Physiological Adaptation Q 17
The nurse is measuring the duration of the client’s contractions. Which statement is true regarding the measurement of the duration of contractions?
A. Duration is measured by timing from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next contraction.
B. Duration is measured by timing from the end of one contraction to the beginning of the next contraction.
C. Duration is measured by timing from the beginning of one contraction to the end of the same contraction.
D. Duration is measured by timing from the peak of one contraction to the end of the same contraction.
Correct Answer: C. Duration is measured by timing from the beginning of one contraction to the end of the same contraction.
Duration is measured from the beginning of one contraction to the end of the same contraction. Duration is timed from when you first feel a contraction until it is over. This time is usually measured in seconds.
Option A: This refers to frequency. Frequency is timed from the start of one contraction to the start of the next. It includes the contraction as well as the rest period until the next contraction begins.
Option B: We do not measure from the end of one contraction to the beginning of the next contraction. Contractions are considered regular when the duration and frequency are stable over a period of time. An example is contractions lasting 60 seconds and coming five minutes apart for an hour.
Option D: Duration is not measured from the peak of the contraction to the end, as stated in D. Contractions that are lasting longer and getting closer together are considered to be progressing. Over the course of labor, contractions get longer, stronger, and closer together.