Chapter 17

Question 1

1. An 18-year-old pregnant woman, gravida 1, para 0, is admitted to the labor and birth unit with moderate contractions every 5 minutes that last 40 seconds. The client states, “My contractions are so strong, I don’t know what to do.” Before making a plan of care, what should the nurse’s first action be?
   a. Assess for fetal well-being.
   b. Encourage the woman to lie on her side.
   c. Disturb the woman as little as possible.
   d. Recognize that pain is personalized for each individual.

Answer 1

ANS: D
Each woman’s pain during childbirth is unique and is influenced by a variety of physiologic, psychosocial, and environmental factors. A critical issue for the nurse is how support can make a difference in the pain of the woman during labor and birth. This scenario includes no information that would indicate fetal distress or a logical reason to be overly concerned about the well-being of the fetus. The left lateral position is used to alleviate fetal distress, not maternal stress. The nurse has an obligation to provide physical, emotional, and psychosocial care and support to the laboring woman. This client clearly needs support.

Question 2

2. A woman who is pregnant for the first time is dilated 3 cm and having contractions every 5 minutes. She is groaning and perspiring excessively; she states that she did not attend childbirth classes. What is the optimal intervention for the nurse to provide at this time?
   a. Notify the woman’s health care provider.
   b. Administer the prescribed narcotic analgesic.
   c. Assure her that her labor will be over soon.
   d. Assist her with simple breathing and relaxation instructions.

Answer 2

ANS: D
By reducing tension and stress, both focusing and relaxation techniques will allow the woman in labor to rest and conserve energy for the task of giving birth. For those who have had no preparation, instruction in simple breathing and relaxation can be given in early labor and is often successful. The nurse can independently perform many functions in labor and birth, such as teaching and support. Pain medication may be an option for this client. However, the initial response of the nurse should include teaching the client about her options. The length of labor varies among individuals, but the first stage of labor is the longest. At 3 cm of dilation with contractions every 5 minutes, this woman has a significant amount of labor yet to experience.

Question 3

3. Nursing care measures are commonly offered to women in labor. Which nursing measure reflects the application of the gate-control theory?
   a. Massage the woman’s back.
   b. Change the woman’s position.
   c. Give the prescribed medication.
   d. Encourage the woman to rest between contractions.

Answer 3

ANS: A
According to the gate-control theory, pain sensations travel along sensory nerve pathways to the brain, but only a limited number of sensations, or messages, can travel through these nerve pathways at one time. Distraction techniques, such as massage or stroking, music, focal points, and imagery, reduce or completely block the capacity of the nerve pathways to transmit pain. These distractions are thought to work by closing down a hypothetic gate in the spinal cord, thus preventing pain signals from reaching the brain. The perception of pain is thereby diminished. Changing the woman’s position, administering pain medication, and resting between contractions do not reduce or block the capacity of the nerve pathways to transmit pain using the gate-control theory.

Question 4

4. Breathing patterns are taught to laboring women. Which breathing pattern should the nurse support for the woman and her coach during the latent phase of the first stage of labor if the couple has attended childbirth preparation classes?
   a. Slow-paced breathing
   b. Deep abdominal breathing
   c. Modified-paced breathing
   d. Patterned-paced breathing

Answer 4

ANS: A
Slow-paced breathing is approximately one half the woman’s normal breathing rate and is used during the early stages of labor when a woman can no longer walk or talk through her contractions. No such pattern called deep abdominal breathing exists in childbirth preparation. Modified-paced breathing is shallow breathing that is twice the woman’s normal breathing rate. It is used when labor progresses and the woman can no longer maintain relaxation through paced breathing. Patterned-pace breathing is a fast, 4:1 breathe, breathe, breathe, blow pattern that is used during the transitional phase of labor just before pushing and delivery.

Question 5

5. A laboring woman has received meperidine (Demerol) intravenously (IV), 90 minutes before giving birth. Which medication should be available to reduce the postnatal effects of meperidine on the neonate?
   a. Fentanyl (Sublimaze)
   b. Promethazine (Phenergan)
   c. Naloxone (Narcan)
   d. Nalbuphine (Nubain)

Answer 5

ANS: C
An opioid antagonist can be given to the newborn as one part of the treatment for neonatal narcosis, which is a state of central nervous system (CNS) depression in the newborn produced by an opioid. Opioid antagonists, such as naloxone (Narcan), can promptly reverse the CNS depressant effects, especially respiratory depression. Fentanyl (Sublimaze), promethazine (Phenergan), and nalbuphine (Nubain) do not act as opioid antagonists to reduce the postnatal effects of meperidine on the neonate.

