Question

A client arrives at the hospital in labor. The client is 4 cm dilated and 60% effaced. Which statement does the nurse give the client to explain the meaning of this information?

a. The opening of the cervix is 4 cm wide and the cervical canal is 60% shorter than normal.
b. the cervix is 4 cm short in dilation and 60% thinner than normal
c. the walls of the cervix are 4 cm thick and 60% shorter than normal
d. the cervix is 4 cm long and 60% wider than normal

Answer 1

The nurse would explain to the client that being 4 cm dilated means that the opening of the cervix is 4 cm wide. The nurse would also explain that being 60% effaced means that the cervical canal is 60% shorter than normal.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse would explain to the client that being 4 cm dilated means that the opening of the cervix is 4 cm wide. The nurse would also explain that being 60% effaced means that the cervical canal is 60% shorter than normal. These changes indicate that the client's labor is progressing and the cervix is preparing for the birth of the baby.