Chapter 17

Question 1

Identify non-pharmacologic strategies used to enhance relaxation and promote comfort during birth

Answer 1

Focusing and relaxation

Breathing techniques

Effleurage and counterpressure

Touch and massage

Heat and cold

Question 2

Discuss the effects of medication management for the mother and its effect on the newborn both during and after birth

Answer 2

Do not give non-opioids to narcotic-dependent mothers or they will go through withdrawal

Do not give sedatives too early or too late in labor, as they can affect the respiratory rate of the fetus

Question 3

Nurse’s responsibilities while providing care for a woman receiving analgesia/anesthesia during labor

Answer 3

Get signed consent, check platelets, empty the bladder, monitor BP and HR

Increase IV fluid rate, lay patient flat with a wedge under the back, watch FHR, check level of sensation

Question 4

Nurse’s role in promoting comfort and safety throughout the birth process

Answer 4

Ask for pain rating on pain scale

Help patient empty the bladder, palpate for distention

Help to position the patient

Question 5

Sedatives

Answer 5

Relieve anxiety and promote sleep

Used for women in prolonged latent phase of labor

Barbiturates, phenothiazines, benzodiazepines

Question 6

Stadol and Nubain

Answer 6

Non-opioid, non-sedating, decreased risk of respiratory depression

Question 7

Fentanyl

Answer 7

Opioid analgesic

7x more potent than morphine

Question 8

Epidural Anesthesia or Analgesia

Answer 8

Currently the most effective pharmacologic pain relief method for labor

Decrease blood pressure and slow down labor

Question 9

Contraindications of Subarachnoid and Epidural Blocks

Answer 9

Active/anticipated hemorrhage

Maternal hypotension

Maternal coagulopathy

Increased intracranial pressure

Maternal cardiac conditions