A nurse is discussing nonpharmacological pain management during labor with a client.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
The temperature of the water should be between 36 to 37 degrees Celsius when using hydrotherapy.
My partner can apply counterpressure to my upper abdomen for 10 seconds at a time.
I should use effleurage when I'm pushing.
I can apply a TENS unit to my lower abdomen to decrease the pain of my contractions.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Hydrotherapy, like immersion in a tub or shower, is a nonpharmacological comfort measure for labor pain management. The therapeutic temperature of the water should indeed be maintained between 36 to 37°C (about 96.8 to 98.6°F). This range ensures the water is comfortably warm, promoting muscle relaxation, reducing pain perception, and avoiding potential maternal hyperthermia or fetal distress due to extreme temperatures.
Choice B rationale
Counterpressure is a technique used to relieve back pain caused by pressure of the fetal occiput against the sacrum, commonly known as "back labor.”. It involves steady, strong pressure applied by a support person to the sacral area or lower back, not the upper abdomen. Applying pressure to the upper abdomen would be ineffective and potentially uncomfortable for the client.
Choice C rationale
Effleurage is a light, rhythmic, stroking massage, often applied to the abdomen, used primarily during contractions in the first stage of labor to promote relaxation and distract from pain. It is generally not used during the pushing phase (second stage), as the client's focus shifts to bearing down and expelling the fetus, making effleurage distracting and ineffective.
Choice D rationale
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) involves applying mild electrical currents via electrodes to the skin. During labor, the electrodes are typically placed on the lower back (sacral area) to block pain signals related to contractions as they travel up the spinal cord. Applying the TENS unit to the lower abdomen is not the standard placement for optimal labor pain relief.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Trendelenburg position, where the client is placed with the head lower than the feet, is not appropriate in this scenario. This position is typically used for procedures requiring pelvic exposure or in cases of air embolism. It does not optimize uteroplacental perfusion and may actually compromise maternal respiratory function in late pregnancy due to diaphragmatic pressure from the gravid uterus. Therefore, it is not the correct position following prostaglandin insertion.
Choice B rationale: Knee-chest position is used in obstetric emergencies such as umbilical cord prolapse to relieve pressure on the cord and improve fetal oxygenation. It is not indicated for cervical ripening or for optimizing uteroplacental perfusion. Maintaining this position would be uncomfortable and unnecessary for the client, and it does not aid in medication absorption. Thus, it is not the correct intervention in this context.
Choice C rationale: Lateral tilt, specifically left lateral or side-lying tilt, is the correct position. This position reduces compression of the inferior vena cava by the gravid uterus, thereby improving venous return, cardiac output, and uteroplacental perfusion. It also facilitates optimal absorption of the vaginal prostaglandin insert by keeping the medication in place. This is the evidence-based nursing intervention following prostaglandin administration for cervical ripening.
Choice D rationale: Lithotomy position is used primarily for vaginal examinations, procedures, or delivery. It is not appropriate for maintaining medication absorption or optimizing uteroplacental perfusion. Prolonged lithotomy positioning increases maternal discomfort and risk of venous stasis. Since the client is not undergoing delivery or a procedure requiring pelvic exposure, this position is not indicated after prostaglandin insertion.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Methylergonovine is an uterotonic agent that acts on the smooth muscle of the uterus to stimulate strong, sustained contractions, which are essential for compressing the intramyometrial blood vessels and achieving hemostasis to stop postpartum hemorrhage, especially from uterine atony.
Choice B rationale
While oxygen is important for hypoxia secondary to blood loss, administering it at 2 L/min via nasal cannula is typically insufficient for a client experiencing significant hemorrhage. High-flow oxygen, such as 10 to 15 L/min via nonrebreather mask, is usually required to maximize oxygen saturation.
Choice C rationale
Starting an IV bolus of Dextrose 5.
Choice D rationale
The knee-chest position is generally used to relieve cord compression or help with the manual rotation of the fetus, but it is not an established intervention for managing postpartum hemorrhage. The client should be positioned flat with legs elevated to promote venous return and manage shock.
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