Contractions should not last longer than _____ seconds and should not be closer than _____ minutes.

The correct response highlights important guidelines regarding the duration and frequency of contractions during labor. Contractions are a critical aspect of the labor process, and monitoring their characteristics is essential for assessing the progress of labor and the well-being of both the mother and the fetus.

Contractions should ideally not last longer than 90 seconds, as prolonged contractions can put the fetus under stress and may lead to complications, including reduced blood flow and oxygen to the baby. On the other hand, if contractions are occurring closer than every 2 minutes, it indicates that the labor may be progressing too rapidly, which can also cause fetal distress and complications for the mother, such as uterine rupture or increased pain.

These guidelines serve to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby by keeping labor within a healthy range of contraction duration and frequency. Adhering to these limits is crucial for effective monitoring during labor. Understanding these parameters helps nurses and healthcare providers manage labor effectively and intervene when necessary for the safety of both the mother and the infant.