Chapter 16: Nursing Care of the Family During Labor and Birth Perry: Maternal Child Nursing Care, 6th Edition

Chapter 16: Nursing Care of the Family During Labor and Birth Perry: Maternal Child Nursing Care, 6th Edition 1. The nurse recognizes that a woman is in true labor when she states: a. "I passed some thick, pink mucus when I urinated this morning." b. "My bag of waters just broke." c. "The contractions in my uterus are getting stronger and closer together." d. "My baby dropped, and I have to urinate more frequently now." - correct answersANS: C Regular, strong contractions with the presence of cervical change indicate that the woman is experiencing true labor. Loss of the mucous plug (operculum) often occurs during the first stage of labor or before the onset of labor, but it is not the indicator of true labor. Spontaneous rupture of membranes often occurs during the first stage of labor, but it is not the indicator of true labor. The presenting part of the fetus typically becomes engaged in the pelvis at the onset of labor, but this is not the indicator of true labor. 2. The nurse teaches a pregnant woman about the characteristics of true labor contractions. The nurse evaluates the woman's understanding of the instructions when she states, "True labor contractions will: a. subside when I walk around." b. cause discomfort over the top of my uterus." c. continue and get stronger even if I relax and take a shower." d. remain irregular but become stronger." - correct answersANS: C True labor contractions occur regularly, becoming stronger, lasting longer, and occurring closer together. They may become intense during walking and continue despite comfort measures. Typically true labor contractions are felt in the lower back, radiating to the lower portion of the abdomen. During false labor, contractions tend to be irregular and felt in the abdomen above the navel. Typically the contractions often stop with walking or a change of position. 3. When a nulliparous woman telephones the hospital to report that she is in labor, the nurse initially should: a. tell the woman to stay home until her membranes rupture. b. emphasize that food and fluid intake should stop. c. arrange for the woman to come to the hospital for labor evaluation