MP CHO - 2022
Obstetrics and Midwifery Nursing
Easy
Painless, non-recurrent uterine contractions that readily occur from approximately 12 weeks of gestation are called?
Appeared in: MP CHO - 2022
Explanation
- Braxton Hicks contractions are weak, typically painless, and irregular uterine contractions that occur throughout pregnancy.
- They are often referred to as "practice contractions" as they tone the uterine muscle but do not cause cervical dilation or effacement.
- These contractions can begin as early as the second trimester (around 12-16 weeks) and become more noticeable as the pregnancy progresses.
- They are distinct from true labor, which involves regular, progressively stronger contractions that lead to childbirth.
Why Other Options Were Wrong
- Option A: Labor involves contractions that are regular, painful, and cause progressive cervical change, which is contrary to the question's description of painless and non-recurrent contractions.
- Option B: While Braxton Hicks contractions are a form of false labor, "Braxton Hicks" is the specific medical term for the practice contractions described. "False labor" is a broader term for any contractions that do not result in true labor, often used for those occurring closer to term.
- Option D: This is a general term that encompasses all types of contractions, including true labor and Braxton Hicks. The question asks for the specific name of the described contractions.
Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
- Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Differentiation of Uterine Contractions in Pregnancy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
- Nurses play a crucial role in educating pregnant patients about the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and true labor to reduce anxiety and prevent unnecessary hospital visits.
- Patient education should include comfort measures for Braxton Hicks, such as changing position, walking, resting, and staying hydrated.
- It is critical to teach patients the warning signs of preterm labor, which include contractions that become regular (e.g., more than 4-6 in an hour before 37 weeks), increase in intensity, or are accompanied by vaginal bleeding, a gush of fluid, or pelvic pressure.
How to Approach the Question
- First, analyze the keywords in the question stem: "painless," "non-recurrent," and "approximately 12 weeks of gestation."
- Evaluate each option against these keywords.
- "Labour" is characterized by pain and regularity, so it can be eliminated.
- "Uterine contraction" is a general term, not a specific diagnosis, making it less likely to be the best answer.
- Differentiate between "False labour" and "Braxton Hicks Contraction." Recall that Braxton Hicks are the specific name for the 'practice' contractions that can start early in pregnancy.
- Conclude that "Braxton Hicks Contraction" is the most precise and accurate term for the phenomenon described in the question.
Concept Tested & Keywords
- Concept Tested: Differentiation of Uterine Contractions in Pregnancy
- Stem keywords: Painless, non-recurrent, uterine contractions, 12 weeks of gestation
- Lead-in keywords: are called
Question ID
QxgULR6iNUBdpF90NYmujU
Reference Book
E6 Physiology Guyton 4SAE Part 3 p. 66-68
E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 36-56
E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur p. 6-11
Practise the full MP CHO - 2022
Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.
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