Maternity Nursing Q 175

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After completing a second vaginal examination of a client in labor, the nurse-midwife determines that the fetus is in the right occiput anterior position and at (–1) station. Based on these findings, the nurse-midwife knows that the fetal presenting part is:

  

     A. 1 cm below the ischial spines.

     B. Directly in line with the ischial spines.

     C. 1 cm above the ischial spines.

     D. In no relationship to the ischial spines.

    

    

Correct Answer: C. 1 cm above the ischial spines.

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Fetal station — the relationship of the fetal presenting part to the maternal ischial spines — is described in the number of centimeters above or below the spines. A presenting part above the ischial spines is designated as –1, –2, or –3.

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Option A: A presenting part below the ischial spines, as +1, +2, or +3.

Option B: 0 station is when the baby’s head is even with the ischial spines. The baby is said to be “engaged” when the largest part of the head has entered the pelvis.

Option D: If the head is high and not yet engaged in the birth canal, it may float away from the physician’s fingers during the vaginal exam.

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