Maternity Nursing: Intrapartum Q 29

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During the period of induction of labor, a client should be observed carefully for signs of:

  

     A. Severe pain

     B. Uterine tetany

     C. Hypoglycemia

     D. Umbilical cord prolapse

    

    

Correct Answer: B. Uterine tetany.

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Uterine tetany could result from the use of oxytocin to induce labor. Because oxytocin promotes powerful uterine contractions, uterine tetany may occur. The oxytocin infusion must be stopped to prevent uterine rupture and fetal compromise.

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Option A: Women being offered induction of labor should be informed that induced labor is likely to be more painful than spontaneous labor. During the induction of labor, healthcare professionals should provide women with the pain relief appropriate for them and their pain.

Option C: Since people with GDM and their babies are at increased risk of pregnancy complications, some care providers encourage women with GDM to plan an early birth (usually elective induction) at or near term instead of waiting for labor to start on its own.

Option D: Umbilical cord prolapse is an uncommon but potentially fatal obstetric emergency. When this occurs during labor or delivery the prolapsed cord is compressed between the fetal presenting part and the cervix. This can result in a loss of oxygen to the fetus, and may even result in a stillbirth.

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