Labor Complications Flashcards
What is the normal baseline range for fetal heart rate (FHR) when assessed over a 10-minute period?
A) 80-120 bpm
B) 90-140 bpm
C) 110-160 bpm
D) 130-170 bpm
C) 110-160 bpm
In monitoring fetal heart rate variability, what level of variability indicates a well-oxygenated, neurologically intact fetus?
A) Absent variability
B) Minimal variability
C) Moderate variability
D) Marked variability
C) Moderate variability
Which intrapartum complication occurs when the amniotic sac ruptures before labor begins, increasing the risk of infection for the birthing parent and fetus?
A) Prolonged labor
B) Premature rupture of membranes (PROM)
C) Chorioamnionitis
D) Shoulder dystocia
B) Premature rupture of membranes (PROM)
When a patient presents with fetal tachycardia (FHR >160 bpm for 10 minutes or longer), which of the following should the nurse assess as a potential cause?
A) Maternal position
B) Maternal dehydration
C) Prolonged maternal hypoglycemia
D) Narcotic administration
B) Maternal dehydration
What is the most appropriate nursing intervention for a patient experiencing umbilical cord prolapse during labor?
A) Encourage the patient to push immediately
B) Apply warm, saline-soaked gauze to the prolapsed cord
C) Position the patient in a knee-chest position to relieve pressure on the cord
D) Administer oxytocin to stimulate uterine contractions
C) Position the patient in a knee-chest position to relieve pressure on the cord
What fetal heart rate pattern is characterized by smooth, wavelike undulations and may indicate severe fetal anemia?
A) Early decelerations
B) Late decelerations
C) Variable decelerations
D) Sinusoidal pattern
D) Sinusoidal pattern
Shoulder dystocia is defined as:
A) The fetus’s shoulder becomes lodged behind the birthing parent’s pubic bone, complicating vaginal delivery
B) A condition where the umbilical cord slips ahead of the presenting part of the fetus
C) The amniotic sac rupturing before labor begins
D) A prolonged labor that exceeds 24 hours
A) The fetus’s shoulder becomes lodged behind the birthing parent’s pubic bone, complicating vaginal delivery
Which of the following is a common indication for cesarean birth to ensure maternal and fetal safety?
A) Prolonged labor without complications
B) Preterm labor with stable fetal heart rate
C) Umbilical cord prolapse
D) Mild chorioamnionitis
C) Umbilical cord prolapse
Which intervention is indicated for late decelerations in fetal heart rate, which may indicate uteroplacental insufficiency?
A) Encourage ambulation to stimulate contractions
B) Position the patient on their left side and administer oxygen as needed
C) Increase the rate of oxytocin to enhance uterine contractions
D) Administer IV antibiotics
B) Position the patient on their left side and administer oxygen as needed
What is the primary purpose of intrapartum continuous fetal monitoring?
A) To assess maternal blood pressure and heart rate continuously
B) To detect and respond promptly to signs of fetal distress related to labor stressors
C) To reduce the length of the labor process
D) To monitor uterine contractions exclusively
B) To detect and respond promptly to signs of fetal distress related to labor stressors
What is the most appropriate initial nursing intervention for a patient with a fetal heart rate of 100 bpm and recurrent late decelerations?
A) Encourage the patient to push with contractions
B) Position the patient on their left side and administer oxygen
C) Increase the dosage of Pitocin to speed labor
D) Reduce the patient’s IV fluid rate
B) Position the patient on their left side and administer oxygen
In the NICHD fetal heart rate classification system, which category would a abnormal fetal heart rate with absent variability and recurrent variable decelerations fall under?
A) Category 1
B) Category 2
C) Category 3
D) Category 4
C) Category 3
When monitoring a patient with signs of preterm labor, which symptom should prompt immediate assessment and intervention?
A) Mild pelvic discomfort that improves with rest
B) Regular uterine contractions producing cervical changes before 37 weeks
C) Mild braxton hicks contractions
D) A report of fetal movement and mild cramping
B) Regular uterine contractions producing cervical changes before 37 weeks
A fetal heart rate with a sinusoidal pattern may indicate which of the following conditions?
A) Fetal sleep cycle
B) Severe fetal anemia
C) Narcotic effect
D) Maternal hypotension
B) Severe fetal anemia
For a patient with recurrent variable decelerations, which intervention is most effective in reducing cord compression?
A) Administering narcotics to reduce uterine contractions
B) Changing the patient’s position to alleviate pressure on the cord
C) Encouraging ambulation to stimulate labor progress
D) Increasing Pitocin to stabilize fetal heart rate
B) Changing the patient’s position to alleviate pressure on the cord
During preterm labor assessment, which risk factor should a nurse identify as increasing the likelihood of premature labor?
