OB/PEDS UPDATED QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS 2026 LATEST
VERSION EXAM PREP GUIDE
◉ Distinguishing true labor from false labor.. what does true labor look
like?.
Answer: contractions are at regular intervals.
contractions increase in frequency, duration, and intensity. dilation and
effacement of cervix are progressive.
pain begins in lower back, radiates to abdomen
activity like walking increases labor pain
◉ Distinguishing true labor from false labor.. what does false labor look
like?.
Answer: contractions are at irregular intervals.
contractions do NOT increase in frequency, duration, and intensity.
dilation and effacement of cervix are NOT progressive.
pain is in the abdomen only
activity like walking lessens the pain
,◉ First Stage of Labor.
Answer: Begins with onset of regular uterine contractions (UCs). Ends
with complete cervical dilation (10 cm).
*Longest stage*; duration varies w/parity maternal factors.
Contractions start mild and irregular, gradually becoming stronger,
longer, and closer together.
Divided into phases: *Latent, Active*
◉ Latent phase - contractions.
Answer: Early labor phase. Average length: up to 10-14 hours.
begins with *regular, mild contractions* (~*every 5 min, lasting 30-45
sec*).
◉ Latent phase - cervical dilation.
Answer: effacement & dilation *0-5 cm*
◉ Latent phase - mom behavior.
Answer: Contractions feel like menstrual cramps/low back pain.
,Woman typically excited, talkative, sociable; often managed at home
◉ Nursing Care for latent phase.
Answer: Encourage ambulation, rest, hydration, and light meals/snacks.
Reinforce breathing techniques and relaxation.
Provide education and reassurance about normal progress.
◉ Active Phase - contractions.
Answer: *Q3-5 min, then Q2-3 min
60-90 sec duration*
moderate to strong
◉ Active Phase - cervical dilation + dilation rate.
Answer: *6-10cm*
dilation rate ≈ 1 cm/hr (nullipara), 1.5+ cm/hr (multipara)
◉ Active Phase - mom behavior.
Answer: Woman becomes more focused, inwardly directed.
, As time goes on: May feel they can no longer continue. May question
their ability to cope.
◉ later on in active Phase - mom symptoms.
Answer: bloody show (in urine), rectal pressure
urge to push
N/V, irritability
◉ Nursing Care for active phase.
Answer: Position changes, comfort, manage pain, provide relief,
continuous fetal monitoring.
later on: Provide calm reassurance, coaching for breathing, and
anticipate rupture of membranes.
◉ general purpose of squatting, sitting, standing, kneeling, all-fours,
toilet sitting.
Answer: ↑ pelvic diameters, ↓ back pressure, shorter 2nd stage.
◉ position when OP (sunny side up)/back pain.
AND ANSWERS 2026 LATEST
VERSION EXAM PREP GUIDE
◉ Distinguishing true labor from false labor.. what does true labor look
like?.
Answer: contractions are at regular intervals.
contractions increase in frequency, duration, and intensity. dilation and
effacement of cervix are progressive.
pain begins in lower back, radiates to abdomen
activity like walking increases labor pain
◉ Distinguishing true labor from false labor.. what does false labor look
like?.
Answer: contractions are at irregular intervals.
contractions do NOT increase in frequency, duration, and intensity.
dilation and effacement of cervix are NOT progressive.
pain is in the abdomen only
activity like walking lessens the pain
,◉ First Stage of Labor.
Answer: Begins with onset of regular uterine contractions (UCs). Ends
with complete cervical dilation (10 cm).
*Longest stage*; duration varies w/parity maternal factors.
Contractions start mild and irregular, gradually becoming stronger,
longer, and closer together.
Divided into phases: *Latent, Active*
◉ Latent phase - contractions.
Answer: Early labor phase. Average length: up to 10-14 hours.
begins with *regular, mild contractions* (~*every 5 min, lasting 30-45
sec*).
◉ Latent phase - cervical dilation.
Answer: effacement & dilation *0-5 cm*
◉ Latent phase - mom behavior.
Answer: Contractions feel like menstrual cramps/low back pain.
,Woman typically excited, talkative, sociable; often managed at home
◉ Nursing Care for latent phase.
Answer: Encourage ambulation, rest, hydration, and light meals/snacks.
Reinforce breathing techniques and relaxation.
Provide education and reassurance about normal progress.
◉ Active Phase - contractions.
Answer: *Q3-5 min, then Q2-3 min
60-90 sec duration*
moderate to strong
◉ Active Phase - cervical dilation + dilation rate.
Answer: *6-10cm*
dilation rate ≈ 1 cm/hr (nullipara), 1.5+ cm/hr (multipara)
◉ Active Phase - mom behavior.
Answer: Woman becomes more focused, inwardly directed.
, As time goes on: May feel they can no longer continue. May question
their ability to cope.
◉ later on in active Phase - mom symptoms.
Answer: bloody show (in urine), rectal pressure
urge to push
N/V, irritability
◉ Nursing Care for active phase.
Answer: Position changes, comfort, manage pain, provide relief,
continuous fetal monitoring.
later on: Provide calm reassurance, coaching for breathing, and
anticipate rupture of membranes.
◉ general purpose of squatting, sitting, standing, kneeling, all-fours,
toilet sitting.
Answer: ↑ pelvic diameters, ↓ back pressure, shorter 2nd stage.
◉ position when OP (sunny side up)/back pain.
