UPPSC 2017
Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Easy

In Primipara time period for latent phase in partograph is about

Appeared in: UPPSC 2017

Explanation

  • The partograph is a graphical tool for monitoring labor progress.
  • The first stage of labor is divided into a latent phase and an active phase.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) partograph allocates a maximum of 8 hours for the latent phase.
  • If the latent phase exceeds 8 hours on the partograph, it is considered prolonged, prompting reassessment and potential intervention.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

  • Option A: 4 hours is an insufficient amount of time to define a prolonged latent phase. The progression during this phase is characteristically slow.
  • Option C: 12 hours exceeds the 8-hour alert line on the WHO partograph for the latent phase. Labor progressing for this long in the latent phase would have crossed the alert line, indicating the need for evaluation and possible intervention.
  • Option D: 16 hours significantly exceeds the 8-hour limit on the partograph. This duration would have crossed both the alert and action lines, indicating a significant deviation from normal labor progression requiring definite action.

Related Visual

Visual explanation — Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
  • Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Duration of the latent phase of labor in a partograph for a primipara as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
  • The 8-hour mark for the latent phase on the partograph is a critical decision-making tool for nurses and midwives. It prompts them to assess for potential problems like cephalopelvic disproportion, poor uterine contractions, or the effects of analgesia.
  • If a woman crosses the 8-hour line without entering the active phase, nursing interventions include re-evaluating maternal and fetal well-being, considering hydration and nutrition, encouraging ambulation, and preparing for potential medical interventions like amniotomy or oxytocin augmentation under a doctor's order.
  • What if the patient was a multipara? The partograph's 8-hour latent phase limit is the same for both primiparas and multiparas. However, the clinical definition of a prolonged latent phase is shorter for a multipara (14 hours) compared to a primipara (20 hours), reflecting that subsequent labors are often faster.
How to Approach the Question
  • Identify the key terms in the question: 'Primipara', 'latent phase', and 'partograph'.
  • Recall the structure and purpose of a partograph in monitoring labor.
  • Remember the specific time allocation for the latent phase as defined by the WHO partograph.
  • The latent phase on the partograph is the period from the onset of labor until cervical dilatation reaches the active phase (starting at 4 cm), with a maximum duration of 8 hours.
  • Compare this standard duration with the given options to select the correct answer.
  • Differentiate the partograph's 8-hour guideline from the clinical definition of a prolonged latent phase (20 hours for a primipara), which is a separate concept.
Concept Tested & Keywords
  • Concept Tested: Duration of the latent phase of labor in a partograph for a primipara.
  • Stem keywords: Primipara, latent phase, partograph, time period
  • Lead-in keywords: BEST, MOST RELEVANT CLUE
  • Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

Qg5GF0wuw_rRPU0gb16MIp

Reference Book

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 22-40

E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health Nursing for BSc Nursing Students Part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-275 of 550) p. 220-222

Practise the full UPPSC 2017

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