Practice Question
A nurse is caring for a client who is a primigravida, at term, and having contractions but is stating that she is "not really sure if she is in labor or not." Which of the following should the nurse recognize as a sign of true labor?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Changes in the cervix
Rationale:
📏 The definitive sign that a client is in true labor is progressive cervical change—specifically, dilation and effacement.
📏 This distinguishes true labor from false labor (Braxton Hicks), which may cause discomfort but does not alter the cervix.
📏 The cervix becomes shorter (effaced) and opens (dilated) due to coordinated uterine contractions.
📏 Changes are assessed via vaginal exam by the nurse or provider to determine labor progression and readiness for admission.
📏 Rupture of membranes and fetal station can accompany labor but do not independently confirm it.
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This question is from RN ATI Pediatrics Final Exam which contains 62 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: ATI Exam(s)
- Domain: RN ATI Pediatrics
- Answer Choices: 4