The nurse working in a labor and delivery unit understands that which fetal risk factor is commonly associated with shoulder dystocia during childbirth?
The nurse working in a labor and delivery unit understands that which fetal risk factor is commonly associated with shoulder dystocia during childbirth?
A. Macrosomia
[66%]
B. Preterm birth
[2%]
C. Fetal malpresentation
[29%]
D. Low Apgar score
[3%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Maternal & Newborn Health
Lesson
Labor/Delivery
Client Need
Test Plan
Reduction of Risk Potential
Related Topic
Potential for Complications of Diagnostic Tests/Treatments/Procedures
Item Type
Item Type
Knowledge/Comprehension
Explanation
Choice A is correct. Macrosomia, which refers to a large fetal size, is a significant risk factor for shoulder dystocia during childbirth. When the fetal shoulder is unable to pass through the mother's pelvis due to its size, it can become impacted, leading to shoulder dystocia. Therefore, macrosomic infants, typically defined as weighing over 4,000 grams (8 lb 13 oz) or above the 90th percentile for gestational age, are at increased risk for experiencing shoulder dystocia during delivery.
Choice B is incorrect. While preterm birth (delivery before 37 weeks of gestation) can present its own set of complications, it is not typically associated with an increased risk of shoulder dystocia.
Choice C is incorrect. Fetal malpresentation, such as breech or transverse lie, can increase the risk of certain childbirth complications, but it is not a direct risk factor for shoulder dystocia. Shoulder dystocia is more closely associated with macrosomia and other factors related to fetal size and positioning during delivery.
Choice D is incorrect. A low Apgar score at birth (a score of 0 to 3 at 5 minutes after birth) can indicate fetal distress and may be associated with various childbirth complications. However, it is not specifically linked to shoulder dystocia.
Related Videos
2 Key Topics
Shoulder Dystocia
30.4 Intrapartum Complications
Additional Info
✓ Shoulder dystocia occurs when the baby's shoulders become impacted behind the mother's pubic bone after the head has been delivered, leading to difficulties in completing the delivery.
✓ Nurses should provide continuous monitoring of maternal and fetal vital signs, uterine contractions, and fetal heart rate patterns during labor and delivery, with particular attention to signs of distress or fetal compromise.
✓ Shoulder dystocia occurs in approximately 0.2% to 3% of all vaginal deliveries, making it a relatively rare but potentially serious obstetric complication.
