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NCLEX-RN® > NCLEX-RN (7) Maternity > Labor & Delivery > Flashcards

Labor & Delivery Flashcards

Review fetal presentation, stages of labor, procedures during labor, pain control, and complications.

1
Q

What is fetal presentation?

A

The position of the fetus in the uterus.

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2
Q

What is breech presentation?

A

The buttox or feet are the presenting part in the client’s pelvis.

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3
Q

What is vertex presentation?

A

The back of the head (occipital) is the presenting part in the client’s pelvis.

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4
Q

What is face presentation?

A

The front of the head (mento) is the presenting part in the client’s pelvis.

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5
Q

What is shoulder presentation?

A

The shoulder is the presenting part in the client’s pelvis.

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6
Q

Fetal presentation has 3 letters in it.

Q: What does the first letter indicate?

A

The first letter of a fetal presentation can be L or R.

This means that the presenting part in the mom’s pelvis can be facing the left or right.

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7
Q

Fetal presentation has 3 letters in it.

Q: What does the second letter indicate?

A

The second letter of a fetal presentation can be O, M, or S.

This means that the presenting part in the mom’s pelvis can be the:

  • O: occipital - the back of the baby’s head
  • M: mento - the face
  • S: sacrum - the buttox
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8
Q

Fetal presentation has 3 letters in it.

Q: What does the third letter indicate?

A

The third letter of a fetal presentation can be A, P or T.

This means that the presenting part in the mom’s pelvis can be:

  • anterior: facing the front of the mom’s body
  • posterior: facing the back of the mom’s body
  • transverse: facing either side of the mom’s body
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9
Q

What fetal presentation is this?

A

Right occipitoposterior or ROP

The back of the head (occipito) is in the right side of the mom’s pelvis and is facing the back of the mom’s body (posterior).

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10
Q

What fetal presentation is this?

A

Left occipitoposterior or LOP

The back of the head (occipito) is in the left side of the mom’s pelvis and is facing the back of the mom’s body (posterior).

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11
Q

What fetal presentation is this?

A

Right occipitoanterior or ROA

The back of the head (occipito) is in the right side of the mom’s pelvis and is facing the front of the mom’s body (anterior).

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12
Q

What fetal presentation is this?

A

Left occipitoanterior or LOA

The back of the head (occipito) is in the left side of the mom’s pelvis and is facing the front of the mom’s body (anterior).

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13
Q

What fetal presentation is this?

A

Left mentoanterior or LMA

The face (mento) is in the left side of the mom’s pelvis and is facing the front of the mom’s body (anterior).

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14
Q

What fetal presentation is this?

A

Right mentoposterior or RMP

The face (mento) is in the right side of the mom’s pelvis and is facing the back of the mom’s body (posterior).

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15
Q

What fetal presentation is this?

A

Left sacrum anterior or LSA

The sacrum is in the left side of the mom’s pelvis and is facing the front of the mom’s body (anterior).

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16
Q

What fetal presentation is this?

A

Left sacrum posterior or LSP

The sacrum is in the left side of the mom’s pelvis and is facing the back of the mom’s body (posterior).

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17
Q

What is the most common and desirable fetal presentation for delivery?

A

LOA = left occipital anterior

This is the easiest position for delivery of baby.

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18
Q

Define:

Leopold’s maneuvers

A

Palpating the woman’s abdomen to determine presentation and position of fetus.

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19
Q

Where should the fetoscope be placed to hear fetal heart tones best?

A

On the upper back of the baby.

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20
Q

What is fetal station?

A

It’s how many centimeters the fetus is above or below the ischial spines.

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21
Q

What is true labor?

A
  • contractions are regular
  • contractions are getting more frequent and closer together
  • cervical dilation is progressing
  • membranes rupture
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22
Q

What is false labor?

A
  • contractions are irregular
  • contractions go away when walking or drinking water

False labor contractions are also called Braxton-Hick contractions.

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23
Q

What is a normal fetal heart rate?

A

110 - 160 beats/minute

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24
Q

What is fetal bradycardia?

A

< 110 beats/minute for at least 10 minutes.

