To adequately care for a laboring woman,the nurse should know which stage of labor varies the most in length?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The first stage of labor is considered to last from the onset of regular uterine contractions to full dilation of the cervix.The first stage is much longer than the second and third stages combined.In a first-time pregnancy the first stage of labor can take up to 20 hours.The second stage of labor lasts from the time the cervix is fully dilated to the birth of the fetus.The average length is 20 minutes for a multiparous woman and 50 minutes for a nulliparous woman.The third stage of labor lasts from the birth of the fetus until the placenta is delivered.This stage may be as short as 3 minutes or as long as 1 hour.The fourth stage of labor,recovery,lasts about 2 hours after delivery of the placenta.

To Adequately Care for a Laboring Woman,the Nurse Should Know