A nurse is providing care to a woman 38 weeks pregnant. During the most recent vaginal examination, the nurse notes that the cervix is 6 centimeters dilated, 100% effaced, with the vertex at -1 station. What is the best interpretation?

Explanation

•The best interpretation is that the woman is in active labor with the head as presenting part. This is because cervical dilatation is 6 centimeters and not yet engaged (the vertex lies at -1 station).

•Transition phase and Latent phase are incorrect because the cervical dilation, which is 6 cm, is in the active phase of the first stage of labor. Transition phase starts to peak in contractions and dilatation of 8 to 10 cms. Furthermore, Latent phase is the onset of the first stage of labor and is when cervical dilatation begins.

•Active labor, fully engaged is also incorrect because the woman is still at -1 station or not yet engaged.

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