Author Question: Nurses should know some basic definitions concerning preterm birth, preterm labor, and low birth ... (Read 113 times)

Medesa · **on:** Jun 27, 2018

Nurses should know some basic definitions concerning preterm birth, preterm labor, and low birth weight. For instance:

1. preterm birth and low birth weight can be used interchangeably.
2. preterm labor is defined as cervical changes and uterine contractions occurring between 20 and 37 weeks of pregnancy.
3. low birth weight is anything less than 3.7 pounds.
4. in the United States early in this century preterm birth has been 18 to 20 of all births.

Question 2

Prenatal care should ideally begin:

1. before the first missed menstrual period.
2. after the first missed menstrual period.
3. after the second missed menstrual period.
4. after the third missed menstrual period.

braelync · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 27, 2018

Answer to Question 1

2
1. Incorrect. Although they are used interchangeably, they have different meanings: preterm birth describes length of gestation (37 weeks) regardless of weight; low birth weight de-scribes weight only (2500 g or less) at time of birth, whenever it is.
2. Correct. Before 20 weeks it's not viable (miscarriage); after 37 weeks it can be consi-dered term.
3. Incorrect. Low birth weight is anything less than 2500 g, or about 5 pounds.
4. Incorrect. In 2003, the preterm birth rate in the United States was 12.3, but it is in-creasing in frequency.

Answer to Question 2

2
1, 3, 4. Incorrect. Regular prenatal visits, ideally beginning soon after the first missed menstrual period, offer opportunities to ensure the health of the expectant mother and her infant.
2. Correct. Prenatal care should ideally begin soon after the first missed menstrual period.