Stages of Labor: A Comprehensive Guide for Nursing Students

Question 1

Which event characterizes the second stage of labor?

Accepted Answer

Baby descends and is born.

Answer

Cervix dilates to 4 cm.

Answer

Placenta is expelled.

Answer

Regular uterine contractions begin.

Question 2

Which event signals the start of labor during its first stage?

Accepted Answer

Regular uterine contractions

Answer

Full cervical dilation

Answer

Crowning of the baby's head

Answer

Delivery of the placenta

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT an intervention used to manage pain during the second stage of labor?

Accepted Answer

Manual vacuum extraction

Answer

Epidural analgesia

Answer

Pudendal nerve block

Answer

Nitrous oxide

Question 4

What is the primary physiological function of oxytocin during the third stage of labor?

Accepted Answer

Stimulating uterine contractions and facilitating placental separation

Answer

Promoting breastfeeding

Answer

Facilitating fetal descent

Answer

Reducing postpartum blood loss

Question 5

What physiological change happens during the third stage of labor?

Accepted Answer

Uterine involution

Answer

Cervical effacement

Answer

Crowning

Question 6

Which of the following interventions is recommended to prevent maternal exhaustion during the second stage of labor?

Accepted Answer

Encourage frequent position changes, hydration, and rest periods

Answer

Administer oxytocin augmentation

Answer

Perform an episiotomy

Answer

Apply continuous electronic fetal monitoring

Question 7

The transition phase of the first stage of labor is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Rapid cervical dilation, intense and frequent uterine contractions

Answer

Nausea and vomiting

Answer

Urinary frequency

Answer

Fetal descent into the pelvis

Question 8

During labor, what method provides the most accurate assessment of cervical dilation?

Accepted Answer

Vaginal examination

Answer

Abdominal palpation

Answer

Ultrasound

Answer

Fetal heart rate monitoring

Question 9

Which characteristic is NOT associated with the first stage of labor?

Accepted Answer

Fetal descent into the pelvis

Answer

Progressive uterine contractions

Answer

Cervical dilation

Answer

Amniotic sac rupture

Question 10

In obstetrical nursing, what is the primary goal of care during the intrapartum period?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring the well-being and safety of both the mother and baby

Answer

Promoting a natural vaginal delivery

Answer

Closely monitoring fetal heart rate

Answer

Providing emotional support to the mother

Question 11

In a laboring mother, what is the most appropriate primary nursing diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Ineffective labor pattern

Answer

Impaired gas exchange

Answer

Acute pain

Answer

Risk for infection

Question 12

Which of the following positions is recommended for optimal fetal descent and maternal comfort during the second stage of labor?

Accepted Answer

Squatting

Answer

Standing upright

Answer

Lying down on the back

Answer

Sitting in a chair

Question 13

During the second stage of labor, how does oxytocin primarily contribute to the progression of labor?

Accepted Answer

Stimulates uterine contractions

Answer

Promotes placental separation

Answer

Increases maternal heart rate

Answer

Reduces pain perception

Question 14

Which of the following may complicate the second stage of labor?

Accepted Answer

Uterine rupture

Accepted Answer

Shoulder dystocia

Accepted Answer

Cord prolapse

Answer

Placental abruption

Question 15

Which event is a hallmark of the first stage of labor?

Accepted Answer

Engagement of the fetal head

Answer

Complete dilation of the cervix

Answer

Expulsion of the placenta

Question 16

In the first stage of labor, what primarily occurs?

Accepted Answer

Cervical effacement and dilation

Answer

Placental separation

Answer

Intense uterine contractions

Answer

Delivery of the baby's head

Question 17

Arrange the following stages of labor in the correct order of occurrence:

Accepted Answer

1. Dilation; 2. Expulsion; 3. Placental

Answer

1. Placental; 2. Expulsion; 3. Dilation

Answer

1. Expulsion; 2. Dilation; 3. Placental

Question 18

Which stage of labor is characterized by the gradual dilation of the cervix from 0 cm to 10 cm?

