A pregnant mother has a cervical dilation of 2 cm and less than 2 contractions in 10 min. This mother belongs to which among the following phases?

1. A

   Early phase of active labour

2. B

   Late phase of active labour

3. C

   Not in active phase

4. D

   Emergency phase

Appeared in: AIIMS Delhi NO-2016

Explanation

• The patient's clinical signs, a cervical dilation of 2 cm and fewer than 2 contractions in 10 minutes, are characteristic of the latent phase of labor.
• The latent phase is the initial part of the first stage of labor, where the cervix dilates from 0 to approximately 4-6 cm with infrequent and often irregular contractions.
• Since the latent phase precedes the active phase, the most accurate description among the choices is 'Not in active phase'.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option A: The active phase of labor is defined as beginning at a cervical dilation of 4-6 cm or more. The patient's dilation is only 2 cm.
• Option B: The late phase of active labor, or transition phase, occurs when the cervix is nearly fully dilated, typically from 8 to 10 cm.
• Option D: This is not a standard medical term used to classify the stages or phases of labor.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Phases of the first stage of labor as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
• Accurately identifying the phase of labor is crucial for providing appropriate nursing care, such as pain management, fetal monitoring, patient education, and determining the timing of interventions.
• A patient in the latent phase is often encouraged to rest, stay hydrated, and ambulate. In contrast, a patient in the active phase requires more intensive monitoring and support.
• What if? If the patient's cervix was 5 cm dilated with contractions every 4 minutes, she would be in the active phase of labor, necessitating closer monitoring of both maternal and fetal well-being and potentially more active management.

How to Approach the Question

• First, identify the key clinical data provided in the stem: cervical dilation (2 cm) and contraction pattern (less than 2 in 10 minutes).
• Next, recall the definitions and criteria for the different phases of the first stage of labor.
• Compare the patient's data to the standard criteria for the latent phase (dilation 0-6 cm, infrequent/irregular contractions) and the active phase (dilation >6 cm, regular/frequent contractions).
• Determine that the patient's findings match the latent phase.
• Evaluate the given options. 'Not in active phase' is the most accurate description for a patient in the latent phase.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Phases of the first stage of labor
• Stem keywords: pregnant mother, cervical dilation, 2 cm, contractions, 10 min
• Lead-in keywords: which among the following phases
• Clinical cues: Cervical dilation of 2 cm indicates an early stage of labor.
• Clinical cues: Fewer than 2 contractions in 10 minutes suggests infrequent uterine activity.

Question ID

Q3TIjZixzJDepEys9zQALx

Copy ID

Reference Book

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 22-40