Inpatient Obstetric Nurse (NCC) Practice Exam

The purpose of an induction of labor is primarily to initiate labor for medical or obstetric reasons. Induction is typically considered when there are concerns for the health of the mother or the fetus that warrant delivering the baby before natural labor begins. This might include situations such as preeclampsia, fetal distress, or being overdue beyond the practical gestational age.

Inducing labor can provide a controlled environment to manage complications and ensure the safety of both the mother and baby. It's critical for healthcare providers to weigh the risks and benefits of induction, as it can lead to interventions such as cesarean delivery if labor does not progress effectively after induction.

Other choices such as pain relief and maternal comfort are not primary purposes of labor induction, nor is reducing the length of labor. Induction is focused on initiating the labor process under specific clinical circumstances, rather than addressing pain management or maternal comfort levels during the labor process itself.