Maternity Nursing: Intrapartum Q 36

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A laboring client is in the first stage of labor and has progressed from 4 to 7 cm in cervical dilation. In which of the following phases of the first stage does cervical dilation occur most rapidly?

  

     A. Preparatory phase

     B. Latent phase

     C. Active phase

     D. Transition phase

    

    

Correct Answer: C. Active phase.

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Cervical dilation occurs more rapidly during the active phase than any of the previous phases. The active phase is characterized by cervical dilation that progresses from 4 to 7 cm. The active phase of labor should occur much more rapidly, usually within 4 hours after the rupture of membranes when there are adequate uterine contractions. If the mother does not fully dilate by these average estimations, she is said to be having an arrest of the active phase of Stage 1 labor.

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Option A: The preparatory, or latent, phase begins with the onset of regular uterine contractions and ends when rapid cervical dilation begins. In a primigravida, the latent phase should not exceed 20 hours. In a multigravida, the latent phase should not exceed 14 hours. If a female is in labor and exceeds these average time frames, she is said to be having a prolonged latent phase.

Option B: Stage 1 subdivides into latent and active where 0 to 6 cm is the latent phase of Stage 1, and 6 cm to complete dilation of the cervix is recognized as the active phase of Stage 1 labor.

Option D: Transition is defined as cervical dilation beginning at 8 cm and lasting until 10 cm or complete dilation. The third phase is called transition and is the last phase. During transition, the cervix dilates from 8 to 10 centimeters. Contractions are usually very strong, lasting 60 to 90 seconds and occurring every few minutes. Most women feel the urge to push during this phase.

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