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25
What is **fetal tachycardia**?
**\> 160 beats/minute for at least 10 minutes or longer.**
26
# Interventions: **Fetal bradycardia or tachycardia**
**LION:** * **L**: position woman on **l**eft side * **I**: **I**V fluids or blood administration * **O**: give 8 - 10 liters of **o**xygen by face mask * **N**: **n**otify HCP
27
What are the **4 stages of labor**?
1. labor 2. pushing and birth of baby 3. delivery of placenta 4. recovery
28
What are the **3 parts** of the first stage of labor?
**LAT:** 1. **L**atent stage 2. **A**ctive stage 3. **T**ransition stage
29
What is the **latent stage** of labor?
* mild intensity * cervical dilation of 1 - 4 cm * contractions are every 15 - 30 minutes and last 15 - 30 seconds
30
What is the **active stage** of labor?
* moderate intensity * cervical dilation of 4 - 7 cm * contraction are every 3 - 5 minutes * contractions last for 30 - 60 seconds
31
What is the **transition stage** of labor?
* severe intensity * cervical dilation of 8 - 10 cm * contractions are every 2 - 3 minutes * contractions last for 45 - 90 seconds
32
How long does the **recovery stage** last for?
**1 - 4 hours.**
33
What are the **general interventions** for all the stages of labor?
* maternal and fetal vital signs * IV fluids * contraction monitoring * basic comfort and pain control
34
Why would **local anesthesia** be used during labor?
Used in the perineal area if the laboring client has to get an **episiotomy**.
35
What is an **episiotomy?**
A **surgical cut of the perineum** to quickly enlarge the opening for the baby to pass through.
36
What are the **interventions** after an episiotomy?
1. **decrease swelling and discomfort** * ​apply ice packs​ * sitz baths * analgesic spray or ointment 2. **prevent constipation** 3. **take showers instead of baths** * baths increase the risk of infection
37
What is an **epidural or spinal block**?
When a **catheter is placed in the lumbar region to deliver pain meds** continuously during labor.
38
# Interventions: epidural/spinal block
* c-position for med administration * monitor for hypotension * increase IVF for hypotension * foley insertion ## Footnote The nerve that controls blood pressure and bladder control may get blocked.
39
What **opioid pain medicines** can be given to a laboring woman?
* hydromorphone * meperidine * fentanyl
40
# Side effects and nursing considerations: Opioid pain meds during labor
* assess for decreased respirations and hypotension * don't give to client with history of opioid dependence * antidote is naloxone
41
What is **induction**?
Medications that are given to **quicken the laboring process**.
42
What classifications of meds would be given for **induction**?
* **Prostaglandins** - misoprostol * **Uterine stimulants** - oxytocin
43
What is an **amniotomy**?
When the **amniotic membranes are ruptured** using a hook to quicken the labor process.
44
What are the **assessments** after an amniotomy?
1. assess for prolapsed cord 2. assess for meconium-stained fluid 3. assess for bloody fluid - may indicate abruptio placenta or fetal trauma 4. assess for bad odor - may indicate infection
45
What is **external rotation**?
**Manipulating the fetal position** by pressing on the mom's abdomen. ## Footnote It is done to get the baby in a more favorable position for labor.
46
What is a **cesarean delivery**?
An **abdominal incision is made through the uterus** to deliver the baby.
47
What are the **interventions** before a Cesarean delivery?
* informed consent is signed * maternal and fetal vital sign monitoring * start IV fluids * insert foley
48
What are the **interventions** after a Cesarean delivery?
* assess for bleeding and infection * encourage ambulation to prevent DVT * encourage turning, coughing and deep breathing to prevent pneumonia * pain control * promote bonding
49
What is **PROM**?
Premature rupture of the membranes before 37 weeks' gestation. ## Footnote Client will report continuous vaginal wetness. Have her report to hospital as soon as possible for delivery.
50
# Interventions: **PROM**
* amniotic fluid should be clear with no order * no vaginal exams - increases the risk of infection
51
What is a **prolapsed umbilical cord**? | (Immediate complication)
When the **umbilical cord drops through the open cervix** into the vagina ahead of the baby. ## Footnote The cord can then become trapped against the baby's body during delivery.
52
# Interventions: Prolapsed umbilical cord
* elevate any parts that are lying on the cord with a gloved hand * put mom in extreme Trendelenburg or knee-chest position * give oxygen 8 - 10 L/minute by mask * prepare for immediate birth
53
What is **placenta previa**?
When the **placenta has grown over the cervix.**
54
What are the **characteristic signs** of placenta previa?
Painless, bright red bleeding.
55