A) History of cesarean delivery
B) Substance abuse
C) Controlled hypertension
D) Primigravida status
B) Substance abuse
A fetal heart rate tracing shows a baseline of 120 bpm, moderate variability, and no decelerations. According to the NICHD classification system, this tracing would be categorized as:
A) Category 1
B) Category 2
C) Category 3
D) Category 4
A) Category 1
A fetal heart rate tracing with minimal variability, recurrent late decelerations, and a baseline heart rate of 130 bpm would fall into which NICHD category?
A) Category 1
B) Category 2
C) Category 3
D) Category 4
C) Category 2
Which of the following fetal heart rate tracings qualifies as a Category 3 pattern under NICHD guidelines?
A) Baseline heart rate of 150 bpm with moderate variability and accelerations
B) Sinusoidal pattern with recurrent late decelerations and absent variability
C) Baseline heart rate of 140 bpm with intermittent variable decelerations and marked variability
D) Mild bradycardia with minimal variability and occasional accelerations
B) Sinusoidal pattern with recurrent late decelerations and absent variability
A fetal heart rate pattern that includes a baseline heart rate of 115 bpm, absent variability, and no decelerations falls under which NICHD category?
A) Category 1
B) Category 2
C) Category 3
D) Category 4
B) Category 2
A fetal heart rate tracing with moderate variability, recurrent variable decelerations, and an absence of accelerations would be classified in which NICHD category?
A) Category 1
B) Category 2
C) Category 3
D) Category 4
B) Category 2
Which medication is commonly administered in preterm labor to relax uterine smooth muscle as a tocolytic and is classified as a calcium channel blocker?
A) Terbutaline
B) Nifedipine
C) Indomethacin
D) Betamethasone
B) Nifedipine
For a patient in preterm labor at 32 weeks gestation, which medication would be recommended to provide neuroprotection for the fetus by stabilizing cerebral blood flow?
A) Indomethacin
B) Terbutaline
C) Magnesium sulfate
D) Nifedipine
C) Magnesium sulfate
Betamethasone, given to patients in preterm labor, serves which primary function for the fetus?
A) Relaxes uterine smooth muscle
B) Increases fetal surfactant production
C) Decreases uterine contractions
D) Stabilizes cerebral blood flow
B) Increases fetal surfactant production
Which of the following best describes the condition known as premature rupture of membranes (PROM)?
A) The amniotic membranes rupture after 40 weeks gestation
B) Spontaneous rupture of membranes before the onset of labor
C) Artificial rupture of membranes performed by a healthcare provider
D) Membrane rupture after labor has begun
B) Spontaneous rupture of membranes before the onset of labor
In cases of prolonged labor, a cesarean birth may be recommended during the active phase if the patient’s cervix remains at or above 6 cm with ruptured membranes and either:
A) 2 hours of inadequate contractions and no change
B) 4 hours of adequate contractions with no cervical change
C) 6 hours of complete dilation without progression
D) 8 hours of pushing with minimal fetal descent
B) 4 hours of adequate contractions with no cervical change
For a patient experiencing prolonged labor with minimal progress during the pushing stage, an operative delivery may be considered if the birthing parent has been pushing for:
A) 1 hour (multiparous) or 2 hours (primiparous)
B) 2 hours (multiparous) or 3 hours (primiparous)
C) 3 hours (multiparous) or 4 hours (primiparous)
D) 4 hours (multiparous) or 5 hours (primiparous)
B) 2 hours (multiparous) or 3 hours (primiparous)
Which medication, commonly used in preterm labor management, is a beta-adrenergic agonist that works by relaxing the uterus to help delay labor?
A) Nifedipine
B) Terbutaline
C) Indomethacin
D) Magnesium sulfate
B) Terbutaline
Indomethacin, a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor, is primarily used in preterm labor for its ability to:
A) Reduce inflammation and decrease uterine contractions
B) Promote fetal surfactant production
C) Provide neuroprotection by stabilizing cerebral blood flow
D) Relax smooth muscle as a calcium channel blocker
A) Reduce inflammation and decrease uterine contractions
Which medication is typically administered for two intramuscular doses, 24 hours apart, to stimulate fetal lung maturity through surfactant production in cases of preterm labor?
A) Magnesium sulfate
B) Betamethasone
C) Nifedipine
D) Terbutaline
B) Betamethasone
Which medication is administered in preterm labor to both provide neuroprotection to the fetus and has limited use as a tocolytic for stopping contractions?
A) Indomethacin
B) Nifedipine
C) Terbutaline
D) Magnesium sulfate
D) Magnesium sulfate
A birthing parent presents with a temperature of 101°F, maternal and fetal tachycardia, uterine tenderness, and foul-smelling amniotic fluid. Which diagnosis is most consistent with these findings?
A) Umbilical cord prolapse
B) Chorioamnionitis
C) Shoulder dystocia
D) Preterm labor
B) Chorioamnionitis