Question 6

6. What should the laboring client who receives an opioid antagonist be told to expect?
   a. Her pain will decrease.
   b. Her pain will return.
   c. She will feel less anxious.
   d. She will no longer feel the urge to push.

Answer 6

ANS: B
Opioid antagonists such as naloxone (Narcan) promptly reverse the CNS-depressant effects of opioids. In addition, the antagonist counters the effect of the stress-induced levels of endorphins. An opioid antagonist is especially valuable if the labor is more rapid than expected and the birth is anticipated when the opioid is at its peak effect. The woman should be told that the pain that was relieved by the opioid analgesic will return with the administration of the opioid antagonist. Her pain level will increase rather than decrease. Opioid antagonists have no effect on anxiety levels. They are primarily administered to reverse the excessive CNS depression in the mother, newborn, or both. An opioid antagonist (e.g., naloxone) has no effect on the mother’s urge or ability to push. The practice of giving lower doses of IV opioids has reduced the incidence and severity of opioid-induced CNS depression; therefore, opioid antagonists are used less frequently.

Question 7

7. A client is in early labor, and her nurse is discussing the pain relief options she is considering. The client states that she wants an epidural “no matter what!” What is the nurse’s best response?
   a. “I’ll make sure you get your epidural.”
   b. “You may only have an epidural if your physician allows it.”
   c. “You may only have an epidural if you are going to deliver vaginally.”
   d. “The type of analgesia or anesthesia used is determined, in part, by the stage of your labor and the method of birth.”

Answer 7

ANS: D
To avoid suppressing the progress of labor, pharmacologic measures for pain relief are generally not implemented until labor has advanced to the active phase of the first stage and the cervix is dilated approximately 4 to 5 cm. A plan of care is developed for each woman that addresses her particular clinical and nursing problems. The nurse collaborates with the primary health care provider and the laboring woman in selecting features of care relevant to the woman and her family. The decision whether to use an epidural to relieve labor pain is multifactorial. The nurse should not make a blanket statement guaranteeing the client one pharmacologic option over another until a complete history and physical examination has been obtained. A physician’s order is required for pharmacologic options for pain management. However, expressing this requirement is not the nurse’s best response. An epidural is an effective pharmacologic pain management option for many laboring women. It can also be used for anesthesia control if the woman undergoes an operative delivery.

Question 8

8. What is the role of the nurse as it applies to informed consent?
   a. Inform the client about the procedure, and ask her to sign the consent form.
   b. Act as a client advocate, and help clarify the procedure and the options.
   c. Call the physician to see the client.
   d. Witness the signing of the consent form.

Answer 8

ANS: B
Nurses play a part in the informed consent process by clarifying and describing procedures or by acting as the woman’s advocate and asking the primary health care provider for further explanations. The physician is responsible for informing the woman of her options, explaining the procedure, and advising the client about potential risk factors. The physician must be present to explain the procedure to the client. However, the nurse’s responsibilities go further than simply asking the physician to see the client. The nurse may witness the signing of the consent form. However, depending on the state’s guidelines, the woman’s husband or another hospital health care employee may sign as a witness.

Question 9

9. A first-time mother is concerned about the type of medications she will receive during labor. The client is in a fair amount of pain and is nauseated. In addition, she appears to be very anxious. The nurse explains that opioid analgesics are often used along with sedatives. How should the nurse phrase the rationale for this medication combination?
   a. “The two medications, together, reduce complications.”
   b. “Sedatives enhance the effect of the pain medication.”
   c. “The two medications work better together, enabling you to sleep until you have the baby.”
   d. “This is what your physician has ordered for you.”

Answer 9

ANS: B
Sedatives may be used to reduce the nausea and vomiting that often accompany opioid use. In addition, some ataractic drugs reduce anxiety and apprehension and potentiate the opioid analgesic affects. A potentiator may cause two drugs to work together more effectively, but it does not ensure zero maternal or fetal complications. Sedation may be a related effect of some ataractic drugs; however, sedation is not the goal. Furthermore, a woman is unlikely to be able to sleep through transitional labor and birth. Although the physician may have ordered the medication, “This is what your physician has ordered for you” is not an acceptable comment for the nurse to make.

Question 10

10. The nurse should be cognizant of which physiologic effect of pain?
    a. Predominant pain of the first stage of labor is visceral pain that is located in the lower portion of the abdomen.
    b. Referred pain is the extreme discomfort experienced between contractions.
    c. Somatic pain of the second stage of labor is more generalized and related to fatigue.
    d. Pain during the third stage is a somewhat milder version of the pain experienced during the second stage.

Answer 10

ANS: A
Predominant pain comes from cervical changes, the distention of the lower uterine segment, and uterine ischemia. Referred pain occurs when the pain that originates in the uterus radiates to the abdominal wall, lumbosacral area of the back, iliac crests, and gluteal area. Second-stage labor pain is intense, sharp, burning, and localized. Third-stage labor pain is similar to that of the first stage.

