation, and extension are mechanisms that the fetus must perform as it accommodates through the passageway/birth canal. Eternal rotation is done after the head is delivered so that the shoulders will be easily delivered through the vaginal introitus. 2. Question The first thing that a nurse must ensure when the baby’s head comes out is • A. The cord is intact • B. No part of the cord is encircling the baby’s neck • C. The cord is still attached to the placenta • D. The cord is still pulsating Correct Answer: B. No part of the cord is encircling the baby’s neck The nurse should check right away for possible cord coil around the neck because if it is present, the baby can be strangled by it and the fetal head will have difficulty being delivered. 3. Question To ensure that the baby will breathe as soon as the head is delivered, the nurse’s priority action is to • A. Slap the baby’s buttocks to make the baby cry. • B. Suction the nose and mouth to remove mucous secretions. • C. Clamp the cord about 6 inches from the base. • D. Check the baby’s color to make sure it is not cyanotic. Correct Answer: B. Suction the nose and mouth to remove mucous secretions. Suctioning the nose and mouth of the fetus as soon as the head is delivered will remove any obstruction that may be present allowing for better breathing. Also, if mucus is in the nose and mouth, aspiration of the mucus is possible which can lead to aspiration pneumonia. (Remember that only the baby’s head has come out as given in the situation.)