A nurse is caring for a client who is in labor. Which of the following nursing actions reflects application of the gate control theory of pain?
Turn the client onto her left side.
Massage the client's back.
Encourage the client to rest between contractions
Administer prescribed analgesic medication
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is B. Massage the client's back.
A. Turning the client onto her left side may be a comfort measure, but it is not specifically associated with the gate control theory of pain. It may help improve blood flow and relieve pressure but does not directly engage the gate control mechanism.
B. Massage the client's back is consistent with the gate control theory of pain.
According to the gate control theory, non-painful input (such as massage) can close the "gate" to painful input, reducing the perception of pain. Massage stimulates large-diameter nerve fibers, which can inhibit the transmission of painful signals.
C. Encouraging the client to rest between contractions is a general comfort measure but is not directly related to the gate control theory of pain.
D. Administering prescribed analgesic medication is a pharmacological approach to pain management and is not specifically associated with the gate control theory. Medications can act on pain receptors but do not engage the gate control mechanism.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"B"},"F":{"answers":"B"}}
Explanation
Increase the oxytocin infusion to 13 mu/min:
Anticipated: This action is anticipated. The nurse may consider adjusting the oxytocin infusion rate based on the progress of labor and the response to the current infusion rate.
Place client in a side-lying position:
Anticipated: Placing the client in a side-lying position is an anticipated action. This position can enhance fetal oxygenation and blood flow, especially if there are concerns about fetal well-being.
Initiate bolus of primary IV fluids:
Anticipated: Initiating a bolus of primary IV fluids is an anticipated action. Adequate hydration is important during labor, and a bolus may be initiated if there are signs of dehydration or as part of the overall management plan.
Apply oxygen at 10 L/min via a venturi mask:
Anticipated: Applying oxygen at 10 L/min via a venturi mask is an anticipated action. Oxygen may be administered to the mother to improve oxygenation and, consequently, fetal oxygenation.
Perform sterile vaginal examination (SVE):
Nonessential: Based on the information provided, there is no indication for a sterile vaginal examination at this time. The cervical assessment was performed earlier at 0600, and frequent unnecessary SVEs can increase the risk of infection.
Assign a Bishop score:
Nonessential: Assigning a Bishop score is not essential at this point. The client's cervical status was assessed earlier at 0600, and the current focus is on monitoring the progress of labor with oxytocin.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Correct. In rapidly progressing labor, applying gentle perineal pressure helps control the speed of delivery and can prevent or minimize perineal tearing or lacerations. It also helps to manage the delivery of the fetal head, especially in cases where the labor is very rapid which can cause neurologic damage (increased intracranial pressure and dural/subdural tearing).
B. Cutting the umbilical cord is not the priority in this situation. The focus should be on the immediate management of the delivery process and preventing complications related to perineal tearing.
C. Preventing the perineum from tearing: While preventing the perineum from tearing is important, it is not the immediate priority in the context of rapidly progressing labor. The primary focus should be on safely delivering the baby, which involves controlling the delivery of the fetal head to prevent complications.
D. Promoting the delivery of the placenta is a consideration for the third stage of labor, which follows the delivery of the baby. It is not the priority during the active phase of delivery.
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