Concerning the position of the laboring woman, maternity nurses ...

[lbcchick]

Concerning the position of the laboring woman, maternity nurses should be able to tell her that:
 
  1. the supine position commonly used in the United States increases blood flow.
  2. the all fours on her hands and knees is hard on her back.
  3. frequent changes in position will help relieve her fatigue and increase her comfort.
  4. in a sitting or squatting position her abdominal muscles will have to work harder.

Question 2

Concerning primary and secondary powers, the maternity nurse should know that:
 
  1. primary powers are responsible for the effacement and dilation of the cervix.
  2. effacement generally is well advanced of dilation in first timers; they are more together in subsequent pregnancies.
  3. scarring of the cervix as a result of prior infection or surgery may make the deli-very a bit more painful but should not slow or inhibit dilation.
  4. pushing in the second stage of labor is more effective if the woman can breathe deeply and control some of her involuntary needs to push, as the nurse directs.

[macmac]

Answer to Question 1

3
1. Incorrect. Blood flow can be compromised in a supine position; any upright position benefits cardiac output.
2. Incorrect. The all fours position is used to relieve backache in certain situations.
3. Correct. Frequent position changes relieve fatigue, increase comfort, and improve circu-lation.
4. Incorrect. In a sitting or squatting position abdominal muscles work in greater harmony with uterine contractions.

Answer to Question 2

1
1. Correct. The primary powers are responsible for dilation and effacement; secondary powers are concerned with expulsion of the fetus.
2. Incorrect. Effacement generally is well advanced of dilation in first timers; they are more together in subsequent pregnancies.
3. Incorrect. Scarring of the cervix may slow dilation.
4. Incorrect. Pushing is more effective and less fatiguing when she begins to push only after she has the urge to do so.