LABOR
WRITTEN EXAM
Q&A
2024
1. A pregnant woman at 38 weeks of gestation is admitted to the labor and
delivery unit with regular contractions. The nurse performs a vaginal
examination and finds that the cervix is 4 cm dilated, 80% effaced, and the
fetal head is at -1 station. What is the appropriate nursing action?
A) Prepare the woman for delivery
B) Administer oxytocin as ordered
C) Monitor the fetal heart rate and uterine activity
D) Encourage the woman to ambulate or change positions
Answer: C) Monitor the fetal heart rate and uterine activity
Rationale: The woman is in active labor and needs to be monitored for signs of
fetal well-being and progress of labor. Preparing for delivery, administering
oxytocin, or encouraging ambulation are not indicated at this stage.
2. A nurse is caring for a newborn who was delivered by vacuum extraction.
The nurse observes a large, boggy swelling on the scalp that crosses the
suture lines. What is the most likely diagnosis?
, A) Caput succedaneum
B) Cephalhematoma
C) Subgaleal hemorrhage
D) Craniosynostosis
Answer: C) Subgaleal hemorrhage
Rationale: Subgaleal hemorrhage is a rare but serious complication of vacuum
extraction that involves bleeding into the potential space between the scalp
and the skull. It can cause significant blood loss and hypovolemic shock.
Caput succedaneum is a localized edema of the scalp that does not cross the
suture lines. Cephalhematoma is a collection of blood between the skull
and the periosteum that is limited by the suture lines. Craniosynostosis is a
premature fusion of the cranial sutures that results in abnormal head shape.
3. A nurse is teaching a group of expectant parents about the benefits of
breastfeeding. Which of the following statements by a parent indicates a
need for further teaching?
A) "Breastfeeding will help me lose weight faster after delivery."
B) "Breastfeeding will protect my baby from infections and allergies."
C) "Breastfeeding will reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome."
D) "Breastfeeding will make my baby smarter and more attached to me."
Answer: D) Breastfeeding will make my baby smarter and more attached to
me.
Rationale: Breastfeeding has many advantages for both the mother and the baby, but it does
not guarantee higher intelligence or better attachment. These outcomes depend on many
other factors, such as genetics, environment, and parenting style. The other statements are
correct and reflect some of the benefits of breastfeeding.
Which hormone initiates the onset of labor?
a) Progesterone
b) Estrogen
c) Oxytocin
d) Prolactin
Answer: c) Oxytocin
Rationale: Oxytocin is responsible for stimulating uterine contractions,
leading to the onset of labor.
What is the average duration of the first stage of labor in nulliparous women?
a) 2-4 hours