Question 11

11. Which statement correctly describes the effects of various pain factors?
    a. Higher prostaglandin levels arising from dysmenorrhea can blunt the pain of childbirth.
    b. Upright positions in labor increase the pain factor because they cause greater fatigue.
    c. Women who move around trying different positions experience more pain.
    d. Levels of pain-mitigating beta-endorphins are higher during a spontaneous, natural childbirth.

Answer 11

ANS: D
Higher endorphin levels help women tolerate pain and reduce anxiety and irritability. Higher prostaglandin levels correspond to more severe labor pains. Upright positions in labor usually result in improved comfort and less pain. Moving freely to find more comfortable positions is important for reducing pain and muscle tension.

Question 12

12. Nurses with an understanding of cultural differences regarding likely reactions to pain may be better able to help their clients. Which clients may initially appear very stoic but then become quite vocal as labor progresses until late in labor, when they become more vocal and request pain relief?
    a. Chinese
    b. Arab or Middle Eastern
    c. Hispanic
    d. African-American

Answer 12

ANS: C
Hispanic women may be stoic early in labor but more vocal and ready for medications later. Chinese women may not show reactions to pain. Medical interventions must be offered more than once. Arab or Middle Eastern women may be vocal in response to labor pain from the start; they may prefer pain medications. African-American women may openly express pain; the use of medications for pain is more likely to vary with the individual.

Question 13

13. Anxiety is commonly associated with pain during labor. Which statement regarding anxiety is correct?
    a. Even mild anxiety must be treated.
    b. Severe anxiety increases tension, increases pain, and then, in turn, increases fear and anxiety, and so on.
    c. Anxiety may increase the perception of pain, but it does not affect the mechanism of labor.
    d. Women who have had a painful labor will have learned from the experience and have less anxiety the second time because of increased familiarity.

Answer 13

ANS: B
Anxiety and pain reinforce each other in a negative cycle that will slow the progress of labor. Mild anxiety is normal for a woman in labor and likely needs no special treatment other than the standard reassurances. Anxiety increases muscle tension and ultimately can sufficiently build to slow the progress of labor. Unfortunately, an anxious, painful first labor is likely to carry over, through expectations and memories, into an anxious and painful experience in the second pregnancy.

Question 14

14. Which statement is not an expected outcome for the client who attends a reputable childbirth preparation program?
    a. Childbirth preparation programs increase the woman’s sense of control.
    b. Childbirth preparation programs prepare a support person to help during labor.
    c. Childbirth preparation programs guarantee a pain-free childbirth.
    d. Childbirth preparation programs teach distraction techniques.

Answer 14

ANS: C
All methods try to increase a woman’s sense of control, prepare a support person, and train the woman in physical conditioning, which includes breathing techniques. These programs cannot, and reputable ones do not, promise a pain-free childbirth. Increasing a woman’s sense of control is the goal of all childbirth preparation methods. Preparing a support person to help in labor is a vitally important component of any childbirth education program. The coach may learn how to touch a woman’s body to detect tense and contracted muscles. The woman then learns how to relax in response to the gentle stroking by the coach. Distraction techniques are a form of care that are effective to some degree in relieving labor pain and are taught in many childbirth programs. These distractions include imagery, feedback relaxation, and attention-focusing behaviors.

Question 15

15. Maternity nurses often have to answer questions about the many, sometimes unusual, ways people have tried to make the birthing experience more comfortable. Which information regarding nonpharmacologic pain relief is accurate?
    a. Music supplied by the support person has to be discouraged because it could disturb others or upset the hospital routine.
    b. Women in labor can benefit from sitting in a bathtub, but they must limit immersion to no longer than 15 minutes at a time.
    c. Effleurage is permissible, but counterpressure is almost always counterproductive.
    d. Electrodes attached to either side of the spine to provide high-intensity electrical impulses facilitate the release of endorphins.

Answer 15

ANS: D
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may help and is most useful for lower back pain that occurs during the first stage of labor. Music may be very helpful for reducing tension and certainly can be accommodated by the hospital. Women can stay in a bath as long as they want, although repeated baths with breaks might be more effective than one long bath. Counterpressure can help the woman cope with lower back pain.

Question 16

16. The nurse should be cognizant of which important information regarding nerve block analgesia and anesthesia?
    a. Most local agents are chemically related to cocaine and end in the suffix -caine.
    b. Local perineal infiltration anesthesia is effective when epinephrine is added, but it can be injected only once.
    c. Pudendal nerve block is designed to relieve the pain from uterine contractions.
    d. Pudendal nerve block, if performed correctly, does not significantly lessen the bearing-down reflex.

