Module 05: Care of Mother and Fetus During Intrapartal Period (Part 02) Flashcards
This is defined as the coordinated sequence of events wherein involuntary uterine contraction causes progressive effacement and dilation.
Labor or Eutocia
Labor or Eutocia is also characterized as what?
The voluntary bearing down efforts that allows the expulsion of the fetus.
This is the actual expulsion of the products of conception, which occurs during the second stage of pregnancy.
Delivery (Shortest stage of labor)
Under the birth according to gestational age, this pertains to the birth of the fetus, where it is less than 37 weeks.
Preterm
Under the birth according to gestational age, this pertains to the birth of the fetus, where it is within 37 to 42 weeks or 2 weeks before or after the Expected Date of Delivery.
Term or Normal
Under the birth according to gestational age, this pertains to the birth of the fetus, where it is beyond 42 weeks.
Post Term
What is the expected hours of pregnancy of a primipara (first pregnancy) woman?
14 to 20 hours
What is the expected hours of pregnancy of a multipara woman?
8 to 14 hours
These are characterized to begin several weeks prior to labor and is encouraged to be taught to all pregnant women.
Impending Signs of Labor
What are the different impending signs of labor?
(A) Lightening
(B) Engagement
(C) Increased Braxton-Hicks Contraction
(D) Ripening of the cervix
(E) Sudden burst of energy of the mother
(F) Allowable Weight Loss
This occurs when the fetus settles or descends into the pelvic inlet. This occurs 10 to 14 days before the onset of labor among primipara women.
Lightening
What are the results of lightening?
(A) Increase in urinary frequency.
(B) Relief of dyspnea; abdominal tightness and diaphragmatic pressure.
(C) Shooting leg pain due to pressure on sciatic nerve.
What happens during the mother’s 36th week of pregnancy in terms of lightening?
During the 36th week of pregnancy, a pregnant mother has difficulty in breathing due to the pressure on her diaphragm. Lightening brings relief to the mother because the pressure to the diaphragm is removed.
This impending sign of labor pertains to the settling of the presenting part into the pelvic inlet, wherein the landmark of this is the ischial spine.
Engagement (Station 0)
This impending sign of labor pertains to the increased frequency of contraction. This produces gnawing pain in the abdomen and groin.
Increased Braxton Hicks Contractions
What should be asked of the mother when she is experiencing increased Braxton Hicks Contractions?
Mother may be asked to return home if not yet true labor.
What should the nurse do when the mother is experiencing increased Braxton Hicks Contractions?
The registered nurse should show sympathetic support and explain labor contractions.
This impending sign of labor occur when the cervix becomes butter soft. The internal sign is felt only during a pelvic exam.
Ripening of the Cervix
The ripening of the cervix is felt only through what?
A pelvic exam
This impending sign of labor occurs due to the increase in epinephrine initiated by decreased progesterone produced by the placenta.
Sudden Burst of Energy
This hormone is characterized to prepare the mother’s body for labor work.
Epinephrine (Nesting instinct; preparing for the baby)
What should the nurse do when the mother is experiencing a sudden burst of energy?
The registered nurse should let the mother save her energy as fatigue can affect the type of analgesia needed and let her rest in preparation for labor.
This is characterized as painless labor.
Twilight
This impending sign of labor occurs when the mother gains about 2 to 3 lbs or one kilogram 2 to 3 days before the onset of labor.
Allowable Weight Loss (Related to the changes of estrogen and progesterone levels)
What are the three (3) other signs of impending labor?
(A) Increase vaginal mucus discharge
(B) Fetal movement is less active
(C) Episodes of false labor
This impending sign of labor occurs where there is whitish discharges excreted by the mother to prepare the birth canal for delivery. This is also important to prevent infection.
Increased Vaginal Mucus Discharge
Why is there less active fetal movement during impending labor?
Because of engagement.
How many is the normal fetal movement count?
200 kicks per 24 hours, 10 kicks per one hour
What makes false labor different from true labor?
