Inpatient Obstetric Nurse (NCC) Practice Exam

What might an expectant mother experience during the early phase of labor?

1. Intense back pain

2. Amniotic fluid rupture

3. Severe nausea

4. High fever

The correct answer is: Amniotic fluid rupture

During the early phase of labor, one common experience for many expectant mothers is the rupture of the amniotic fluid, often referred to as the water breaking. This event typically signifies the start of labor, especially if it occurs before contractions begin or if labor is not well established. When the amniotic sac ruptures, it allows the fluid surrounding the baby to leak out, and this can be accompanied by sensations that vary from a slow trickle to a more forceful gush. The experience of intense back pain might occur in some women, especially during contractions or as the baby positions itself for delivery, but it is not universally felt and is generally more associated with later stages of labor. Severe nausea, while it can occur due to various triggers during pregnancy, is not a typical hallmark of the early labor phase. Similarly, a high fever is not a characteristic sign of labor; instead, it might indicate an infection or other complications that need to be evaluated. Thus, the rupture of amniotic fluid during the early phase of labor is a significant event that reflects the biological processes underway as the body prepares for childbirth.