Answer 16

ANS: A
Common agents include lidocaine and chloroprocaine. Injections can be repeated to prolong the anesthesia. A pudendal nerve block relieves pain in the vagina, vulva, and perineum but not the pain from uterine contractions. A pudendal nerve block lessens or shuts down the bearing-down reflex.

Question 17

17. A woman in labor is breathing into a mouthpiece just before the start of her regular contractions. As she inhales, a valve opens and gas is released. She continues to inhale the gas slowly and deeply until the contraction starts to subside. When the inhalation stops, the valve closes. Which statement regarding this procedure is correct?
    a. The application of nitrous oxide gas is not often used anymore.
    b. An inhalation of gas is likely to be used in the second stage of labor, not during the first stage.
    c. An application of nitrous oxide gas is administered for pain relief.
    d. The application of gas is a prelude to a cesarean birth.

Answer 17

ANS: C
A mixture of nitrous oxide with oxygen in a low concentration can be used in combination with other nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic measures for pain relief. This procedure is still commonly used in Canada and in the United Kingdom. Nitrous oxide inhaled in a low concentration will reduce but not eliminate pain during the first and second stages of labor. Nitrous oxide inhalation is not generally used before a caesarean birth. Nitrous oxide does not appear to depress uterine contractions or cause adverse reactions in the newborn.

Question 18

18. According to professional standards (the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses [AWHONN], 2007), which action cannot be performed by the nonanesthetist registered nurse who is caring for a woman with epidural anesthesia?
    a. Monitoring the status of the woman and fetus
    b. Initiating epidural anesthesia
    c. Replacing empty infusion bags with the same medication and concentrate
    d. Stopping the infusion, and initiating emergency measures

Answer 18

ANS: B
Only qualified, licensed anesthesia care providers are permitted to insert a catheter, initiate epidural anesthesia, verify catheter placement, inject medication through the catheter, or alter the medication or medications including type, amount, or rate of infusion. The nonanesthetist nurse is permitted to monitor the status of the woman, the fetus, and the progress of labor. Replacement of the empty infusion bags or syringes with the same medication and concentration is permitted. If the need arises, the nurse may stop the infusion, initiate emergency measures, and remove the catheter if properly educated to do so. Complications can require immediate interventions. Nurses must be prepared to provide safe and effective care during an emergency situation.

Question 19

19. Conscious relaxation is associated with which method of childbirth preparation?
    a. Grantly Dick-Read childbirth method
    b. Lamaze method
    c. Bradley method
    d. Psychoprophylactic method

Answer 19

ANS: A
With the Grantly Dick-Read method, women are taught to consciously and progressively relax different muscle groups throughout the body until a high degree of skill at relaxation is achieved. The Lamaze method combines controlled muscular relaxation with breathing techniques. The Bradley method advocates natural labor, without any form of anesthesia or analgesia, assisted by a husband-coach and using breathing techniques for labor. The psychoprophylactic method is another name for the Lamaze method.

Question 20

20. A woman in labor has just received an epidural block. What is the most important nursing intervention at this time?
    a. Limit parenteral fluids.
    b. Monitor the fetus for possible tachycardia.
    c. Monitor the maternal blood pressure for possible hypotension.
    d. Monitor the maternal pulse for possible bradycardia.

Answer 20

ANS: C
The most important nursing intervention for a woman who has received an epidural block is for the nurse to monitor the maternal blood pressure frequently for signs of hypotension. IV fluids are increased for a woman receiving an epidural to prevent hypotension. The nurse also observes for signs of fetal bradycardia and monitors for signs of maternal tachycardia, secondary to hypotension.

Question 21

21. A woman in the active phase of the first stage of labor is using a shallow pattern of breathing, which is approximately twice the normal adult breathing rate. She starts to complain about feeling lightheaded and dizzy and states that her fingers are tingling. Which intervention should the nurse immediately initiate?
    a. Contact the woman’s physician.
    b. Tell the woman to slow her pace of her breathing.
    c. Administer oxygen via a mask or nasal cannula.
    d. Help her breathe into a paper bag.

Answer 21

ANS: D
This woman is experiencing the side effects of hyperventilation, which include the symptoms of lightheadedness, dizziness, tingling of the fingers, or circumoral numbness. Having the woman breathe into a paper bag held tightly around her mouth and nose may eliminate respiratory alkalosis and enable her to rebreathe carbon dioxide and replace the bicarbonate ion.

