State 5 characteristics of normal labor,how do you confirm that the mother has had early rupture of membranes,state correct technique of preserving vaginal swab doing vaginal examination?

Characteristics of normal labor:
1. Regular contractions that increase in frequency and intensity
2. Cervical dilation and effacement
3. Fetal descent and engagement
4. Rupture of membranes
5. Bloody show

To confirm early rupture of membranes, the healthcare provider can perform a sterile speculum examination to visualize pooling of amniotic fluid in the vaginal vault or perform a nitrazine test or fern test on the fluid to confirm the presence of amniotic fluid.

Correct technique of preserving vaginal swab during vaginal examination:
1. Use a sterile swab to collect the sample from the vaginal wall or cervix.
2. Place the swab in a sterile container or transport medium to prevent contamination.
3. Label the container with the patient's name, date, and time of collection.
4. Store the container in a cool environment to preserve the integrity of the sample.
5. Transport the sample to the laboratory for analysis as soon as possible.