Question

The nurse assesses that the fetus of a woman is in an occiput posterior position. Which description identifies the way the nurse would expect the client's labor to differ from others?

A. Prolonged labor with back pain
B. Rapid progression through the birth canal
C. Increased frequency of contractions
D. Delayed onset of contractions

Answer 1

When the fetus is in an occiput posterior position, the client's labor is expected to differ from others by being prolonged and characterized by back pain.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse assesses that the fetus of a woman is in an occiput posterior position, it means that the baby is facing the mother's abdomen instead of her back. This position can lead to a longer and more difficult labor, with back pain being a common symptom.

This occurs because the baby's head is not in the optimal position for descending through the birth canal, which can slow down the progress of labor. The back of the baby's head applies pressure on the mother's spine, causing discomfort and back pain. Additionally, the occiput posterior position can interfere with the baby's ability to rotate and navigate through the birth canal smoothly.