Pre-Test 1 and 2: Introduction to Special Questions Based on Official NCLEX-RN[®]
27. A group of clients is attending a childbirth preparation class. A client asks a nurse how to measure the duration of the uterine contractions. Which is the best description by the nurse about the measurement of the duration of contractions?
. Duration is measured by timing from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next contraction.
. Duration is measured by timing from the end of one contraction to the beginning of the next contraction.
. Duration is measured by timing from the beginning of one contraction to the end of the same contraction.
. Duration is measured by timing from the peak of one contraction to the end of the same contraction.
Test-Taking Tip
There are similar options for answers in this question. Visualize each of the options and try drawing it out if needed. Focus on "beginning . . . end . . ." as the best answer not "beginning . . . beginning . . ." and not "end . . . beginning . . ."
Content Area: Maternity, Antepartum; Integrated Process: Teaching and Learning; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Health Promotion and Maintenance/Ante/Intra/Postpartum and Newborn Care
Pre-Test 1 and 2: Introduction to Special Questions Based on Official NCLEX-RN[®]
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Answer 1 is incorrect because timing from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next contraction is the correct method for measuring the frequency and not the duration of a contraction. Answer 2 is incorrect because timing from the end of one contraction to the beginning of the next contraction is not the measurement for the duration of the contraction; it is the resting period between contractions. Answer 3 is correct because duration is measured by timing from the beginning of one contraction to the end of the same contraction. Answer 4 is incorrect because timing from the peak of one contraction to the end of the same contraction is not the measure of duration or frequency of a contraction.