Q&A PDF
1. What is the longest stage of labor?
A) First stage
B) Second stage
C) Third stage
D) Fourth stage
Correct Answer: First stage
Rationale: The first stage of labor, which consists of the latent, active, and transition phases, is
the longest stage. It begins with the onset of regular contractions and ends with full cervical
dilation (10 cm), often lasting anywhere from several hours to over 12 hours in nulliparous
women.
2. A woman must be fully effaced and dilated to what extent before she can begin pushing?
A) 5 cm
B) 8 cm
C) 10 cm
D) Fully effaced only
Correct Answer: 10 cm
Rationale: Effective pushing occurs only after the cervix is fully dilated to 10 cm, allowing the
fetal presenting part to descend and the maternal expulsive efforts to assist delivery.
,3. A nurse is monitoring a patient in the latent phase of labor. How often should the fetal heart
rate (FHR) be assessed?
A) Every 5 minutes
B) Every 15 minutes
C) Every 30 minutes
D) Every hour
Correct Answer: Every 30 minutes
Rationale: Continuous FHR evaluation recommendations include assessing every 30 minutes
during the latent phase, every 15 minutes during the active phase, and every 5 minutes during
the pushing stage.
4. The nurse is assessing a patient in the second stage of labor. How often should intermittent
fetal heart rate checks be performed?
A) Every 5 minutes
B) Every 15 minutes
C) Every 30 minutes
D) Every hour
Correct Answer: Every 5 minutes
Rationale: The second stage involves pushing and increased stress on the fetus; frequent fetal
assessment every 5 minutes helps monitor tolerance to labor and the efficacy of pushing.
5. A patient's contractions are occurring every 2 to 3 minutes, lasting 60 to 90 seconds, with
strong intensity. The cervix is dilated from 8 to 10 cm. Which phase of labor is the patient in?
A) Latent phase
,B) Active phase
C) Transition phase
D) Second stage
Correct Answer: Transition phase
Rationale: The transition phase of labor is characterized by contractions occurring every 2 to 3
minutes, lasting 60 to 90 seconds, and of strong intensity. Cervical examination during this time
reveals dilation between 8 and 10 cm.
6. During the active phase of labor, contractions typically occur at which frequency?
A) Every 2 to 5 minutes
B) Every 5 to 10 minutes
C) Every 30 to 45 seconds
D) Every 10 to 15 minutes
Correct Answer: Every 2 to 5 minutes
Rationale: Active labor is characterized by contractions that occur every 2 to 5 minutes, lasting
45 to 60 seconds, and are of moderate to strong intensity.
7. A nurse is assessing a patient's cervical dilation. The patient is a primigravida. What is the
expected rate of dilation?
A) 1 cm per hour
B) 2 cm per hour
C) 3 cm per hour
D) 4 cm per hour
, Correct Answer: 1 cm per hour
Rationale: The expected rate of dilation for a primigravida is approximately 1 cm per hour.
8. The nurse notes that a patient is having 5 contractions in 10 minutes. The nurse should
document this as:
A) Hypertonic contractions
B) Hypotonic contractions
C) Tachysystole
D) Normal uterine activity
Correct Answer: Tachysystole
Rationale: Tachysystole is defined as 5 contractions in 10 minutes, averaged over 30 minutes.
This pattern requires further assessment and intervention.
9. The nurse is evaluating a fetal heart rate tracing and notes a visually apparent, gradual
decrease in FHR with return to baseline. This is characteristic of which type of deceleration?
A) Early deceleration
B) Late deceleration
C) Variable deceleration
D) Prolonged deceleration
Correct Answer: Early deceleration