The pregnant client term has in presented in the early phase of labor. She is experiencing abdominal pain and shows signs of growing anxiety about pain. What is the best pain management technique the nurse can suggest at this stage?
Practicing effleurage on the abdomen
Beginning epidural anesthesia
using on opioid antagonist, such aS Butorphanol
Immersing the client in hot water in a pool of Jacuzzi
The Correct Answer is A
A) Practicing effleurage on the abdomen:
It is an excellent non-pharmacological pain management technique that can help distract the mother, reduce anxiety, and alleviate some of the discomfort associated with early labor. It also promotes relaxation and can help manage early labor pain effectively without the need for medications. This technique is easy to perform and can be done by the nurse or the partner, providing emotional support along with pain relief.
B) Beginning epidural anesthesia:
Epidural anesthesia is typically not initiated in the early phase of labor unless there is a specific indication or a desire for significant pain relief early in the process. An epidural is more commonly offered in the later stages of labor, when the pain is more intense and the cervix is further dilated. Starting an epidural too early could expose the mother to unnecessary risks and is generally not recommended unless it's requested or deemed medically necessary.
C) Using an opioid antagonist, such as Butorphanol:
Opioids, including Butorphanol, can have side effects such as drowsiness, nausea, and respiratory depression in both the mother and fetus. These medications are more commonly used in later stages of labor or when more potent pain relief is required. Additionally, opioid antagonists like Butorphanol may not be the best choice for a client who is experiencing anxiety and mild to moderate pain in the early phase, as they may not provide the relaxation and coping support that non-pharmacological methods like effleurage offer.
D) Immersing the client in hot water in a pool or Jacuzzi:
While immersion in water can be a helpful method of pain relief, especially during labor, it is generally recommended in the later stages of labor or when the cervix is dilated enough for water immersion to be safely utilized. Immersion in hot water may not be appropriate for all patients and could potentially lead to risks like overheating or changes in blood pressure. Additionally, the early phase of labor often involves less intense pain, and less invasive methods like effleurage are usually preferred first to manage discomfort and reduce anxiety.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Palmer grasp reflex:
The palmer grasp reflex is a primitive reflex in which a newborn will grasp an object placed in their hand. While this reflex is present at birth, it typically disappears by 5-6 months of age, not by 3-4 months. The Moro reflex, which is more related to startle and sudden movements, is the correct answer in this case.
B) Babinski reflex:
The Babinski reflex, in which the toes fan out when the sole of the foot is stroked, is present at birth but typically disappears by 12 months. This reflex is an indicator of neurological development, and its presence beyond the first year could suggest neurological concerns, but it is not the reflex in question here.
C) Rooting reflex:
The rooting reflex occurs when the newborn turns their head and opens their mouth in response to cheek stimulation, typically to find the nipple for breastfeeding. This reflex is present at birth and usually disappears by 3-4 months, which is similar to the timing mentioned in the question.
D) Moro reflex:
The Moro reflex is a startle reflex in which the infant spreads their arms and then pulls them back in when they feel a sudden loss of support or a loud noise. This reflex is present at birth and typically disappears by 3-4 months of age. It is considered a classic primitive reflex that fades as the infant's nervous system matures.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Right upper quadrant:
The right upper quadrant would not be the most appropriate place to auscultate the fetal heart rate in this scenario. In a vertex presentation with the fetal back on the left side, the best location for auscultation is typically along the fetal back, which is on the left side of the mother. The right upper quadrant would place you over the small parts of the fetus (limbs, hands, etc.), which generally would not be where the fetal heart rate is best heard.
B) Left upper quadrant:
The left upper quadrant is the most appropriate area to begin auscultation for this fetal heart rate (FHR) pattern. In this position, the fetal back is positioned towards the left side of the mother's abdomen, and the heart rate is typically heard most clearly over the back. The left upper quadrant would be over the fetal back, making it the best location to auscultate the FHR accurately.
C) Right lower quadrant:
The right lower quadrant would not be ideal for auscultating the fetal heart rate in this scenario. Since the fetal back is on the left side, the right lower quadrant would likely be over the fetal small parts (arms and legs), where the FHR would be harder to distinguish.
D) Left lower quadrant:
Although the left lower quadrant is on the left side of the mother, it's closer to the pelvic area and may be less effective for auscultating the fetal heart rate in this vertex presentation. It's more likely to be over the lower parts of the fetus, potentially interfering with accurate heart rate auscultation.
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