Maternity Nursing: Intrapartum Q 19

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A client who is gravida 1, para 0 is admitted in labor. Her cervix is 100% effaced, and she is dilated to 3 cm. Her fetus is at +1 station. The nurse is aware that the fetus’ head is:

  

     A. Not yet engaged

     B. Entering the pelvic inlet

     C. Below the ischial spines

     D. Visible at the vaginal opening

    

    

Correct Answer: C. Below the ischial spines

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A station of +1 indicates that the fetal head is 1 cm below the ischial spines. Positive numbers are used when a baby has descended beyond the ischial spines. During birth, a baby is at the +4 to +5 station.

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Option A: During a vaginal exam, the doctor will feel for the baby’s head. If the head is high and not yet engaged in the birth canal, it may float away from their fingers.

Option B: When the baby’s head is level with the ischial spines, the fetal station is zero. Once the baby’s head fills the vaginal opening, just before birth, the fetal station is +5.

Option D: Usually about two weeks before delivery, the baby will drop into the birth canal. This is called being “engaged.” At this point, the baby is at station 0. This drop into the birth canal is called a lightening.

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