At 9:00 a.m., the OB nurse assesses fetal station at 0. The ...

[dakota nelson]

At 9:00 a.m., the OB nurse assesses fetal station at 0. The laboring woman has strong, regular contractions. At 10:30 a.m., the nurse again assesses fetal station at 0. What action by the nurse is best?
 
  A.
  Document the findings and continue to assess frequently.
  B.
  Encourage the woman to bear down during contractions.
  C.
  Increase the woman's IV fluid rate and reassess in 30 minutes.
  D.
  Inform the provider and prepare for possible cesarean delivery.

Question 2

A nurse assesses the fetal position in a laboring woman. The fetal position is documented as LSP. What action by the nurse is best?
 
  A.
  Continue to support the woman's labor efforts.
  B.
  Document the findings in the woman's chart.
  C.
  Inform the provider; prepare for possible cesarean delivery.
  D.
  Turn the woman on her left side; reassess in 30 minutes.

[lou]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
As labor advances and the presenting fetal part descends, the station should progress to a numerically higher positive station (numerically higher positive number). If the station does not change in the presence of strong, regular contractions, this may indicate a problem with the relationship between the maternal pelvis and the fetus (cephalopelvic disproportion). The nurse should inform the provider and prepare for a possible cesarean delivery. Documentation should occur in all situations, but more action is needed. Increasing the IV fluid rate is not warranted. The woman should be encouraged to bear down only after the cervix is totally dilated.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
LSP indicates left, sacrum, posterior. This malpresentation may signal the need for a cesarean delivery. The nurse should not just support the woman's labor efforts, nor should the nurse document without taking other action. Turning the woman on her left side is not warranted.

[dakota nelson]

Excellent

TYSM