NSG 3500 EXAM 2 EXAMINATION SCRIPT
2026 FULL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE
GRADED A+
⩥ Lightening.
Answer: At about 38 weeks in the primigravid pregnancy, the presenting
part (usually the fetal head) settles downward into the pelvic cavity,
causing the uterus to move downward as well.
⩥ Braxton Hicks Contractions.
Answer: Irregular contractions felt in the abdomen and groin region.
⩥ Bloody Show.
Answer: As the cervix begins to soften, stretch, and thin through
effacement, there may be a rupture of the small cervical capillaries. The
added pressure created by engagement of the presenting part may lead to
the expulsion of a blood-tinged mucus plug.
⩥ First Stage of Labor.
Answer: Commences with the onset of regular contractions and ends
with full dilation (10cm) of the cervix.
, ⩥ First Stage of Labor- Latent Stage.
Answer: Contractions: 5-10 minutes, may be irregular in frequency,
duration.
Dilation: 0-3cm
Physical Discomforts: Contractions often begin as painful menstrual-like
cramps or low backache.
Maternal Behavior: Pain often well controlled, various behaviors may be
present (excited, talkative, confident, anxious, withdrawn).
This stage can be completed at home.
⩥ First Stage of Labor- Active Phase.
Answer: Contractions: Regular pattern established 2-5 minutes apart
Dilation: 4-7cm (best time to give pain medication such as epidural)
Physical Discomforts: Increasing discomfort as contractions become
stronger and more regular. May have backache.
Maternal Behaviors: Needs to focus more on staying in control and
managing the pain, often requires coaching at this stage, quieter and
more inwardly focused.
⩥ First Stage of Labor- Transition Stage.
Answer: Contractions: 2-3 minutes apart lasting 60-90 seconds, strong
by palpation.
Dilation: 8-10cm
2026 FULL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE
GRADED A+
⩥ Lightening.
Answer: At about 38 weeks in the primigravid pregnancy, the presenting
part (usually the fetal head) settles downward into the pelvic cavity,
causing the uterus to move downward as well.
⩥ Braxton Hicks Contractions.
Answer: Irregular contractions felt in the abdomen and groin region.
⩥ Bloody Show.
Answer: As the cervix begins to soften, stretch, and thin through
effacement, there may be a rupture of the small cervical capillaries. The
added pressure created by engagement of the presenting part may lead to
the expulsion of a blood-tinged mucus plug.
⩥ First Stage of Labor.
Answer: Commences with the onset of regular contractions and ends
with full dilation (10cm) of the cervix.
, ⩥ First Stage of Labor- Latent Stage.
Answer: Contractions: 5-10 minutes, may be irregular in frequency,
duration.
Dilation: 0-3cm
Physical Discomforts: Contractions often begin as painful menstrual-like
cramps or low backache.
Maternal Behavior: Pain often well controlled, various behaviors may be
present (excited, talkative, confident, anxious, withdrawn).
This stage can be completed at home.
⩥ First Stage of Labor- Active Phase.
Answer: Contractions: Regular pattern established 2-5 minutes apart
Dilation: 4-7cm (best time to give pain medication such as epidural)
Physical Discomforts: Increasing discomfort as contractions become
stronger and more regular. May have backache.
Maternal Behaviors: Needs to focus more on staying in control and
managing the pain, often requires coaching at this stage, quieter and
more inwardly focused.
⩥ First Stage of Labor- Transition Stage.
Answer: Contractions: 2-3 minutes apart lasting 60-90 seconds, strong
by palpation.
Dilation: 8-10cm