Question 22

22. A client is experiencing back labor and complains of intense pain in her lower back. Which measure would best support this woman in labor?
    a. Counterpressure against the sacrum
    b. Pant-blow (breaths and puffs) breathing techniques
    c. Effleurage
    d. Conscious relaxation or guided imagery

Answer 22

ANS: A
Counterpressure is steady pressure applied by a support person to the sacral area with the fist or heel of the hand. This technique helps the woman cope with the sensations of internal pressure and pain in the lower back. The pain management techniques of pant-blow, effleurage, and conscious relaxation or guided imagery are usually helpful for contractions per the gate-control theory.

Question 23

23. A woman has requested an epidural for her pain. She is 5 cm dilated and 100% effaced. The baby is in a vertex position and is engaged. The nurse increases the woman’s IV fluid for a preprocedural bolus. The nurse reviews her laboratory values and notes that the woman’s hemoglobin is 12 g/dl, hematocrit is 38%, platelets are 67,000, and white blood cells (WBCs) are 12,000/mm3. Which factor would contraindicate an epidural for this woman?
    a. She is too far dilated.
    b. She is anemic.
    c. She has thrombocytopenia.
    d. She is septic.

Answer 23

ANS: C
The platelet count indicates a coagulopathy, specifically, thrombocytopenia (low platelets), which is a contraindication to epidural analgesia and anesthesia. Typically, epidural analgesia and anesthesia are used in the laboring woman when a regular labor pattern has been achieved, as evidenced by progressive cervical change. The laboratory values show that the woman’s hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are in the normal range and show a slight increase in the WBC count that is not uncommon in laboring women.

Question 24

24. Which alterations in the perception of pain by a laboring client should the nurse understand?
    a. Sensory pain for nulliparous women is often greater than for multiparous women during early labor.
    b. Affective pain for nulliparous women is usually less than for multiparous women throughout the first stage of labor.
    c. Women with a history of substance abuse experience more pain during labor.
    d. Multiparous women have more fatigue from labor and therefore experience more pain.

Answer 24

ANS: A
Sensory pain is greater for nulliparous women because their reproductive tract structures are less supple. Affective pain is greater for nulliparous women during the first stage but decreases for both nulliparous and multiparous during the second stage. Women with a history of substance abuse experience the same amount of pain as those without such a history. Nulliparous women have longer labors and therefore experience more fatigue.

Question 25

25. The nurse should be aware of what important information regarding systemic analgesics administered during labor?
    a. Systemic analgesics cross the maternal blood-brain barrier as easily as they do the fetal blood-brain barrier.
    b. Effects on the fetus and newborn can include decreased alertness and delayed sucking.
    c. Intramuscular (IM) administration is preferred over IV administration.
    d. IV patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) results in increased use of an analgesic.

Answer 25

ANS: B
The effects of analgesics depend on the specific drug administered, the dosage, and the timing. Systemic analgesics cross the fetal blood-brain barrier more readily than the maternal blood-brain barrier. IV administration is preferred over IM administration because the drug acts faster and more predictably. PCA results in a decrease in the use of an analgesic.

Question 26

26. Developing a realistic birth plan with the pregnant woman regarding her care is important for the nurse. How would the nurse explain the major advantage of nonpharmacologic pain management?
    a. Greater and more complete pain relief is possible.
    b. No side effects or risks to the fetus are involved.
    c. The woman will remain fully alert at all times.
    d. Labor will likely be more rapid.

Answer 26

ANS: B
Because nonpharmacologic pain management does not include analgesics, adjunct drugs, or anesthesia, it is harmless to the mother and the fetus. However, pain relief is lessened with nonpharmacologic pain management during childbirth. Although the woman’s alertness is not altered by medication, the increase in pain may decrease alertness. Pain management may or may not alter the length of labor. At times when pain is decreased, the mother relaxes and labor progresses at a quicker pace.

Question 27

27. What is the correct terminology for the nerve block that provides anesthesia to the lower vagina and perineum?
    a. Epidural
    b. Pudendal
    c. Local
    d. Spinal block

Answer 27

ANS: B
A pudendal block anesthetizes the lower vagina and perineum to provide anesthesia for an episiotomy and the use of low forceps, if needed. An epidural provides anesthesia for the uterus, perineum, and legs. A local provides anesthesia for the perineum at the site of the episiotomy. A spinal block provides anesthesia for the uterus, perineum, and down the legs.

Question 28

28. The obstetric nurse is preparing the client for an emergency cesarean birth, with no time to administer spinal anesthesia. The nurse is aware of and prepared for the greatest risk of administering general anesthesia to the client. What is this risk?
    a. Respiratory depression
    b. Uterine relaxation
    c. Inadequate muscle relaxation
    d. Aspiration of stomach contents

Answer 28

ANS: D
Aspiration of acidic gastric contents with possible airway obstruction is a potentially fatal complication of general anesthesia. Respirations can be altered during general anesthesia, and the anesthesiologist will take precautions to maintain proper oxygenation. Uterine relaxation can occur with some anesthesia but can be monitored and prevented. Inadequate muscle relaxation can be improved with medication.

