Which intervention related to imagery might a nurse suggest to alleviate a patients pain during labor?

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. It is important for the nurse to assess both mother and baby and to plan care accordingly.

ANS: C
Contraindications to spinal/epidural blocks include maternal refusal, local or systemic infection, coagulopathies, actual or anticipated maternal hemorrhage, allergy to a specific agent being used, or lack of trained staff. This woman's platelet count is low and her INR is high, leading to concern about coagulopathies. The nurse should notify the health-care provider immediately. Documentation should always be thorough, but further action is needed. A signed consent form should be in the chart for an invasive procedure; however, this is not the priority at this point. An IV will probably be needed prior to delivery (depending on institutional protocol), but, again, this is not the priority in the setting of a patient with abnormal laboratory results.

ANS: C, D, E
During the assessment, the nurse may identify physiological and psychological changes that are indicative of maternal pain. These include an increased pulse rate and blood pressure, changes in mood, increased anxiety and stress, marked agitation, confusion, decreased urine output, decreased intestinal motility, and guarding of the target area of discomfort. Frequent voiding in small amounts and a normal blood pressure are not findings consistent with labor pain.

ANS: B, D, E
Benefits of spinal block anesthesia include: easy to administer, has immediate onset of action, requires a smaller volume of medication, produces excellent muscular relaxation, allows for maintenance of maternal consciousness, and is associated with minimal blood loss. However, because the woman will lose the ability to feel contractions, maternal pushing efforts are compromised, which increases the risk of an operative birth.

What are the nursing interventions during labor and delivery?

What is the most commonly used medical intervention for pain relief during labor and delivery?

What pain relief techniques will help during labor?

What is the most common pain relief method during birth?