A nurse is assessing a client who presents to the labor and delivery unit reporting the onset of contractions. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a manifestation of false labor?

Rationale: A. Contraction intensity increased by ambulation: True labor contractions typically intensify with walking or activity, as the uterus works to dilate and efface the cervix. If contractions strengthen with movement, it suggests active labor rather than false labor. B. Presence of bloody show: Bloody show indicates cervical changes with effacement and dilation, which are signs of true labor. Its presence helps differentiate true labor from false labor. C. Slow change in dilation and effacement: True labor is characterized by progressive cervical change. Slow or minimal change in dilation and effacement is more consistent with false labor, but the primary hallmark is the nature of contractions. D. Intermittent, painless contractions: False labor (Braxton Hicks contractions) is usually irregular, intermittent, and painless or minimally uncomfortable. They do not cause consistent cervical change and often subside with rest or position changes, making this a key distinguishing feature.