A nurse is performing a vaginal exam on a client in active labor.
An important landmark to assess during labor and delivery are the ischial spines because:
A . Ischial spines are the narrowest diameter of the pelvis
B . Ischial spines are the widest diameter of the pelvis
C . They represent the inlet of birth canal
D . They measure pelvic floor
Answer: A
Explanation:
(A) The fetal descent, or station, is determined by the relationship of the presenting part to the spine.
(B) Ischial spines are the narrowest measurement.
(C) Ischial spines measure the pelvic outlet.
(D) Pelvic floor measurement is not related to fetal descent.