Accepted Answer

First stage

Answer

Fourth stage

Answer

Third stage

Answer

Second stage

Question 19

Which of the following is a reliable sign of impending delivery in the third stage of labor?

Accepted Answer

Crowning

Answer

Bloody show

Answer

Strong uterine contractions

Answer

Absence of fetal heart tones

Question 20

What is the primary nursing intervention during the active phase of labor?

Accepted Answer

Providing emotional support and comfort measures

Answer

Performing cervical exams

Answer

Administering pain medication

Answer

Monitoring fetal heart tones

Question 21

Which of the following medications is commonly used to induce labor?

Accepted Answer

Oxytocin

Answer

Ibuprofen

Answer

Magnesium sulfate

Answer

Nitroglycerin

Question 22

What is the potential complication during the second stage of labor if the fetal head is too large for the maternal pelvis?

Accepted Answer

Shoulder dystocia

Answer

Placental abruption

Answer

Prolapsed cord

Answer

Uterine rupture

Question 23

Which of the following assessment findings indicates that labor has stopped?

Accepted Answer

Cervical dilation has not changed for 2 hours

Answer

The mother feels strong contractions

Answer

Uterine contractions are occurring every 5 minutes

Answer

Fetal heart tones are 120 bpm

Question 24

What is the primary goal of care during the transition phase of labor?

Accepted Answer

Providing pain relief and emotional support

Answer

Preventing postpartum hemorrhage

Answer

Preventing fetal distress

Answer

Maintaining hydration

Question 25

Which of the following is a characteristic of the expulsion phase of the third stage of labor?

Accepted Answer

Delivery of the placenta

Answer

Crowning of the fetal head

Answer

Cervical dilation of 10 cm

Answer

Strong uterine contractions

Question 26

In monitoring fetal well-being during labor, the primary responsibility of the nurse is to:

Accepted Answer

Observe fetal heart rate patterns

Answer

Assess maternal temperature

Answer

Palpate fetal movements

Answer

Measure uterine fundal height

Question 27

To augment labor during the first stage, which intervention is commonly employed?

Accepted Answer

Pitocin administration

Answer

Forceps delivery

Answer

Episiotomy

Answer

Amniotomy

Question 28

The primary reason for performing an episiotomy is to:

Accepted Answer

Prevent perineal lacerations

Answer

Reduce the risk of postpartum hemorrhage

Answer

Shorten the duration of the second stage of labor

Answer

Facilitate cervical dilation

Question 29

Which of the following is NOT a sign of placental separation during the third stage of labor?

Accepted Answer

Sudden gush of blood from the vagina

Answer

Lengthening of the umbilical cord

Answer

Elevation of the fundus

Answer

Contraction of the uterus

Question 30

In the case of a retained placenta, the recommended management is:

Accepted Answer

Manual removal

Answer

Medication to stimulate uterine contractions

Answer

Cesarean delivery

Answer

Observation and expectant management

Question 31

A potential complication of the third stage of labor is:

Accepted Answer

Postpartum hemorrhage

Answer

Uterine rupture

Answer

Abruptio placentae

Answer

Preeclampsia

Question 32

Which of the following accurately describes a key characteristic of the first stage of labor?

Accepted Answer

Progressive cervical dilation culminating in 10 cm of dilation

Answer

Separation of the placenta from the uterine wall

Answer

Complete descent of the fetus into the pelvis

Question 33

Typically, what is the approximate duration of the second stage of labor?

Accepted Answer

50-60 minutes for a first-time mother (primipara); shorter in subsequent labors

Answer

10-15 minutes

Answer

6-8 hours

Answer

2-4 hours

Question 34

Which intervention is commonly employed to manage pain specifically during the third stage of labor?

Accepted Answer

Pudendal nerve block

Answer

Epidural anesthesia

Answer

Nitrous oxide

Question 35

During the latent phase of the first stage of labor, what is the primary physiological change that occurs?

Accepted Answer

Progressive thinning and shortening of the cervix (effacement) without significant initial dilation

Answer

Cervical dilation of 4-6 cm

Answer

Regular uterine contractions occurring every 2-3 minutes

Answer

Rupture of the amniotic membranes

Question 36

Which of the following signs indicates imminent delivery?

