It is paramount for the obstetric nurse to understand the ...

[Themember4]

It is paramount for the obstetric nurse to understand the regulatory procedures and criteria for admitting a woman to the hospital labor unit. Which guideline is an important legal requirement of maternity care?
 
  a. The patient is not considered to be in true labor (according to the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act EMTALA) until a qualified health care provider says she is.
  b. The woman can have only her male partner or predesignated doula with her at assessment.
  c. The patient's weight gain is calculated to determine whether she is at greater risk for cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) and cesarean birth.
  d. The nurse may exchange information about the patient with family members.

Question 2

For the labor nurse, care of the expectant mother begins with any or all of these situations, with the exception of:
 
  a. The onset of progressive, regular contractions.
  b. The bloody, or pink, show.
  c. The spontaneous rupture of membranes.
  d. Formulation of the woman's plan of care for labor.

[C.mcnichol98]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
According to EMTALA, a woman is entitled to active labor care and is presumed to be in true labor until a qualified health care provider certifies otherwise. A woman can have anyone she wishes present for her support. The risk for CPD is especially great for petite women or those who have gained 16 kg or more. All patients should have their weight and BMI calculated on admission. This is part of standard nursing care on a maternity unit and not a regulatory concern. According to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the patient must give consent for others to receive any information related to her condition.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Labor care begins when progressive, regular contractions begin; the blood-tinged mucoid vaginal discharge appears; or fluid is discharged from the vagina. The woman and nurse can formulate their plan of care before labor or during treatment.

[Themember4]

Gracias!

[alexanderhamilton]

Excellent