Question

With regard to the care management of preterm labor, nurses should be aware that:

a. Because all women must be considered at risk for preterm labor and prediction is so hit-and-miss, teaching pregnant women the symptoms probably causes more harm through false alarms.
b. Braxton Hicks contractions often signal the onset of preterm labor.
c. Because preterm labor is likely to be the start of an extended labor, a woman with symptoms can wait several hours before contacting the primary caregiver.
d. The diagnosis of preterm labor is based on gestational age, uterine activity, and progressive cervical change.

Answer 1

The diagnosis of preterm labor relies on gestational age, uterine activity, and progressive cervical change, with true labor marked by a positive feedback loop of increasingly intense contractions leading to cervical dilation and effacement.

Step-by-step explanation:

When managing the care of preterm labor, nurses need to be well-informed. The correct statement is that the diagnosis of preterm labor is based on gestational age, uterine activity, and progressive cervical change. It's not generally beneficial to teach all pregnant women the symptoms of preterm labor due to the potential for unnecessary concern from false alarms, but it's also important to educate those at higher risk. Braxton Hicks contractions are not a reliable signal of preterm labour as they can occur throughout pregnancy and do not lead to cervical changes. Preterm labor should be addressed promptly; waiting several hours before contacting a healthcare provider is not advisable because, unlike full-term labour, preterm labor may progress rapidly and require immediate intervention.

True labor is characterized by a positive feedback loop of hormones, resulting in uterine contractions that lead to dilation and effacement of the cervix. These contractions stretch the cervix, prompting even more intense contractions, reinforced by the release of oxytocin. The labor process may start with contractions that are less frequent and shorter in duration but will intensify in frequency and length as labor progresses.