A patient transfer to labour room and the nurse identifies that the patient is in active phase of first stage of labor. The nurse document on the progress of labour that cervical dilation is?

Appeared in: NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-1)

Explanation

The first stage of labor is divided into three phases: latent, active, and transition.
The active phase is traditionally defined as the period when the cervix dilates from 4 cm to 7 cm.
During this phase, contractions become stronger, more regular, and more frequent, leading to more rapid cervical change.
This phase signifies that labor is well-established and progressing towards the second stage.

Option A: A cervical dilation of 1-3 cm corresponds to the latent (or early) phase of the first stage of labor. This phase is characterized by the initial, slower period of cervical effacement and dilation.
Option B: This range (2-5 cm) overlaps both the latent and active phases of labor. While a patient at 5 cm is in the active phase, the range starts within the latent phase, making it less precise than the 4-7 cm option.
Option D: A cervical dilation of 8-10 cm corresponds to the transition phase, which is the final and most intense part of the first stage of labor, leading to complete dilation.

Visual 1: Diagram - A chart illustrating the three phases of the first stage of labor (latent, active, transition) with their corresponding cervical dilation in centimeters. This helps visualize the progression of labor.
Visual 2: Infographic - An infographic detailing the key nursing assessments and interventions for each phase of the first stage of labor, highlighting the shift in focus as labor progresses.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Phases of the first stage of labor and corresponding cervical dilation to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Accurately identifying the phase of labor is critical for the nurse to anticipate the patient's needs, provide appropriate interventions, and recognize deviations from normal labor patterns.
During the active phase, the risk of complications such as fetal distress or labor arrest increases, requiring vigilant monitoring of both mother and fetus.
Pain management becomes a priority in the active phase. The nurse must be skilled in both pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain relief methods to support the patient.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: "active phase," "first stage of labor," and "cervical dilation."
This is a factual recall question that requires knowledge of the standard definitions used in obstetrics.
Recall the three phases of the first stage of labor: latent, active, and transition.
Remember the typical cervical dilation associated with each phase: Latent (0-3 cm), Active (4-7 cm), and Transition (8-10 cm).
Match the phase mentioned in the question (active phase) with its corresponding cervical dilation range from the options provided.
Select the option that correctly states the dilation for the active phase, which is 4-7 cm.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Phases of the first stage of labor and corresponding cervical dilation.
Stem keywords: active phase, first stage of labor, cervical dilation
Lead-in keywords: is
Clinical cues: Patient in active phase of first stage of labor

Q3akf5DQHCFYy6RKxXuOmC

Practise the full NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-1)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.