Pre-term Labor > Maternal & Newborn
Exam Review
Signs and Symptoms
Total Questions : 4
Showing 4 questions, Sign in for moreA nurse is assessing a pregnant client who is at risk for pre-term labor.
Which sign or symptom should the nurse prioritize when determining the need for immediate intervention?
Explanation
Regular uterine contractions occurring every 20 minutes.This is a sign of preterm labor, which is labor that begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Preterm labor can lead to premature birth and complications for the baby.
Choice B is wrong because low back pain lasting for 15 minutes is not a specific sign of preterm labor.
It could be caused by other factors, such as posture, muscle strain, or kidney infection.
Choice C is wrong because a change in vaginal discharge with a mild increase in amount is not a sign of preterm labor.
It is normal for pregnant women to have some vaginal discharge throughout pregnancy.
However, if the discharge is watery, bloody, or has a foul odor, it could indicate a problem and should be reported to the provider.
Choice D is wrong because decreased fetal movement is not a sign of preterm labor.
It could be a sign of fetal distress or other complications.
Pregnant women should monitor their baby’s movements daily and contact their provider if they notice any changes or concerns.
A client at 32 weeks of gestation presents with regular uterine contractions occurring every 7 minutes and lasting for 45 seconds.
Which additional sign or symptom should the nurse expect to assess?
Explanation
Lower abdominal cramping or pressure is one of the signs and symptoms of preterm labor.
Preterm labor occurs when regular contractions begin to open your cervix before 37 weeks of pregnancy.A full-term pregnancy should last about 40 weeks.
B. Low back pain.Statement is wrong because low back pain is also a sign and symptom of preterm labor.
C. Change in vaginal discharge.Statement is wrong because change in vaginal discharge, such as leaking fluid or bleeding, is also a sign and symptom of preterm labor.
D. Rupture of membranes.Statement is wrong because rupture of membranes, or breaking of water, is also a sign and symptom of preterm labor.
If you think you might be having preterm labor, you should call your doctor or go to the hospital to be evaluated.
A nurse is assessing a pregnant client who is at risk for pre-term labor.
Which signs or symptoms should the nurse consider as a potential indicator of imminent labor?
Explanation
Change in vaginal discharge, including increased amount, color, or consistency.This can indicate that the client is losing the mucus plug or experiencing a premature rupture of membranes, which are signs of imminent labor.
Choice A is wrong because regular uterine contractions every 10 minutes lasting for 30 seconds are not indicative of imminent labor.They could be Braxton Hicks contractions, which are irregular and painless contractions that occur throughout pregnancy.
Choice B is wrong because low back pain and pelvic pressure are common discomforts of pregnancy and do not necessarily mean that the client is in labor.
Choice D is wrong because decreased fetal movement is not a sign of imminent labor.It could be a sign of fetal distress or hypoxia and should be reported to the provider.
Normal ranges for vaginal discharge during pregnancy are clear or white in color, thin or milky in consistency, and mild or odorless in smell.
Any changes from these ranges should be evaluated by the provider.
A nurse is assessing a pregnant client who is at risk for pre-term labor.
Which symptom should the nurse consider as a potential warning sign indicating the need for immediate medical attention?
Explanation
Regular uterine contractions occurring every 20 minutes are a sign of preterm labor that requires immediate medical attention.Preterm labor is any labor that occurs from 20 weeks through 36 weeks of pregnancy.If preterm labor can’t be stopped, the baby will be born early and may have health problems.
Choice B is wrong because mild lower abdominal cramping is a normal symptom of pregnancy and does not indicate preterm labor.
Choice C is wrong because low back pain lasting for 10 minutes is not a specific symptom of preterm labor and may be caused by other factors such as posture or muscle strain.
Choice D is wrong because a change in vaginal discharge with a mild increase in amount is also a normal symptom of pregnancy and does not indicate preterm labor.However, if the discharge is watery, bloody, or has a foul odor, it may be a sign of infection or placental problems and should be reported to the doctor.
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