# Interventions: Placenta previa
* maternal vital signs and fetal monitoring if there is excessive bleeding * no vaginal exams * bed rest
56
What is **abruptio placenta**? | (Immediate complication)
Abruptio placenta is when the **placenta has separated off the uterine wall.**
57
What are the **characteristic signs and symptoms** of abruptio placenta?
* severe pain and dark red blood * rigid and tender uterus that doesn't fully relax between contractions
58
# Interventions: Abruptio placenta
* cesarean delivery if baby is not coming out immediately * blood transfusion to mom
59
# Describe: Vena cava syndrome
Another word for **supine hypotension syndrome.** ## Footnote It is not a medical emergency, but interventions are required. It is when the mom is laying on the vena cava and cutting off circulation to the baby.
60
What are the **characteristic signs and symptoms** of vena cava syndrome?
* hypotension * lightheadedness
61
# Interventions: Vena cava syndrome
* put mom on left side * or put mom with a pillow under one side of the hips ## Footnote This position gets pressure off the vena cava.
62
What is the gestational **age** of preterm labor?
Between **20 - 37 weeks of gestation**.
63
# Medications: Preterm labor
1. **give tocolytics to prevent labor** - magnesium sulfate 2. **give steroids** to increase production of surfactant to fetal lungs - betametha**_sone_** or dexametha**_sone_**
64
# Describe: Dystocia
A **difficult labor that is prolonged or painful** with a high chance of delivery by cesarean section. ## Footnote It is caused by a large fetus, position of fetus or the mom's pelvis shape.
65
# Describe: Amniotic fluid embolism | (Immediate complication)
When an **embolism can lead to respiratory failure and bleeding**.
66
# Interventions: Amniotic fluid embolism
* give oxygen, possible intubation, and ventilator * cesarean delivery once the mom is stabilized
67
# Signs and symptoms: Fetal distress | (Immediate complication)
* fetal heart rate is \< 110 or \> 160 beats/minute for more than 10 minutes * meconium-stained amniotic fluids * fetal hypo or hyperactivity * severe variable or late decelerations
68
# Describe: Intrauterine fetal demise
When the **baby dies in utero**.
69
# Interventions: Intrauterine fetal demise
* assess mom for DIC (bleeding and clotting disorder) * emotional support - call baby chosen name, get footprints and photos * clean baby and offer to parents
70
What is "**VEAL CHOP**"?
An **acronym to remember fetal heart rate pattern changes.** ## Footnote The order of the letters in VEAL correlates to accelerations or decelerations and the letters in CHOP help you remember the cause of each fetal heart rate change.
71
What do the **letters "VEAL CHOP"** stand for?
1. **V**ariable decelerations in baseline fetal heart rate * **C**ord is compressed 2. **E**arly decelerations of fetal heart rate * **H**ead is compressed​ 3. **A**ccelerations of fetal heart rate * **O:** everything is OK​ 4. **L**ate decelerations: * **P**lacenta is compressed
72
What type of **fetal heart rate decelerations** are these?
Variable decelerations caused by cord compression. ## Footnote There is an abrupt decrease in fetal heart rate. **They have a U, V or W shape.** Can occur at any time during contraction cycle. Can be an emergency if fetal heart rate declines to less than 70 beats/minute.
73
What type of **fetal heart rate decelerations** are these?
Early decelerations caused by head compression. ## Footnote *There is a gradual decrease in fetal heart rate and a return to baseline associated with contraction. This is a normal finding.*
74
What type of **fetal heart rate decelerations** are these? | (Immediate complication)
Late decelerations caused by placenta compression. ## Footnote There is a gradual decrease in fetal heart rate. The lowest heart rate occurs after the contraction peak.
75
What are the **general interventions** if the woman or baby is having life-threatening distress during labor? | (Immediate complication)
**LION:** * **L**: position woman on **l**eft side * **I**: **I**V fluids or blood administration * **O**: give 8 - 10 liters of **o**xygen by face mask * **N**: **n**otify HCP * prepare for cesarean delivery * no vaginal exams for active bleeding
75
What are the **non-reassuring** fetal heart rate patterns?
* FHR: bradycardia or tachycardia * late or prolonged decelerations * hypertonic uterine activity (prolonged contractions) * decreased or absent FHR variabiity * variable FHR decelerations falling to <70 bpm for longer than 60 seconds
76
What is a **fetal scalp electrode**?
A spiral wire placed directly on the fetal scalp or presenting part used to **measure and record a very accurate fetal heart rate.** ## Footnote They are placed when there is a non-reassuring fetal heart rate.

NCLEX-RN (7) Maternity (5 decks)

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