Perinatal Chapter 12: Processes of Birth(All correctly
answered)
Afterpains correct answers Postbirth uterine contractions
Catecholamines correct answers Maternal substances secreted in response to stress
Dilation correct answers Opening of the cervix
Effacement correct answers Thinning of the cervix
Molding correct answers Change in the shape of the fetal head during birth
Physiologic retraction ring correct answers Division between the upper and lower uterine
segments
Relaxin correct answers Hormone that causes cartilage to soften
Station correct answers Measurement of descent of the fetal presenting part into the pelvis
Explain why each characteristic of uterine contractions is important during birth:
a. Coordinated:
b. Involuntary:
c. Intermittent: correct answers a. Coordinated: Contractions must be stronger in the upper uterus
than in the lower uterus to propel the fetus toward the outside
b. Involuntary: Woman cannot consciously cause labor to start or stop; otherwise, many infants
would be born early because the woman became tired of being pregnant, or labor might be
suspended when in became intense.
c. Intermittent: Intervals between contractions allow resumption of blood flow to the placenta to
supply oxygen to the fetus and remove wastes.
Describe differences in how the upper and lower parts of the uterus contract during labor. Why is
it important that the parts have different contraction characteristics? correct answers The upper
uterus contracts actively to push the fetus downward, whereas the lower uterus is more passive to
reduce resistance to fetal passage into and through the pelvis. Any other pattern would be
ineffective at pushing the fetus out.
Why should the nurse regularly check the woman's bladder at the following times:
a. During labor:
b. During the early postpartum period: correct answers a. During labor:A full bladder increases
pain and interferes with fetal descent.
b. During the early postpartum period: A full bladder interferes with the uterine contractions that
compress open vessels to control bleeding.
answered)
Afterpains correct answers Postbirth uterine contractions
Catecholamines correct answers Maternal substances secreted in response to stress
Dilation correct answers Opening of the cervix
Effacement correct answers Thinning of the cervix
Molding correct answers Change in the shape of the fetal head during birth
Physiologic retraction ring correct answers Division between the upper and lower uterine
segments
Relaxin correct answers Hormone that causes cartilage to soften
Station correct answers Measurement of descent of the fetal presenting part into the pelvis
Explain why each characteristic of uterine contractions is important during birth:
a. Coordinated:
b. Involuntary:
c. Intermittent: correct answers a. Coordinated: Contractions must be stronger in the upper uterus
than in the lower uterus to propel the fetus toward the outside
b. Involuntary: Woman cannot consciously cause labor to start or stop; otherwise, many infants
would be born early because the woman became tired of being pregnant, or labor might be
suspended when in became intense.
c. Intermittent: Intervals between contractions allow resumption of blood flow to the placenta to
supply oxygen to the fetus and remove wastes.
Describe differences in how the upper and lower parts of the uterus contract during labor. Why is
it important that the parts have different contraction characteristics? correct answers The upper
uterus contracts actively to push the fetus downward, whereas the lower uterus is more passive to
reduce resistance to fetal passage into and through the pelvis. Any other pattern would be
ineffective at pushing the fetus out.
Why should the nurse regularly check the woman's bladder at the following times:
a. During labor:
b. During the early postpartum period: correct answers a. During labor:A full bladder increases
pain and interferes with fetal descent.
b. During the early postpartum period: A full bladder interferes with the uterine contractions that
compress open vessels to control bleeding.