Question 29

29. What is the rationale for the use of a blood patch after spinal anesthesia?
    a. Hypotension
    b. Headache
    c. Neonatal respiratory depression
    d. Loss of movement

Answer 29

ANS: B
The subarachnoid block may cause a postspinal headache resulting from the loss of cerebrospinal fluid from the puncture in the dura. When blood is injected into the epidural space in the area of the dural puncture, it forms a seal over the hole to stop the leaking of cerebrospinal fluid. Hypotension is prevented by increasing fluid volume before the procedure. Neonatal respiratory depression is not an expected outcome with spinal anesthesia. Loss of movement is an expected outcome of spinal anesthesia.

Question 30

1. Maternal hypotension is a potential side effect of regional anesthesia and analgesia. What nursing interventions could the nurse use to increase the client’s blood pressure? (Select all that apply.)
   a. Place the woman in a supine position.
   b. Place the woman in a lateral position.
   c. Increase IV fluids.
   d. Administer oxygen.
   e. Perform a vaginal examination.

Answer 30

ANS: B, C, D
Nursing interventions for maternal hypotension arising from analgesia or anesthesia include turning the woman to a lateral position, increasing IV fluids, administering oxygen via face mask, elevating the woman’s legs, notifying the physician, administering an IV vasopressor, and monitoring the maternal and fetal status at least every 5 minutes until the woman is stable. Placing the client in a supine position causes venous compression, thereby limiting blood flow to and oxygenation of the placenta and fetus. A sterile vaginal examination has no bearing on maternal blood pressure.

Question 31

2. Which alternative approaches to relaxation have proven successful when working with the client in labor? (Select all that apply.)
   a. Aromatherapy
   b. Massage
   c. Hypnosis
   d. Cesarean birth
   e. Biofeedback

Answer 31

ANS: A, B, C, E
Approaches to relaxation can include neuromuscular relaxation, aromatherapy, music, massage, imagery, hypnosis, or touch relaxation. Cesarean birth is a method of delivery, not a method of relaxation.

Question 32

3. A woman has requested an epidural block for her pain. She is 5 cm dilated and 100% effaced. The baby is in a vertex position and is engaged. The nurse increases the woman’s IV fluid for a preprocedural bolus. Before the initiation of the epidural, the woman should be informed regarding the disadvantages of an epidural block. Which concerns should the nurse share with this client? (Select all that apply.)
   a. Ability to move freely is limited.
   b. Orthostatic hypotension and dizziness may occur.
   c. Gastric emptying is not delayed.
   d. Higher body temperature may occur.
   e. Blood loss is not excessive.

Answer 32

ANS: A, B, D
The woman’s ability to move freely and to maintain control of her labor is limited, related to the use of numerous medical interventions (IV lines and electronic fetal monitoring [EFM]). Significant disadvantages of an epidural block include the occurrence of orthostatic hypotension, dizziness, sedation, and leg weakness. Women who receive an epidural block have a higher body temperature (38° C or higher), especially when labor lasts longer than 12 hours, and may result in an unnecessary neonatal workup for sepsis. An advantage of an epidural block is that blood loss is not excessive. Other advantages include the following: the woman remains alert and able to participate, good relaxation is achieved, airway reflexes remain intact, and only partial motor paralysis develops.

Question 33

4. The class of drugs known as opioid analgesics (butorphanol, nalbuphine) is not suitable for administration to women with known opioid dependence. The antagonistic activity could precipitate withdrawal symptoms (abstinence syndrome) in both mothers and newborns. Which signs would indicate opioid or narcotic withdrawal in the mother? (Select all that apply.)
   a. Yawning, runny nose
   b. Increase in appetite
   c. Chills or hot flashes
   d. Constipation
   e. Irritability, restlessness

Answer 33

ANS: A, C, E
The woman experiencing maternal opioid withdrawal syndrome will exhibit yawning, runny nose, sneezing, anorexia, chills or hot flashes, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, irritability, restlessness, muscle spasms, weakness, and drowsiness. Assessing both the mother and the newborn and planning the care accordingly are important steps for the nurse to take.

