The diagnosis of preterm labor is confirmed by:
A. Effacement of the cervix
B. Dilation of the cervix
C. Sensation of contractions
D. None of the above
ANS: B
Preterm labor is the onset of labor before 37 completed weeks of gestation. The accurate diagnosis of preterm labor is critical but often difficult. Fewer than half of the women who have four or more contractions per hour will deliver in 7 to 14 days of the preterm labor assessment. The diagnosis may be confirmed when there is a cervical dilatation of 3 cm or more in a woman without persistent contractions. Women who are having persistent contractions need a cervical change of at least 1 cm, a dilatation of 2 cm or more, or a positive fetal fibronectin assay for diagnosis (Bernhardt & Dorman, 2004). If the diagnosis is not confirmed, but the index of suspicion remains high, it is entirely reasonable to repeat the cervical examination at a later time. Transabdominal ultrasounds and home uterine activity monitoring have also been used in an effort to identify preterm labor but with mixed results.
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The assessment data that would be of greatest concern in a sleeping 1-hour-old newborn of 39 weeks' gestation is:
1. Temperature 97.9°F. 2. Respirations 68 per minute. 3. Blood pressure 72/44 mmHg. 4. Heart rate 166 bpm.
Excessive loss of blood in a short time is:
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