Management of CareQuestion 1139 of 2368
A provider plans a forceps birth. Which findings must be present before forceps are applied?
- Cervical dilation of 8 cm and intact membranes
- Complete cervical dilation, ruptured membranes, and a low fetal head
- A high fetal head with suspected cephalopelvic disproportion
- Incomplete effacement and a closed cervix
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Correct answer: Complete cervical dilation, ruptured membranes, and a low fetal head
Forceps are used only when the cervix is fully dilated, membranes are ruptured, and the head is low without disproportion.
Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), Labor & Delivery Care: OBSTETRIC FORCEPS. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Management of Care"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026