Final answer:
A 26-year-old patient at 37 weeks' gestation is on the stretcher and should be prepared for imminent delivery. The three stages of labor are explained, including the dilation of the cervix and the possible use of Pitocin to induce labor if needed.
Step-by-step explanation:
Labor and Delivery: Understanding the Stages and Interventions
You are attending to a 26-year-old female patient who is at 37 weeks' gestation with her second pregnancy. The patient is in labor and delivery is imminent.
At this stage of pregnancy, the patient should be prepared for delivery, which involves ensuring that all necessary medical equipment and personnel are ready.
It is also important to continually monitor the mother and the fetus, checking vital signs and fetal heart rate. In the scenarios provided, Devin, at 35 weeks gestation, experienced mild contractions but was advised to return home because her cervix had not begun to dilate, indicating that she was not in active labor.
On the other hand, Janine at 41 weeks gestation, with a cervix dilated to only 2 cm and experiencing mild contractions, was admitted for induction of labor with Pitocin due to her being past her due date and to avoid complications associated with post-term pregnancy.
In the case of preterm labor or other complications, medical intervention such as supplemental oxygen or Pitocin can be necessary.
During stage one of labor, the cervix thins and dilates up to about 10 cm, necessary for the baby's and placenta's expulsion during birth.
If labor stalls before reaching stage two, Pitocin may be administered to restart and maintain labor progress.