Finding Why It Happens Nursing Significance Slow cervical dilation Contractions may be inadequate or fetus may not be applying pressure effectively to the cervix Trend dilation, effacement, station, contraction pattern, and fetal response Minimal fetal descent Passenger may be large, malpositioned, or unable to rotate through pelvis Report lack of descent, especially in second stage Cervical edema Premature pushing, malposition, or pressure against an incompletely dilated cervix Encourage breathing techniques, position changes, and avoid pushing before full dilation Maternal exhaustion Prolonged labour increases energy use, pain, dehydration, and fatigue Assess coping, intake, rest, hydration, and need for pain support Abnormal fetal heart rate Uteroplacental insufficiency, tachysystole, cord compression, or prolonged labour stress Initiate intrauterine resuscitation and notify provider Turtle sign Fetal shoulders are impacted after head delivery Treat as shoulder dystocia emergency Failure of shoulders to deliver Anterior or posterior shoulder is obstructed by maternal pelvis Call for help immediately; prepare for emergency maneuvers Post-birth neonatal depression Hypoxia, birth trauma, or prolonged head-to-body interval Ensure neonatal team is present and resuscitation equipment is ready For NCLEX-RN (Canada), items rarely announce...