The nurse is teaching a pregnant patient the cardinal movements of labor. What should the nurse explain that occurs once the fetal head presses on the sacral nerves at the pelvic floor?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The cardinal movements of labor are descent, flexion, internal rotation, extension, external rotation, and expulsion. In descent, the fetal head bends forward onto the chest once the head presses on the sacral nerves at the pelvic floor. The fetal head rotates into a transverse position prior to expulsion. The head extends so that the face and chin are born during extension. The shoulders move into an anteroposterior position during external rotation.

The Nurse Is Teaching a Pregnant Patient the Cardinal Movements