To help pregnant clients manage discomfort and pain during labor, what is a nurse aware of?
The predominant pain of the first stage of labor is the visceral pain located in the lower portion of the abdomen.
Referred pain is the extreme discomfort between contractions.
The somatic pain of the second stage of labor is more generalized and related to fatigue.
Pain during the third stage is a somewhat milder version of the second stage.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Visceral pain arises from the internal organs and is often described as dull, aching, cramping, or squeezing. During the first stage of labor, the uterus contracts forcefully to dilate the cervix and move the baby down the birth canal. This stretching and pressure on the uterus, cervix, and other pelvic organs stimulate pain receptors, resulting in visceral pain. This pain is typically located in the lower abdomen, back, and groin.
Key points about visceral pain in the first stage of labor:
It's often described as dull, aching, cramping, or squeezing.
It's caused by the stretching and pressure on the uterus, cervix, and other pelvic organs.
It's typically located in the lower abdomen, back, and groin.
It can be intermittent or continuous.
It can vary in intensity from mild to severe.
It's often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sweating, and anxiety.
Choice B rationale:
Referred pain is pain that is felt in a different location from the source of the pain. It's not typically associated with the first stage of labor.
Choice C rationale:
Somatic pain arises from the skin, muscles, bones, and joints. It's often described as sharp, stabbing, burning, or throbbing. The somatic pain of the second stage of labor is caused by the stretching and distension of the perineum and vagina as the baby descends. It's typically located in the lower back, buttocks, and thighs.
Choice D rationale:
Pain during the third stage of labor is typically mild compared to the first and second stages. It's caused by the contractions of the uterus as it expels the placenta. It's usually located in the lower abdomen and may be accompanied by a feeling of pressure or fullness.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Fetal position during the first trimester is not definitively determined through ultrasound. While the gestational sac and fetal pole can be visualized, the fetus is still quite small and has ample space to move within the amniotic sac. This makes it challenging to accurately ascertain its position.
Reliable assessment of fetal position typically occurs later in pregnancy, usually between 34 and 36 weeks gestation. At this point, the fetus is larger and less mobile, allowing for a clearer assessment of its position through ultrasound.
The early determination of fetal position in the first trimester is not a primary goal of ultrasound. It is more focused on establishing pregnancy viability, gestational age, and detecting any potential abnormalities.
Choice B rationale:
Ultrasound in the first trimester can reliably detect multiple gestations. It can visualize the presence of multiple gestational sacs or fetal poles, clearly indicating whether a woman is carrying twins, triplets, or more.
Early identification of multiple gestations is crucial for optimal pregnancy management. It allows healthcare providers to tailor prenatal care, monitor for potential complications associated with multiple pregnancies, and plan for appropriate delivery. Choice C rationale:
Ultrasound in the first trimester can assist in detecting certain maternal abnormalities that could impact pregnancy. These may include:
Uterine abnormalities, such as fibroids or structural defects
Ovarian cysts
Ectopic pregnancies (where the embryo implants outside the uterus)
Gestational trophoblastic disease (abnormal growth of tissue inside the uterus)
Early identification of these maternal abnormalities allows for timely intervention and management, ensuring the best possible outcomes for both mother and fetus.
Choice D rationale:
Confirming pregnancy is a primary reason for ultrasound in the first trimester. It can visualize the gestational sac, which contains the developing embryo and confirms the presence of a pregnancy.
Ultrasound can also detect the fetal heartbeat, which typically becomes visible between 6 and 8 weeks gestation. This provides further confirmation of a viable pregnancy.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Answer and explanation
The correct answer is B. Aspiration of stomach contents.
Choice A rationale:
Respiratory depression is a potential risk of general anesthesia, but it is not the greatest risk in this scenario.
It is usually well-managed by the anesthesiologist during surgery.
They will closely monitor the patient's respiratory status and adjust the level of anesthesia as needed to maintain adequate breathing.
If respiratory depression does occur, it can be quickly reversed with medications.
Choice B rationale:
Aspiration of stomach contents is the most serious risk of general anesthesia in pregnant women.
This is because pregnancy causes a number of changes in the gastrointestinal system that increase the risk of aspiration:
The growing uterus puts pressure on the stomach, which can cause stomach contents to reflux into the esophagus.
Pregnancy hormones can relax the esophageal sphincter, which is the muscle that normally prevents food and stomach acid from coming back up the esophagus.
Labor can further delay gastric emptying, leading to a higher volume of stomach contents.
If stomach contents are aspirated into the lungs, it can cause a serious and potentially fatal condition called aspiration pneumonia.
It is important to note that aspiration can occur even if a woman has been fasting before surgery.
This is because the stomach never completely empties, and there is always some risk of reflux.
Choice C rationale:
Uterine relaxation is a potential side effect of some general anesthetic agents, but it is not a major risk in this scenario.
The anesthesiologist will choose an anesthetic agent that is less likely to cause uterine relaxation.
Additionally, they will closely monitor the patient's uterine tone and can administer medications to stimulate the uterus if necessary.
Choice D rationale:
Inadequate muscle relaxation is not a major risk of general anesthesia in this scenario.
The anesthesiologist will ensure that the patient's muscles are adequately relaxed to facilitate surgery.
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