A nurse is assessing the fetal position of a pregnant woman in labor. The fetal heart tones are best heard in the left lower quadrant of the abdomen. Based on this assessment, the nurse determines that the fetal position is:

Question

Question

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AIIMS NORCET 7 Prelims Memory Based Paper 2024

Answer 1

Correct Answer: Left Occiput Anterior (LOA)

Rationale:

The fetal position refers to the orientation of the fetus in the uterus. The position is typically described by where the back of the fetal head (occiput) is pointing.
In the Left Occiput Anterior (LOA) position, the back of the baby's head is towards the mother's left side and anterior (front) of the pelvis. This is one of the most common and favorable positions for birth.
Fetal heart tones are best heard through the fetal back, which is why hearing them in the left lower quadrant of the abdomen indicates that the fetus is in the LOA position.

Explanation of Other Options:

Right Occiput Anterior (ROA)

Rationale: In the ROA position, the back of the baby's head is towards the mother's right side and anterior (front) of the pelvis. If the fetus were in this position, the fetal heart tones would be best heard in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen.

Right Occiput Posterior (ROP)

Rationale: In the ROP position, the back of the baby's head is towards the mother's right side and posterior (back) of the pelvis. Fetal heart tones would typically be heard in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen in this position.

Left Occiput Posterior (LOP)

Rationale: In the LOP position, the back of the baby's head is towards the mother's left side and posterior (back) of the pelvis. Fetal heart tones would be best heard in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen in this position.

Conclusion:

Based on the location where the fetal heart tones are best heard, the Left Occiput Anterior (LOA) position is determined. This position is optimal for delivery as it allows the fetus to navigate through the birth canal more easily.