FAU Advanced Health Assessment Practice Test

In a woman at 30 weeks gestation with a cervical length of 1 cm, what should be the primary concern?

1. Incompetent cervix

2. Risk of preterm labor

3. Normal cervical changes

4. Imminent delivery

The correct answer is: Risk of preterm labor

The primary concern in a woman at 30 weeks gestation with a cervical length of 1 cm is the risk of preterm labor. A cervical length of less than 2.5 cm in the second and third trimester is considered a significant indicator of potential preterm delivery. The shortening of the cervix suggests that the body may be preparing for labor earlier than expected, which is a critical concern for both maternal and fetal health. Monitoring the risk of preterm labor is essential in this context to initiate preventive measures, such as administering tocolytics or corticosteroids, if necessary. Physicians typically monitor patients with short cervical lengths closely, as early interventions can significantly improve outcomes for both the mother and the newborn. While an incompetent cervix is indeed a potential cause for the shortened cervical length, the immediate implication is the associated risk of preterm labor, making it the more pressing concern in this scenario. Normal cervical changes occur during pregnancy, but at this point in gestation and with such a short cervical length, this option is less relevant. Imminent delivery is also a possibility, but without further symptoms or signs indicating that labor is actively occurring, preterm labor remains the primary concern that warrants immediate attention and intervention.