Nurs 351 Exam 3 questions with 100%
correct answers
two components to childbirth pain - correct answer ✔✔physiologic and psychologic
two sources of pain during labor/childbirth - correct answer ✔✔visceral (1st stage) and somatic (2nd
stage)
what causes visceral pain in labor/childbirth - correct answer ✔✔stretching of lower uterine
segment/cervical tissue with dilation
pressure and traction on pelvic structures
uterine tissue ischemia
What is somatic pain and what causes it in labor - correct answer ✔✔intense, sharp, burning, well
localized.
Pressure against surrounding organs and tissues
Stretching and distension of vagina and perineum.
difference between somatic and visceral pain - correct answer ✔✔Somatic pain arises from skin or
deeper structures (2nd stage)
Visceral pain originates in the organs (1st stage)
Physical factors affecting perception/tolerance of pain - correct answer ✔✔Labor intensity, cervical
readiness, contractions, fetal and maternal position, pelvic anatomy, fatigue, hunger, caregiver
interventions
,Psychosocial factors affecting perception/tolerance of pain - correct answer ✔✔culture, anxiety/fear,
previous experiences, preparation, support system
advantages of nonpharmacologic pain management in labor - correct answer ✔✔does not slow labor, no
drug side effects or risk of allergy, some pharmacologic methods may not eliminate labor pain, may be
the only realistic option in advanced rapid labor.
limitations of nonpharmacologic pain management in labor - correct answer ✔✔desired level of pain
control not always achieved, even well-prepared and highly motivated woman may have difficult labor
and need analgesia
Gate Control Theory - correct answer ✔✔the theory that the spinal cord contains a neurological "gate"
that blocks pain signals or allows them to pass on to the brain. The "gate" is opened by the activity of
pain signals traveling up small nerve fibers and is closed by activity in larger fibers or by information
coming from the brain.
Preparation for labor pain management - correct answer ✔✔childbirth classes, ideal time is before labor,
support person learns specific methods to encourage and support, nurses can teach or reinforce, latent
phase of labor is the best time for intrapartum teaching.
Nonpharmacologic pain management techniques - correct answer ✔✔cutaneous stimulation
(effleurage): light stroking (usually abdomen), during contractions, may become uncomfortable as labor
progresses as some may become sensitive to touch
hydrotherapy
imagery
focal point
distraction
relaxation
, BREATHING: paced breathing associated with prepared childbirth, includes slow-paced, modified-paced,
and pattern paced. All patterns begin with a deep cleansing breath and end with a deep breath to blow
the contractions away.
Counterpressure: sacral area, hips, knees. Especially helpful for back pain caused by a baby in posterior
position
Touch: holding a hand, head, back, and foot massage.
Other methods: Heat and cold, acupressure/acupuncture, intradermal water blocks, aromatherapy,
music, hypnosis, biofeedback
Effleurage - correct answer ✔✔cutaneous stimulation (effleurage): light stroking (usually abdomen),
during contractions, may become uncomfortable as labor progresses as some may become sensitive to
touch
breathing for pain management - correct answer ✔✔paced breathing associated with prepared
childbirth, includes slow-paced, modified-paced, and pattern paced. All patterns begin with a deep
cleansing breath and end with a deep breath to blow the contractions away
counterpressure for pain management - correct answer ✔✔sacral area, hips, knees. Especially helpful for
back pain caused by a baby in posterior position
Nitrous Oxide for labor pain management benefits - correct answer ✔✔does not affect baby or
contractions, inhaled at low concentrations (50%) or less
relaxation, decreased pain perception, increased mobility,
Nitrous Oxide side effects and considerations - correct answer ✔✔nausea, vomiting, dizziness
self-administered via one-way valve so doesn't effect others in room. If she can't hold it up doesn't need
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