Which statement about the intrauterine pressure catheter readings is true given peak pressures of 65–70 mm Hg and resting tone of 6–10 mm Hg?

• A. Peak pressure is higher than resting tone.
• B. Resting tone is higher than peak pressure.
• C. Both values indicate abnormal labor.
• D. No documentation is required.

Answer: (A)

Intrauterine pressure catheter readings distinguish between the baseline resting tone between contractions and the peak pressure generated during a contraction. The resting tone is the baseline intraueterine pressure, while the peak pressure shows how strong a contraction is. With a resting tone of 6–10 mm Hg and peak pressures of 65–70 mm Hg, the contraction peak is clearly higher than the baseline. This is the expected pattern during labor: contractions raise the pressure well above the resting tone, indicating active contractile activity. The numbers given do not indicate abnormal labor on their own, and documenting the pressure tracing is standard practice for monitoring labor progress.