(A) Frequency of Contractions: Begin and remain irregular
(B) Intensity of Contractions: No increase
(C) Pain relief: Often disappear with ambulation and sleep
(D) Pain location: Felt first abdominally and remain confined to the abdomen and groin
(E) Cervical changes: Do not achieve cervical dilatation
What makes true labor different from false labor?
(A) Frequency of Contractions: Begin irregularly but become regular and predictable
(B) Intensity of Contractions: Increases
(C) Pain relief: Continue no matter what the woman’s level of activity
(D) Pain location: Felt first in lower back and sweep around to the abdomen in a wave
(E) Cervical changes: Achieves cervical dilatation
These signs are characterized to be felt a few hours prior to labor. All pregnant women must be aware of these signs.
Signs and Symptoms of Onset of Labor
This sign and symptom of onset of labor pertains to the expulsion of the mucus plug (operculum) due to the softening of the cervix plus blood from the ruptured capillaries due to the pressure from the fetus.
Bloody Show
What color is the discharge when the mother is experiencing bloody show?
Pink or brown tinged discharge
This sign and symptom of onset of labor is characterized as the surest sign that labor has begun its uterine contractions.
True Labor Contractions
What should the nurse do when the mother is experiencing true labor contractions?
The registered nurse should remind the mother to do breathing exercises to reduce anxiety and pain.
This sign and symptom of onset of labor pertains to the sudden gush of amniotic fluid from the vagina. This may occur before and after labor (occurs within 24 hours).
Spontaneous Rupture of Membrane (SROM)
What should the nurse observe when the mother is experiencing Spontaneous Rupture of Membrane (SROM)?
Aseptic technique (less manipulation through internal exam)
What are the risks associated with Spontaneous Rupture of Membrane (SROM)?
(A) Intrauterine Infection
(B) Prolapsed of Umbilical Cord
Cuts off oxygen supply to fetus
What are the nursing interventions to be executed during Spontaneous Rupture of Membrane (SROM)?
(A) Check fetal heart rate (FHR) every one minute
(B) Check temperature every two hours
(C) Position: Prone in knee chest position
What should the nurse report when the mother is experiencing Spontaneous Rupture of Membrane (SROM)?
(A) Strong or foul odor: Infection
(B) Meconium- stained: Possible fetal anoxia (vertex)
(C) Wine colored: Premature separation of placenta
When does Spontaneous Rupture of Membrane (SROM) usually occur?
it ruptures six (6) hours prior to labor. When it ruptures, less internal examination should be executed to prevent infection. The nurse should also practice aseptic technique.
What are the possible diagnostic procedures for (amniotic fluid or urine) Spontaneous Rupture of Membrane (SROM)?
(A) Alkaline Test (nitrazine paper)
(B) Fern Test
Under this test for amniotic fluid, the dried amniotic fluid and mucus looks like crystallized ferns by microscopic exam.
Fern Test
This is known as the thinning and shortening of the cervix. This is measured in percentages wherein 100% denotes full _________.
Effacement
Under effacement,70% to 80% of the thinning and shortening of the cervix would resemble the feeling of what?
Between the thumb and the index finger
Under effacement,90% to 100% of the thinning and shortening of the cervix would resemble the feeling of what?
Gloves
This is known as the widening of the external cervical os.
Dilation (0 to 10 cm wherein 10cm pertains fully dilated)
What are the different causes of labor pain?
(A) Uterine Contractions.
(B) Hypoxia in myometrium and adjacent tissues which may cause oxygen deficit ( decreased O2 causes increased pain receptors).
(C) Cervical stretching and dilation.
(D) Stretching support during contraction and expulsion efforts.
(E) Compression of nerve ganglia in cervix and lower uterus by tightly interlocking muscle bundles.
(F) Emotional tension due to fear.
(E) Pressure of presenting parts on bladder, bowel pelvic structures.
Under the process of assessment, labor pain is manifested through what?
(A) Facial tension
(B) Flushing or pallor
(C) Hand clenched in a fist
(D) Increased PR and BP
(E) Difficulty with ability to reason clearly
(F) Increased duration and strength of contractions
(G) Decreased interval between contractions
How long does it take to dilate 1 cm in early labor?
