Maternity Nursing: Intrapartum Q 21
The physician asks the nurse the frequency of a laboring client’s contractions. The nurse assesses the client’s contractions by timing from the beginning of one contraction:
A. Until the time it is completely over
B. To the end of a second contraction
C. To the beginning of the next contraction
D. Until the time that the uterus becomes very firm
Correct Answer: C. To the beginning of the next contraction
This is the way to determine the frequency of the contractions. When timing contractions, start counting from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next. The easiest way to time contractions is to write down on paper the time each contraction starts and its duration, or count the seconds the actual contraction lasts.
Option A: Contractions are intermittent, with a valuable rest period for the mother, the baby, and her uterus following each one. When timing contractions, start counting from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next.
Option B: As the strength of each contraction increases, the peaks will come sooner and last longer. There should be some regularity or pattern when timed. Persistent contractions that have no rhythm but are five-to-seven minutes apart or less should be reported to the physician or midwife.
Option D: Contractions are often described as a cramping or tightening sensation that starts in the back and moves around to the front in a wave-like manner. Others say the contraction feels like pressure in the back. During a contraction, the abdomen becomes hard to the touch.