Question

The perinatal nurse knows that a cephalic presentation has which of the following advantages to the woman in labor? (Select all that apply.)

A. Fetal skull bones have the ability to mold during birth.
B. The largest part of the fetus is presenting first.
C. The presenting part may not totally cover the cervix.
D. The shape of the fetal head is optimal for cervical dilatation.
E. The top of the fetal head assists with cervical effacement.

Answer 1

A cephalic presentation in labor has advantages such as the ability for the fetal skull bones to mold, the largest part of the fetus presenting first, and the optimal shape of the fetal head for cervical dilation.

Step-by-step explanation:

A cephalic presentation in labor has several advantages for the woman:

1. Fetal skull bones have the ability to mold during birth: This means that the bones of the baby's skull can slightly overlap or shift to facilitate the passage through the birth canal.
2. The largest part of the fetus is presenting first: The head is the largest part of the fetus, so by presenting first, it allows for a smoother and easier delivery.
3. The shape of the fetal head is optimal for cervical dilatation: The shape of the baby's head is designed to fit through the cervix and dilate it gradually during labor.