Author Question: A 25-year-old woman is 38 weeks' gestation with her first pregnancy. For the third time in one week, ... (Read 111 times)

mpobi80 · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

A 25-year-old woman is 38 weeks' gestation with her first pregnancy. For the third time in one week, she presents to the hospital with complaints that are determined to be suggestive of false labor.

Prior to discharge, the patient states, I'm so embarrassed for thinking I was in labor. I feel like a fool. What is the nurse's best response?
1. We'll discuss the differences between true labor and false labor so this doesn't happen again.
2. It's impossible to distinguish between false labor and true labor.
3. Don't feel bad. Everyone makes mistakes sometimes.
4. It's very difficult to tell the difference between true and false labor. Please know we're here to take care of you whenever you need us.

Question 2

The primiparous patient at 39 weeks' gestation calls the clinic and reports increased bladder pressure but easier breathing and irregular, mild contractions. She also states that she just cleaned the entire house.

Which statement should the nurse make?
1. You shouldn't work so much at this point in pregnancy.
2. What you are describing is not commonly experienced in the last weeks.
3. Your body may be telling you it is going into labor soon.
4. If the bladder pressure continues, come in to the clinic tomorrow.

Sweetkitty24130 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: Rather than reinforcing the woman's incorrect interpretation of what she believed to be true labor, the nurse should provide reassurance and ease the woman's embarrassment.
Rationale 2: While it may be difficult to subjectively distinguish between false labor and true labor, vaginal examination can be performed to determine if cervical dilatation is occurring.
Rationale 3: Instead of reinforcing the woman's perception of having made an error, the nurse should reassure her that her embarrassment is unwarranted.
Rationale 4: Rather than reinforcing the woman's incorrect interpretation of what she believed to be true labor, the nurse should provide reassurance and ease the woman's embarrassment.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: There is no indication that the patient should decrease her work schedule.
Rationale 2: Lightening is a common and expected finding.
Rationale 3: One of the premonitory signs of labor includes lightening: The baby drops lower into the pelvis, which creates increased pelvic and bladder pressure but less pressure on the diaphragm, which makes breathing easier.
Rationale 4: Lightening does not indicate pathology, and therefore there is no need to come to the clinic if the symptoms continue.