A nurse is providing care to a woman who is 38 weeks pregnant. During the most recent vaginal examination, the nurse notes the cervix is 6 centimeters dilated and 100% effaced, with the vertex at –1 station. Based on this examination, 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 dilation is 6 centimeters and not yet engaged (i.e., the vertex lies at –1 station).
• Incorrect: Transition phase refers to the time when the cervix is dilated from 8 to 10 centimeters.
• Incorrect: Latent phase is when cervical dilatation begins, but this patient is already at 6 centimeters dilated.
• Incorrect: Active labor, fully engaged is incorrect because the woman is still at –1 station or not yet engaged.