The nurse is working with a pregnant adolescent. The patient asks the nurse how the baby's condition is determined during labor. Which statement indicates the patient education was successful? "During labor, the nurse will:

Question

1. "Check your cervix by doing a pelvic exam every two hours."
2. "Assess the baby's heart rate with an electronic fetal monitor."
3. "Look at the color and amount of bloody show that you have."
4. "Verify that your contractions are strong but not too close together."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Although cervical exams are performed on a regular basis, the pelvic exam does not assess fetal status. The patient has asked specifically about assessing fetal status in labor.
Rationale 2: This option best answers the question the patient has asked.
Rationale 3: Although bloody show is monitored, doing so does not assess fetal status. The patient has asked specifically about assessing fetal status in labor.
Rationale 4: Although contraction strength is palpated abdominally, the patient has asked about assessing fetal status in labor.