1 cm dilates in about 1.2 hours on average in early labor.
What happens during the transition phase?
The cervix dilates from 7 to 10 cm, typically in 1-2 minutes intervals of contractions, indicating the end of labor.
What signals the pushing stage?
At 10 cm dilation, the cervix is fully open, and the mother will experience strong urges to push.
How frequent are contractions at full dilation (9-10 cm)?
Contractions occur every 1-2 minutes as the cervix is fully dilated and ready for pushing.
Under diagnosis, this depends on the subjective and objective data gathered. What are the different types of nursing diagnosis for labor pains?
(A) Pain related to labor contractions
(B) Anxiety related to process of labor and birth
(C) Health-seeking behaviors related to management of discomfort of labor
(D) Situational low self-esteem related to inability to use prepared childbirth method
What are the different types of nursing interventions for labor pain?
(A) Breathing Techniques
(B) Bathing (for comfort)
(C) Massage (for comfort)
(D) Focusing and imagery
(E) Biofeedback
(F) Yoga
(G) Aromatherapy and Essential Oils
(H) Herbal Preparations
(I) Prayer
What are the three (3) phases of labor contractions?
(A) Increment or crescendo
(B) Acme
(C) Decrement of Decrescendo
Under this phase of labor contractions, the contraction starts at the fundal area and increases in intensity from the beginning of the contraction until it peaks.
Increment or crescendo
This phase of contraction is known as the height or peak of the contraction, where the contraction is felt strongest at the sides of the abdomen.
Acme
Under this phase of labor contractions, the contraction decreases, starting from the height of the contraction until it fades, ending at the lower portion of the uterus.
Decrement of decrescendo
Under acme, the contraction is felt strongest at what?
At the sides of the abdomen.
What are the different characteristics of labor contractions?
(A) Duration
(B) Frequency
(C) Interval or Rest
(D) Strength
This is known as the time from the beginning (increment) to the end (decrement) of the same or single contraction.
Duration
This is known as the time from the beginning of one increment to the beginning of the next contraction.
Frequency
This is known as the rest period between contractions, from the end of decrement to the beginning of increment of the next contraction.
Interval or Rest (It’s the best time to check Fetal Heart Tones (FHT) and maternal blood pressure (BP).)
This is evaluated by palpating the abdomen during the peak of the contraction using light finger pressure.
Strength
Explain the first stage of labor or the dilating stage.
The First Stage is from true contractions to full cervical dilation (10 cm). It’s the longest stage, lasting 14-20 hours for first-time mothers and 8-18 hours for experienced mothers.
Explain the second stage of labor or the expulsion stage.
The Second Stage is from full cervical dilation to the delivery of the fetus. It is the shortest stage of labor.
Explain the third stage of labor or the placental stage.
The Third Stage is from the delivery of the fetus to the delivery of the placenta.
Explain the fourth stage of labor or the immediate recovery.
The Fourth Stage is the recovery period, from the delivery of the placenta to 1-4 hours after delivery.
What is the duration of the first stage of labor in nullipara and multipara women?
(A) Nullipara: 12-18 hours
(B) Multipara: 8-9 hours
What are the three phases of the first stage of labor (LAT)?
(A) Latent Phase
(B) Active Phase (typically 6 hours; if it lasts less than 6 hours, it is precipitous labor)
(C) Transitional Phase
When can a pregnant patient be sent home or admitted to the hospital based on cervical dilation?
(A) 0-3 cm: The patient can go home.
(B) 4-7 cm: The patient is admitted to the hospital.
(C) 8-10 cm: The patient goes to the labor or delivery room.
What key information should be reviewed about the client’s obstetric history?
(A) Age and Estimated Date of Confinement (EDC)
(B) GTPAL (Gravida, Term, Preterm, Abortions, Living children)
(C) Lab tests and types of requested analgesia/anesthesia
(D) Other pregnancy-related problems and past/current management
What are the important details to include in the client profile?
(A) Name, age, physician, allergies, blood type
(B) Preparation for childbirth
(C) Support persons
(D) Cultural influences
(E) Plan for newborn care (e.g., feeding method, pediatrician)
What important notes should be included from the general history?