Question 34

5. While developing an intrapartum care plan for the client in early labor, which psychosocial factors would the nurse recognize upon the client’s pain experience? (Select all that apply.)
   a. Culture
   b. Anxiety and fear
   c. Previous experiences with pain
   d. Intervention of caregivers
   e. Support systems

Answer 34

ANS: A, B, C, E
Culture: A woman’s sociocultural roots influence how she perceives, interprets, and responds to pain during childbirth. Some cultures encourage loud and vigorous expressions of pain, whereas others value self-control. The nurse should avoid praising some behaviors (stoicism) while belittling others (noisy expression). Anxiety and fear: Extreme anxiety and fear magnify the sensitivity to pain and impair a woman’s ability to tolerate it. Anxiety and fear increase muscle tension in the pelvic area, which counters the expulsive forces of uterine contractions and pushing efforts. Previous experiences with pain: Fear and withdrawal are a natural response to pain during labor. Learning about these normal sensations ahead of time helps a woman suppress her natural reactions of fear regarding the impending birth. If a woman previously had a long and difficult labor, she is likely to be anxious. She may also have learned ways to cope and may use these skills to adapt to the present labor experience. Support systems: An anxious partner is less able to provide help and support to a woman during labor. A woman’s family and friends can be an important source of support if they convey realistic and positive information about labor and delivery. Although the intervention of caregivers may be necessary for the well-being of the woman and her fetus, some interventions add discomfort to the natural pain of labor (i.e., fetal monitor straps, IV lines).

Question 35

A woman in active labor receives an opioid agonist analgesic. Which medication relieves severe, persistent, or recurrent pain, creates a sense of well-being, overcomes inhibitory factors, and may even relax the cervix but should be used cautiously in women with cardiac disease?

a. Meperidine (Demerol)
b. Promethazine (Phenergan)
c. Butorphanol tartrate (Stadol)
d. Nalbuphine (Nubain)

Answer 35

Ans: A
Meperidine is the most commonly used opioid agonist analgesic for women in labor throughout the world. It overcomes inhibitory factors in labor and may even relax the cervix. Because tachycardia is a possible adverse reaction, meperidine is used cautiously in women with cardiac disease. Phenergan is an ataractic (tranquilizer) that may be used to augment the desirable effects of the opioid analgesics but has few of those drugs’ undesirable effects. Stadol and Nubain are opioid agonist-antagonist analgesics.

Question 36

A woman in the active phase of the first stage of labor is using a shallow pattern of breathing, which is about twice the normal adult breathing rate. She starts to complain about feeling lightheaded and dizzy and states that her fingers are tingling. The nurse should:

a. Notify the woman’s physician.
b. Tell the woman to slow the pace of her breathing.
c. Administer oxygen via a mask or nasal cannula.
d. Help her breathe into a paper bag.

Answer 36

Ans: D
This client is experiencing the side effects of hyperventilation, which include the symptoms of lightheadedness, dizziness, tingling of the fingers, and circumoral numbness. Notification of the physician is not necessary. The best approach is to have the client breathe into a paper bag held tightly around the nose and mouth to eliminate respiratory alkalosis. The woman can also breathe into her cupped hands if no paper bag is available. Slowing the pace of her breathing will not correct the problem, nor will administration of oxygen. Once the pattern of breathing is corrected, her partner can help the woman maintain her breathing rate with visual, tactile, or auditory cues.

Question 37

A woman is experiencing back labor and complains of intense pain in her lower back. An effective relief measure is to use:

a. Counterpressure against the sacrum.
b. Pant-blow (breaths and puffs) breathing techniques.
c. Effleurage.
d. Biofeedback.

Answer 37

Ans: A
Counterpressure is steady pressure applied by a support person to the sacral area with the fist or heel of the hand. This technique helps the woman cope with the sensations of internal pressure and pain in the lower back. Pant-blow breathing techniques are usually helpful during contractions per the gate-control theory. Effleurage is light stroking, usually of the abdomen, in rhythm with breathing during contractions. It is used as a distraction from contraction pain but it is unlikely to be effective for back labor. Biofeedback-assisted relaxation techniques are not always successful in reducing labor pain. Using this technique effectively requires strong caregiver support.

Question 38

Nurses should be aware of the difference that experience can make in labor pain, such as:

a. Sensory pain for nulliparous women often is greater than for multiparous women during early labor.
b. Affective pain for nulliparous women usually is less than for multiparous women throughout the first stage of labor.
c. Women with a history of substance abuse experience more pain during labor.
d. Multiparous women have more fatigue from labor and therefore experience more pain.

Answer 38

Ans: A
Sensory pain is greater for nulliparous women because their reproductive tract structures are less supple. Affective pain is greater for nulliparous women during the first stage but decreases for both nulliparous and multiparous women during the second stage. Women with a history of substance abuse experience the same amount of pain as those without such a history. Nulliparous women have longer labors and therefore experience more fatigue.

Question 39

In the current practice of childbirth preparation, emphasis is placed on:

a. The Dick-Read (natural) childbirth method.
b. The Lamaze (psychoprophylactic) method.
c. The Bradley (husband-coached) method.
d. Encouraging expectant parents to attend childbirth preparation in any or no specific method.

