NCC Certified Electronic Fetal Monitoring (C-EFM) Practice Exam

The "5-1-1" rule is a guideline used during labor management to help determine when a woman should go to the hospital or seek further medical care. It specifically refers to the pattern of contractions: contractions should occur every 5 minutes, last for 1 minute each, and this pattern should be observed for at least 1 hour. This helps to indicate that labor is well-established and progressing, making it appropriate to seek care.

The significance of this rule lies in its ability to differentiate between early labor and active labor. Early labor may involve irregular and infrequent contractions, while the "5-1-1" guideline helps to confirm that active labor is underway, which requires higher levels of medical assessment and intervention. Understanding and applying this rule can assist healthcare providers in making informed decisions about managing labor and ensuring the well-being of both the mother and the fetus.