Question

18. A patient arrives at the hospital and is not sure if she is in true labor. The nurse does an assessment and assures her she is in true labor because:

a. there is no dilatation.
b. the contractions are in the fundus.
c. the cervix has softened and effaced.
d. the contractions are irregular.

Answer 1

True labor can be identified by the presence of cervical dilation and effacement, as well as regular contractions in the fundus of the uterus.

Step-by-step explanation:

True labor can be identified by several signs including:

1. Cervical dilation and effacement: During true labor, the cervix begins to soften and thin out, also known as effacement, and gradually opens up, known as dilation.
2. Regular contractions in the fundus: True labor contractions originate in the upper part of the uterus, called the fundus, and gradually move downward.

Based on these signs, the nurse would have confirmed true labor for the patient if her cervix had softened and effaced and if the contractions were in the fundus. Contractions being irregular is not a characteristic of true labor.