Answer 39

Ans: D
Encouraging expectant parents to attend class is most important, because preparation increases a woman’s confidence and thus her ability to cope with labor and birth. The goal is to encourage new parents to attend any one of the acceptable childbirth education programs. Gaining in popularity are Birthing from Within and Hypnobirthing. The Dick-Read method is historically popular and is still in use. The Lamaze method is less focused on a method approach and more concerned with psychologic preparation for labor. Attendance at any available class should be encouraged, however. Bradley as well as other methods encourage women to choose the techniques that work best for them. Women are helped to develop their own birth philosophy and then choose from a variety of skills to help cope with the labor process.

Question 40

With regard to breathing techniques during labor, maternity nurses should be aware that:

a. Breathing techniques in the first stage of labor are designed to increase the size of the abdominal cavity to reduce friction.
b. By the time labor has begun, it is too late for instruction in breathing and relaxation.
c. Controlled breathing techniques are most difficult near the end of the second stage of labor.
d. The patterned-paced breathing technique can help prevent hyperventilation.

Answer 40

Ans: A
First-stage techniques promote relaxation of abdominal muscles, thereby increasing the size of the abdominal cavity. Instruction in simple breathing and relaxation techniques early in labor is possible and effective. Controlled breathing techniques are most difficult in the transition phase at the end of the first stage of labor, when the cervix is dilated 8 to 10 cm. Patterned-paced breathing can sometimes lead to hyperventilation.

Question 41

With regard to what might be called the tactile approaches to comfort management, nurses should be aware that:

a. Either hot or cold applications may provide relief, but they should never be used together in the same treatment.
b. Acupuncture can be performed by a skilled nurse with just a little training.
c. Hand and foot massage may be especially relaxing in advanced labor, when a woman’s tolerance for touch is limited.
d. Therapeutic touch (TT) uses handheld electronic stimulators that produce sympathetic vibrations.

Answer 41

Ans: C
The woman and her partner should experiment with massage before labor to see what might work best. Heat and cold may be applied in an alternating fashion for greater effect. Unlike acupressure, acupuncture, which involves the insertion of thin needles, should be done only by a certified therapist. Therapeutic touch is a laying-on of hands technique that claims to redirect energy fields in the body.

Question 42

With regard to systemic analgesics administered during labor, nurses should be aware that:

a. Systemic analgesics cross the maternal blood-brain barrier as easily as they do the fetal blood-brain barrier.
b. Effects on the fetus and newborn can include decreased alertness and delayed sucking.
c. IM administration is preferred over IV administration.
d. IV patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) results in increased use of an analgesic.

Answer 42

Ans: B
Effects depend on the specific drug given, the dosage, and the timing. Systemic analgesics cross the fetal blood-brain barrier more readily than the maternal blood-brain barrier. IV administration is preferred over IM administration because the drug acts faster and more predictably. PCAs result in decreased use of an analgesic.

Question 43

With regard to spinal and epidural (block) anesthesia, nurses should know that:

a. This type of anesthesia is commonly used for cesarean births but is not suitable for vaginal births.
b. A high incidence of postbirth headache is seen with spinal blocks.
c. Epidural blocks allow the woman to move freely.
d. Spinal and epidural blocks are never used together.

Answer 43

Ans: B
The headaches may be prevented or mitigated to some degree by a number of methods. An autologous epidural blood patch is the most rapid, reliable, and beneficial relief measure for a spinal headache. Spinal blocks may be used for vaginal births, but the woman must be assisted through labor. Epidural blocks limit the woman’s ability to move freely. Combined use of spinal and epidural blocks is becoming increasingly popular.

Question 44

After change of shift report, the nurse assumes care of a multiparous client in labor. The woman is complaining of pain that radiates to her abdominal wall, lower back, and buttocks, and down her thighs. Before implementing a plan of care, the nurse should understand that this type of pain is:

a. Visceral
b. Referred
c. Somatic
d. Afterpain

Answer 44

Ans: B
As labor progresses the woman often experiences referred pain. It occurs when pain that originates in the uterus radiates to the abdominal wall, the lumbosacral area of the back, the gluteal area, and the thighs. The woman usually has pain only during a contraction and is free from pain between contractions. Visceral pain predominates the first stage of labor. This pain originates from cervical changes, distention of the lower uterine segment, and uterine ischemia. Visceral pain is located over the lower portion of the abdomen. Somatic pain is described as intense, sharp, burning, and well localized. It results from stretching of the perineal tissues and the pelvic floor and occurs during the second stage of labor. Pain experienced during the third stage of labor or afterward during the early postpartum period is uterine. This pain is very similar to that experienced in the first stage of labor.