Signs and Symptoms
Signs and Symptoms ( 4 Questions)
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?
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.
Low back pain and pelvic pressure are common discomforts of pregnancy and do not necessarily mean that the client is in labor.
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.
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.
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.
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.