Accepted Answer

Crowning, where the fetal head becomes visible at the vaginal opening

Answer

Passage of the bloody show

Answer

Cervical dilation of 8 cm

Answer

Uterine contractions every 5-10 minutes

Question 37

What is the main purpose of the Valsalva maneuver?

Accepted Answer

To facilitate the expulsion of the fetus during the second stage of labor by increasing intra-abdominal pressure

Answer

To reduce perceived pain during uterine contractions

Answer

To prevent postpartum hemorrhage

Question 38

Which nursing intervention is essential for preventing placental abruption during the third stage of labor?

Accepted Answer

Controlled traction on the umbilical cord during placental delivery

Answer

Aggressive uterine massage to facilitate placental separation

Answer

Artificial rupture of membranes to hasten delivery

Answer

Administration of oxytocin to augment uterine contractions

Question 39

During the second stage of labor, what is the primary focus of nursing care?

Accepted Answer

Creating a safe and supportive environment for the mother and fetus.

Answer

Facilitating cervical dilation to 10 cm.

Answer

Preventing perineal lacerations.

Question 40

What is the most significant physiological change that occurs during the first stage of labor?

Accepted Answer

Cervical dilation.

Answer

Descent of the presenting part.

Answer

Expulsion of the placenta.

Question 41

The second stage of labor is typically considered to have begun when:

Accepted Answer

The cervix is fully dilated (10 cm).

Answer

The amniotic sac ruptures.

Answer

Uterine contractions begin.

Question 42

Which of the following signifies normal progression during the second stage of labor?

Accepted Answer

Steady descent of the fetal presenting part.

Answer

Uterine contractions that are 1-2 minutes apart.

Answer

Cervical dilation of 4-5 cm.

Question 43

What is the recommended position for the mother during the second stage of labor?

Accepted Answer

Any position that is comfortable for the mother.

Answer

Lithotomy position.

Answer

Sims' position.

Answer

Fowler's position.

Question 44

Which of the following is a common reason for a cesarean delivery during the first stage of labor?

Accepted Answer

Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD).

Answer

Gestational diabetes.

Answer

Prolonged latent phase.

Answer

Nulliparity (first pregnancy).

Question 45

A patient in the first stage of labor is experiencing contractions that are 3 minutes apart, lasting 45 seconds, and moderate in intensity. Which nursing action is most appropriate at this time?

Accepted Answer

Continue to monitor the patient's progress and provide support.

Answer

Administer an analgesic medication.

Answer

Suggest the patient take a warm bath.

Question 46

A patient in the second stage of labor is experiencing a rapid descent of the fetal head. What is the priority nursing intervention?

Accepted Answer

Monitor the fetal heart rate closely for signs of distress.

Answer

Encourage the patient to push with each contraction.

Answer

Prepare the patient for an episiotomy.

Question 47

What is the primary nursing goal during the third stage of labor?

Accepted Answer

To ensure safe delivery of the placenta.

Answer

To establish a bond between mother and baby.

Answer

To initiate breastfeeding.

Answer

To prevent postpartum hemorrhage.

Question 48

When assessing pain during labor, what is the most important factor to consider?

Accepted Answer

The patient's subjective response.

Answer

The frequency and duration of contractions.

Answer

The patient's vital signs.

Question 49

A patient in active labor is experiencing back pain. What is the most common cause?

Accepted Answer

The fetus is in a posterior position.

Answer

The patient is mengalami contractions.

Answer

The patient is dehydrated.

Answer

The patient is anxious.

Question 50

Which of the following is a sign of impending labor?

Accepted Answer

Passage of the mucous plug.

Answer

Nausea and vomiting.

Answer

Weight loss.

Question 51

What is the most appropriate nursing intervention for a patient experiencing prolonged labor during the second stage?

Accepted Answer

Encourage the patient to push with each contraction, while allowing for rest periods.

Answer

Prepare the patient for an immediate cesarean section.

Answer

Administer an episiotomy to facilitate delivery.