Gynecological and obstetric questions only; focus on key points for the current pregnancy.
How can you differentiate true labor from false labor?
True labor involves progressive effacement, dilation, and station. It can be confirmed by contraction palpation, electrical monitoring, and vaginal exams.
How are contractions assessed during the first stage of labor?
Contractions are evaluated through palpation and electrical monitoring.
How are effacement, dilation, and station assessed?
Through a vaginal exam.
This practice aims to check the presentation and position of the fetus.
Leopold’s Maneuver
What should be checked regarding the membranes?
Determine if the membranes have ruptured and check for a prolapsed or intact cord.
How often should maternal vital signs be taken during labor?
(A) Latent phase: Every 1 hour
(B) Active phase: Every 30 minutes
(C) Transitional phase: Every 15 minutes
Note: Take BP between contractions, as BP increases during contractions.
How often should maternal temperature be taken during labor?
(A) If membranes are intact: Every 4 hours
(B) If membranes are ruptured: Every 2 hours
How and when should Fetal Heart Tones (FHT) be monitored?
(A) Use ultrasound (UTZ) or electronic monitor (Doppler).
(B) Take FHR between contractions (FHR decreases during contractions).
What is the normal fetal heart tone (FHT)?
Normal FHT: 120-160 bpm with average variability, no late/variable decelerations, and early decelerations may be present.
What should be assessed regarding the mother’s psychological response to labor?
Observe the mother’s emotional and psychological response as labor begins and progresses.
This fetal monitor is used to assess the frequency, duration and strength of contractions. This has its risks for infection and is characterized to limit movement
Internal Fetal Monitor (Used only for high risk labor)
This fetal monitor is used to assess the frequency and duration of contraction. This is characterized to be less reliable than internal monitoring.
External Fetal Monitor (Used in early labor with 0 cm dilation)
What are the indications for fetal heart monitoring?
(A) Decreased fetal movement
(B) Abnormalities in FHR
(C) Passage of meconium
(D) Abnormal fetal position (breech)
(E) Premature and postmature pregnancies
(F) Maternal complications (PIH, DM, fever)
(G) Oxytocin augmentation or induction
(H) Bleeding
How is time measured on a Cardiotocography (CTG)?
6 boxes = 1 minute (1 box = 10 seconds)
Under Cardiotocography (CTG) Monitoring, what do the upper and lower portions represent?
(A) Upper portion: Records fetal heart rate
(B) Lower portion: Records uterine contractions
What happens to FHT during contractions?
When there is a contraction, the FHT decreases (mirror image: increasing contractions, decreasing FHT). There may be 2 contractions in 1 minute.
What are the three key parameters to assess when evaluating FHR patterns?
(A) Baseline rate
(B) Variability in the baseline rate (long-term and short-term)
(C) Periodic changes in the rate (acceleration, early/late deceleration, variable deceleration)
What is the normal range for baseline fetal heart rate (FHR)?
Normal baseline FHR is between 120-160 bpm (or 110-160 bpm).
This type of variability in Fetal Heart Rate (FHR) pertains to beat to beat changes in FHR.
Short-term variability
This type of variability in Fetal Heart Rate (FHR) pertains to rhythmic fluctuations in FHR over time.
Long-term variability
What are the types of periodic changes in FHR?
(A) Acceleration: Temporary increase in FHR
(B) Early deceleration: Decrease in FHR mirroring contractions, normal
(C) Late deceleration: Decrease in FHR after contraction, a sign of fetal distress
(D) Variable deceleration: Abrupt drop in FHR, often due to cord compression
What is the normal baseline fetal heart rate (FHR) for a full-term fetus?
Normal baseline FHR is 120-160 bpm.
What are the characteristics of a reassuring FHR pattern?
(A) Baseline FHR: 120-160 bpm
(B) Preserved beat-to-beat and long-term variability
(C) Accelerations last 15+ seconds above baseline and peak at 15+ bpm.
This condition pertains to a fetal heart rate (FHR) greater than 160 bpm lasting for more than 10 minutes.
Tachycardia