A primigravida at 40 weeks of gestation is having uterine contractions every 1½ to 2 minutes and says that they are very painful. Her cervix is dilated 2 cm and has not changed in 3 hours. The woman is crying and wants an epidural. What is the likely status of this woman's labor?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The woman's uterine contractions every 1½ to 2 minutes and persistent pain suggest hypertonic uterine dysfunction. Her cervix dilating only 2cm in 3 hours also supports this diagnosis. The woman's request for an epidural suggests she is in active labor and not in the latent stage. Pelvic dystocia would not be the likely diagnosis at this point without further assessment.

A Primigravida at 40 Weeks of Gestation Is Having Uterine