Question

A client is in labor and has been in the first stage for over 12 hours. Contractions are mild and far apart. Progress is very slow, and the fetus has not descended into the pelvis as would normally be expected. What is this called?

a) Precipitous labor
b) Prolonged labor
c) Arrested descent
d) Dystocia

Answer 1

The condition described is dystocia, which is the abnormal or difficult progress of labor. Medical interventions may be necessary to address this condition.

Step-by-step explanation:

The condition described in the question is known as dystocia, which is the abnormal or difficult progress of labor. In this case, the labor has been prolonged and the fetus has not descended into the pelvis as expected. Dystocia can be caused by various factors such as ineffective contractions, abnormal fetal position, or maternal factors.

To address dystocia, medical interventions may be necessary, such as administering synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin) to restart and maintain labor, or considering other methods such as vacuum extraction or cesarean section.