Author Question: A woman at 26 weeks of gestation is being assessed to determine if she is experiencing preterm ... (Read 85 times)

beccaep · **on:** Jun 27, 2018

A woman at 26 weeks of gestation is being assessed to determine if she is experiencing preterm labor. Which of the following findings indicates that preterm labor is occurring?

1. Estriol is not found in maternal saliva.
2. Irregular mild uterine contractions are occurring every 12 to 15 minutes.
3. Fetal fibronectin is present in vaginal secretions.
4. The cervix is effacing and dilated to 2 cm.

Question 2

What type of cultural concern is the most likely deterrent to many women seeking prenatal care?

1. Religion
2. Modesty
3. Ignorance
4. Belief that physicians are evil

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

Answer to Question 1

4
1. Incorrect. Estriol is a form of estrogen produced by the fetus that is present in plasma at 9 weeks of gestation. Levels of salivary estriol have been shown to increase before preterm birth.
2. Incorrect. Irregular mild contractions that do not cause cervical change are not considered a threat.
3. Incorrect. The presence of fetal fibronectin in vaginal secretions between 24 and 36 weeks of gestation could predict preterm labor but has only a 20 to 40 positive predictive value. Of more importance are other physiologic clues of preterm labor, such as cervical changes.
4. Correct. Cervical changes such as shortened endocervical length, effacement, and dila-tion are predictors of imminent preterm labor. Changes in the cervix accompanied by regular contractions indicate labor at any gestation.

Answer to Question 2

2
1, 3, 4. Incorrect. Many cultural variations are found in prenatal care. Even if the prenatal care described is familiar to a woman, some practices may conflict with the beliefs and practices of a subculture group to which she belongs.
2. Correct. A concern for modesty is a deterrent to many women seeking prenatal care. For some women, exposing body parts, especially to a man, is considered a major violation of their modesty.