Question

The nurse is answering phone calls in the OB triage area. Which patient should the nurse advise to come to the hospital soonest after labor begins?

a. Gravida 2 para 1 who lives 10 minutes away
b. Gravida 1 para 0 who lives 40 minutes away
c. Gravida 3 para 2 whose longest previous labor was 4 hours
d. Gravida 2 para 1 whose first labor lasted 16 hours

Answer 1

The gravida 3 para 2 woman with a history of a 4-hour labor should come to the hospital soonest after labor begins, due to the likelihood of an expedited labor process.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should advise the gravida 3 para 2 whose longest previous labor was 4 hours to come to the hospital soonest after labor begins. Given her obstetric history, she is likely to have a faster subsequent labor, and her proximity to the hospital should not factor into the urgency as much as her labor history.

For vaginal birth, full cervical dilation to 10 cm is required. The time it takes for cervical dilation can vary widely; however, it tends to be shorter in women who have previously given birth. Since the gravida 3 para 2 woman has a history of short labor, it is essential for her to reach the hospital promptly to ensure she's under medical care when labor progresses.