Question

Which action is correct when palpation is used to assess the characteristics and pattern of uterine contractions?

1) Placing the hand on the abdomen below the umbilicus and palpating uterine tone with the fingertips
2) Determining the frequency by timing from the end of one contraction to the end of the next contraction
3) Evaluating the intensity by pressing the fingertips into the uterine fundus
4) Assessing uterine contractions every 30 minutes throughout the first stage of labor

Answer 1

The correct palpation method is to palpate the uterine fundus at the top of the uterus to evaluate the intensity, and the frequency is determined from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next. Frequent assessments during the first stage of labor are necessary to monitor progress effectively.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct action when using palpation to assess the characteristics and pattern of uterine contractions is to place the hand on the abdomen at the level of the uterine fundus and to palpate uterine tone with the fingertips. The intensity of contractions is evaluated by pressing the fingertips into the uterine fundus, which is the top portion of the uterus. This method provides an estimation of the strength of the contractions. Frequency of contractions is determined by timing from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next, not from the end of one to the end of the next. During the first stage of labor, which can last from several hours to days, it is important to assess uterine contractions more frequently than every 30 minutes to monitor labor progression effectively.