Final answer:
Devin is not in true labor as, despite her mild contractions, her cervix has not dilated, and her mucus plug remains intact. True labor involves regular contractions that lead to cervical dilation, eventually resulting in childbirth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse can recognize that a woman is in true labor when she experiences regular contractions that actively dilate the cervix.
In the scenario described, Devin, who is 35 weeks pregnant, is not in true labor because, despite experiencing mild contractions, there is no cervical dilation, and the mucus plug is still intact.
During the first stage of labor, the cervix thins and gradually dilates to about 10 cm, which is necessary for the baby to be expelled during birth.
As Devin's cervix has not begun to dilate, she is in what may be termed prelabor or false labor, which can consist of irregular contractions that might cause discomfort but do not lead to the progressive dilation of the cervix.
In true labor, contractions become increasingly powerful and frequent over time, and they do not subside with hydration or rest.
If the labor process stalls before the second stage is reached, where the baby is expelled, an intravenous infusion of synthetic oxytocin, commonly known as Pitocin, may be administered to stimulate uterine contractions and progress labor.