MEDizzy - A primigravida client has been pushing for 2 hours when the

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Care of Childbearing Families

A primigravida client has been pushing for 2 hours when the head emerges. The fetus fails to deliver, and the physician notes that the turtle sign has occurred. Which should be a nurse’s interpretation of this information?

ExplanationShoulder dystocia is a significant complication when the head is born but the fetal shoulders are unable to deliver. Cephalopelvic disproportion occurs when the head is too large to fit through the pelvis. In that case, fetal descent ceases. Persistent occiput posterior results in prolonged pushing; however, once the head is born, the remainder of the birth occurs without difficulty. A cord prolapse occurs when the umbilical cord enters the cervix before the fetal presenting part and is considered a medical emergency.