Obstetric & Maternity Nursing Flashcards

What is the normal duration of a full-term pregnancy?

Answer: 38–42 weeks (280 days from LMP)

Full-term pregnancy is defined as 38–42 weeks gestation (280 days from the first day of the last menstrual period). The estimated due date is calculated by Naegele's rule: LMP + 1 year − 3 months + 7 days. Deliveries at 37–38+6 weeks are 'early term.'

Which finding is a warning sign requiring immediate evaluation in a pregnant patient at 32 weeks?

Answer: Sudden severe headache with visual disturbances

Sudden severe headache with visual changes (scotoma, blurred vision) in the third trimester are classic warning signs of preeclampsia with severe features, indicating hypertensive crisis and possible eclampsia. Immediate blood pressure assessment and evaluation are required.

A pregnant woman at 36 weeks has a blood pressure of 152/98 mmHg on two readings 4 hours apart with +2 proteinuria. What condition does this indicate?

Answer: Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is defined as new-onset hypertension (≥140/90 mmHg on two occasions) plus proteinuria (≥300 mg/24 hours or ≥+1 on dipstick) after 20 weeks. The patient meets both criteria.

Which position should be avoided during the third trimester to prevent supine hypotension syndrome?

Answer: Supine (flat on back)

Supine hypotension syndrome (aortocaval compression syndrome) occurs when the gravid uterus compresses the inferior vena cava in the supine position, reducing venous return and cardiac output. Left lateral position is preferred as it displaces the uterus off the vena cava.

What does the acronym APGAR stand for, and what is a normal score at 1 minute?

Answer: Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration; 7–10 is normal

APGAR: Appearance (skin color), Pulse (heart rate), Grimace (reflex irritability), Activity (muscle tone), Respiration. Scored 0–2 each, maximum 10. Score 7–10 at 1 minute = normal. 4–6 = moderate depression. <4 = severe depression requiring resuscitation.

A primigravida at 39 weeks has regular contractions every 5 minutes lasting 50 seconds. Cervix is 5 cm dilated, 80% effaced. What stage of labor is she in?

Answer: Active phase of stage 1 labor

Stage 1 labor spans onset of contractions to full dilation (10 cm). The latent phase ends at 6 cm; the active phase runs from 6 cm to 10 cm. At 5 cm, the patient is transitioning from latent to active phase — technically late latent/early active. Stage 2 begins at 10 cm.