The nurse is directing an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to take maternal vital signs between contractions. Which statement is the best rationale for assessing maternal vital signs between contractions?
a. Vital signs taken during contractions are not accurate.
b. During a contraction, assessing fetal heart rate is the priority.
c. Maternal blood flow to the heart is reduced during contractions.
d. Maternal circulating blood volume increases temporarily during contractions.
ANS: D
During uterine contractions, blood flow to the placenta temporarily stops, causing a relative increase in the mother's blood volume, which in turn temporarily increases blood pressure and slows the pulse. Vital signs are altered by contractions but are considered accurate for a period of time. It is important to monitor the fetal response to contractions, but the question is concerned with the maternal vital signs. Maternal blood flow is increased during a contraction.
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