Intrapartum Nursing Exam 2: Uterine Contraction Dynamics, Effacement,
Dilation, Nullipara and Multipara Differences, Placental Circulation, Maternal
Cardiopulmonary Adaptations, Hyperventilation Management, 4 Ps of Labor,
Fetal Position, Presentation, Lie, Attitude, Engagement, Flexion, Internal and
External Rotation, Labor Stages, Pain Management, Operative Vaginal Birth,
Caesarean Section, Amniotomy, Induction and Augmentation, Version
Techniques, Preterm and Post-term Labor, Premature Rupture of Membranes,
Intrapartum Emergencies, Placental Abnormalities, Uterine Rupture, Prolapsed
Umbilical Cord, Anaphylactoid Syndrome, Maternal and Fetal Assessment,
Nursing Interventions and Therapeutic Management Exam Questions Verified
and Provided with Complete A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026
Frequency
The beginning of one uterine contraction to the beginning of the next.
Duration
Beginning of a uterine contraction to the end of the same contraction.
Intensity
Strength of a contraction
Contractions are ______________.
involuntary
What are the three phases of the contraction cycle?
,Increment (period of increasing strength).
Acme AKA Peak (period during which the contraction is most intense).
Decrement (period of decreasing intensity as the uterus relaxes).
How does the uterine muscle work to expel fetus?
The upper two third of the uterus contracts actively to push the fetus down, pulling the cervix over the
fetus & amniotic sac.
The lower third of the uterus remains less active.
The cervix is also passive.
Effacement
Thinning and shortening.
Dilation
Opening.
Effacement and dilation occur __________________ during labor but at different rates.
concurrently
Nullipara
Woman who has not completed a pregnancy to at least 20 weeks of gestation.
,Completes most cervical effacement early in the process of cervical dilation.
Para
Woman who has given birth after a pregnancy of at least 20 weeks gestation.
Cervix is usually thicker than that of a nullipara at any point during labor.
Blood flow to the placenta _______________ during a contraction.
decreases
The muscle fibers of the uterus constrict around the maternal spiral arteries, which supply the placenta,
causing the exchange of _____________________ to diminish.
O2 and waste
Why does a woman's blood volume increase relatively after birth?
Related to shunting of 300-500 mL of blood back into maternal circulation.
Which vital signs change during contractions?
Increases blood pressure and slows pulse.
Vital signs are best assessed during the interval between contractions.
What may occur if a pregnant woman lies on her back during labor?
Supine hypotension.
, The woman should be encouraged to rest in positions other than supine to promote blood return to her
heart.
Hyperventilation
It may occur with rapid and deep breathing.
Respiratory alkalosis occurs as she exhales too much carbon dioxide *remember carbon dioxide is an
acid; blow off too much causes alkalinity.
She may feel tingling of her hands and feet, numbness, and dizziness.
How can the nurse help relieve symptoms of hyperventilation?
The nurse should help her slow her breathing and breathe into a paper bag or her cupped hands to
restore normal blood levels of carbon dioxide and relieve these symptoms.
What occurs in the gastrointestinal system of the mother during birth?
Reduced gastric motility.
Ice chips are commonly provided.
Small amounts of other clear liquids may be allowed.
Solid food is usually withheld to prevent vomiting and aspiration in the event that general anesthesia is
required.
What occurs to the urinary system during birth?
Reduced sensation of a full bladder.
Full bladder can inhibit fetal descent.
Dilation, Nullipara and Multipara Differences, Placental Circulation, Maternal
Cardiopulmonary Adaptations, Hyperventilation Management, 4 Ps of Labor,
Fetal Position, Presentation, Lie, Attitude, Engagement, Flexion, Internal and
External Rotation, Labor Stages, Pain Management, Operative Vaginal Birth,
Caesarean Section, Amniotomy, Induction and Augmentation, Version
Techniques, Preterm and Post-term Labor, Premature Rupture of Membranes,
Intrapartum Emergencies, Placental Abnormalities, Uterine Rupture, Prolapsed
Umbilical Cord, Anaphylactoid Syndrome, Maternal and Fetal Assessment,
Nursing Interventions and Therapeutic Management Exam Questions Verified
and Provided with Complete A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026
Frequency
The beginning of one uterine contraction to the beginning of the next.
Duration
Beginning of a uterine contraction to the end of the same contraction.
Intensity
Strength of a contraction
Contractions are ______________.
involuntary
What are the three phases of the contraction cycle?
,Increment (period of increasing strength).
Acme AKA Peak (period during which the contraction is most intense).
Decrement (period of decreasing intensity as the uterus relaxes).
How does the uterine muscle work to expel fetus?
The upper two third of the uterus contracts actively to push the fetus down, pulling the cervix over the
fetus & amniotic sac.
The lower third of the uterus remains less active.
The cervix is also passive.
Effacement
Thinning and shortening.
Dilation
Opening.
Effacement and dilation occur __________________ during labor but at different rates.
concurrently
Nullipara
Woman who has not completed a pregnancy to at least 20 weeks of gestation.
,Completes most cervical effacement early in the process of cervical dilation.
Para
Woman who has given birth after a pregnancy of at least 20 weeks gestation.
Cervix is usually thicker than that of a nullipara at any point during labor.
Blood flow to the placenta _______________ during a contraction.
decreases
The muscle fibers of the uterus constrict around the maternal spiral arteries, which supply the placenta,
causing the exchange of _____________________ to diminish.
O2 and waste
Why does a woman's blood volume increase relatively after birth?
Related to shunting of 300-500 mL of blood back into maternal circulation.
Which vital signs change during contractions?
Increases blood pressure and slows pulse.
Vital signs are best assessed during the interval between contractions.
What may occur if a pregnant woman lies on her back during labor?
Supine hypotension.
, The woman should be encouraged to rest in positions other than supine to promote blood return to her
heart.
Hyperventilation
It may occur with rapid and deep breathing.
Respiratory alkalosis occurs as she exhales too much carbon dioxide *remember carbon dioxide is an
acid; blow off too much causes alkalinity.
She may feel tingling of her hands and feet, numbness, and dizziness.
How can the nurse help relieve symptoms of hyperventilation?
The nurse should help her slow her breathing and breathe into a paper bag or her cupped hands to
restore normal blood levels of carbon dioxide and relieve these symptoms.
What occurs in the gastrointestinal system of the mother during birth?
Reduced gastric motility.
Ice chips are commonly provided.
Small amounts of other clear liquids may be allowed.
Solid food is usually withheld to prevent vomiting and aspiration in the event that general anesthesia is
required.
What occurs to the urinary system during birth?
Reduced sensation of a full bladder.
Full bladder can inhibit fetal descent.
