When assessing a woman in the first stage of labor, the nurse recognizes that the most conclusive sign that uterine contractions are effective would be:

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The dilation of the cervix indicates that the uterine contractions are effectively causing the opening and thinning of the cervix, allowing the fetus to descend and eventually be born. Descent of the fetus, rupture of the amniotic membranes, and increase in bloody show are also signs of progress in labor, but dilation of the cervix is the most conclusive indication of the effectiveness of uterine contractions.

When Assessing a Woman in the First Stage of Labor