The nurse who elects to practice in the area of obstetrics often hears discussion regarding the "four Ps." These are the four major factors that interact during normal childbirth. What are the "four Ps"?

Question

a. Powers
b. Passage
c. Position
d. Passenger
e. Psyche

Answer 1

A, B, D, E
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Correct Powers: the two powers of labor are uterine contractions and pushing
efforts. During the first stage of labor through full cervical dilation, uterine
contractions are the primary force moving the fetus through the maternal
pelvis. At some point after full dilation, the woman adds her voluntary
pushing efforts to propel the fetus through the pelvis. Passage: the passage
for birth of the fetus consists of the maternal pelvis and its soft tissues. The
bony pelvis is more important to the successful outcome of labor, because
bones and joints do not yield as readily to the forces of labor. Passenger:
this is the fetus plus the membranes and placenta. Fetal lie, attitude,
presentation, and position are all factors that affect the fetus as passenger.
Psyche: the psyche is a crucial part of childbirth. Marked anxiety, fear, or
fatigue decreases the woman's ability to cope.
Incorrect Position is not one of the "four Ps."