A nurse is measuring the frequency of a laboring woman's ...

[swpotter12]

A nurse is measuring the frequency of a laboring woman's contractions. How does the nurse accomplish this correctly?
 
  A.
  Counts the number of contractions measured at the same intensity in 1 full minute
  B.
  Feels the fundus during the acme of the contraction and notes the fundal firmness
  C.
  Measures the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next contraction
  D.
  Measures the time from the beginning of one contraction to the end of the same contraction

Question 2

The perinatal nurse assessing a laboring woman's contraction intensity by internal monitoring would expect, during the transition phase, a reading in which of the following ranges?
 
  A.
  10 to 12 mm Hg
  B.
  20 to 40 mm Hg
  C.
  50 to 70 mm Hg
  D.
  70 to 90 mm Hg

[lolol]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The frequency of contractions is measured from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next contraction, not by counting contractions in 1 minute. Feeling the firmness of the fundus during contractions measures intensity. Measuring the time from the start of one contraction to the end of the same contraction measures duration.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
One method to measure the intensity of uterine contractions is with the use of an internal monitor. If the amniotic membranes have ruptured, an internal pressure catheter is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus to measure the internal pressure generated during the contraction. Normally, the resting pressure in the uterus (between contractions) is 10 to 12 mm Hg. During the acme, contraction intensity ranges from 25 to 40 mm Hg during early labor, 50 to 70 mm Hg during active labor, 70 to 90 mm Hg during the transition phase, and 70 to 100 mm Hg during maternal pushing in the second stage.