Question

A charge nurse on a labor and delivery unit is teaching a newly licensed nurse how to perform Leopold maneuvers. Which of the following images indicates the first step of Leopold maneuvers?

A. Image showing the nurse palpating the upper abdomen with both hands.
B. Image demonstrating the nurse assessing the presenting part of the fetus.
C. Image depicting the nurse palpating the lower abdomen to determine the fetal position.
D. Image illustrating the nurse feeling for the fetal back or limbs on one side of the abdomen.

Answer 1

The first step of Leopold's maneuvers is palpation of the upper abdomen to assess the fetal position. Janine, at 41 weeks pregnant with slow labor progress and minimal dilation, is given Pitocin to aid in labor continuation and cervical dilation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first step of the Leopold maneuvers involves the nurse palpating the upper abdomen with both hands. This step is crucial to assess the fundal region of the uterus and determine the part of the fetus that is present at the top of the uterus, which helps to identify the fetal lie (whether the fetus is in a longitudinal, transverse, or oblique position) and presentation.

Janine is 41 weeks pregnant and experiencing prolonged labor. Although she has mild contractions, the cervix is only dilated to 2 cm, prompting the administration of an IV infusion of Pitocin. Pitocin is a synthetic form of oxytocin that helps in restarting and maintaining labor contractions, thereby aiding cervical dilation and progression of labor to eventually lead to the delivery of the baby.