lOMoARcPSD|44532475
OB SIM Pre-Work
Vaginal Delivery
1. Describe signs of true labor
Contractions are consistent and do not improve with walking, there is
often pain in the back. True labor produces cervical changes.
2. What is the length of each stage of labor?
Stage 1:
- latent phase – 4-6 hours
- active phase – 2-6 hours
- transition – 30 minutes – 2 hours
Stage 2: 30minutes – 2 hours
Stage 3: 5-30 minutes
Stage 4: 1-4 hours after delivery, continues until mother and baby are
stable
3. What assessments should be made to evaluate the progress of labor?
Duration, frequency, and intensity of contractions and
dilation/effacement of cervix (sterile), fetal station
4. How will you meet the emotional needs of the laboring patient?
Remain calm and aid mother in relaxation techniques such as
breathing exercises and guided imagery. Provide as much comfort as
possible.
5. How is pain managed during labor?
Non-pharmacological: breathing exercises, counter pressure,
movement/positioning, massage, TENS unit.
Pharmacological: Regional anesthetics such as epidural or spinal. Oral
or IV pain medication. Nitrous oxide.
6. What is a reassuring fetal heart rate pattern?
Accelerations and early decelerations. 110-160BPM.
7. How will you recognize when birth is imminent?
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Cervix will be fully dilated to 10cm and 100% effaced, contractions
occur every 2-3 minutes or are continuous, mother feels the urge to
push, reports pressure in perineum.
8. How will you prepare the patient and room for birth?
Place mother in a comfortable and safe position, assess for a support
person, ensure they have the correct room, ensure all necessary
equipment and supplies is available for both mother and baby
9. What are the signs of placental separation?
Sudden gush of blood, uterus changes shape, umbilical cord lengthens
10. Discuss how to assess fetal heart tones, contraction frequency,
and recognize abnormalities
Fetal heart tones are assessed with an ultrasound transducer on the
outside of the mother’s abdomen. Contraction frequency is measured
with a transducer on the outside of the mother’s abdomen.
Abnormalities include late decelerations in the fetal heart rate.
11. Discuss how to therapeutically communicate to a patient in labor
and the family.
The nurse should remain calm and provide active listening. Provide
clear, honest information to patient and family. Encourage involvement
of patient and family in decision making.
Downloaded by madiba South Africa stuvia ()
OB SIM Pre-Work
Vaginal Delivery
1. Describe signs of true labor
Contractions are consistent and do not improve with walking, there is
often pain in the back. True labor produces cervical changes.
2. What is the length of each stage of labor?
Stage 1:
- latent phase – 4-6 hours
- active phase – 2-6 hours
- transition – 30 minutes – 2 hours
Stage 2: 30minutes – 2 hours
Stage 3: 5-30 minutes
Stage 4: 1-4 hours after delivery, continues until mother and baby are
stable
3. What assessments should be made to evaluate the progress of labor?
Duration, frequency, and intensity of contractions and
dilation/effacement of cervix (sterile), fetal station
4. How will you meet the emotional needs of the laboring patient?
Remain calm and aid mother in relaxation techniques such as
breathing exercises and guided imagery. Provide as much comfort as
possible.
5. How is pain managed during labor?
Non-pharmacological: breathing exercises, counter pressure,
movement/positioning, massage, TENS unit.
Pharmacological: Regional anesthetics such as epidural or spinal. Oral
or IV pain medication. Nitrous oxide.
6. What is a reassuring fetal heart rate pattern?
Accelerations and early decelerations. 110-160BPM.
7. How will you recognize when birth is imminent?
Downloaded by madiba South Africa stuvia ()
, lOMoARcPSD|44532475
Cervix will be fully dilated to 10cm and 100% effaced, contractions
occur every 2-3 minutes or are continuous, mother feels the urge to
push, reports pressure in perineum.
8. How will you prepare the patient and room for birth?
Place mother in a comfortable and safe position, assess for a support
person, ensure they have the correct room, ensure all necessary
equipment and supplies is available for both mother and baby
9. What are the signs of placental separation?
Sudden gush of blood, uterus changes shape, umbilical cord lengthens
10. Discuss how to assess fetal heart tones, contraction frequency,
and recognize abnormalities
Fetal heart tones are assessed with an ultrasound transducer on the
outside of the mother’s abdomen. Contraction frequency is measured
with a transducer on the outside of the mother’s abdomen.
Abnormalities include late decelerations in the fetal heart rate.
11. Discuss how to therapeutically communicate to a patient in labor
and the family.
The nurse should remain calm and provide active listening. Provide
clear, honest information to patient and family. Encourage involvement
of patient and family in decision making.
Downloaded by madiba South Africa stuvia ()
