During labor, a pregnant patient's doula uses therapeutic touch ...

[awywial]

During labor, a pregnant patient's doula uses therapeutic touch and massage. Which outcome indicates that these approaches have been effective?
 
  A) The patient is not complaining of leg cramps.
  B) The patient is not requesting pain medication.
  C) The patient is focusing on a painting during contractions.
  D) The patient asks for a cold compress at the end of a contraction.

Question 2

Immediately following an epidural block, a pregnant patient's blood pressure suddenly falls to 90/50 mmHg. What action should the nurse do first?
 
  A) Place the patient supine.
  B) Raise the head of the bed.
  C) Ask the patient to take deep breaths.
  D) Turn onto the left side or raise the legs.

[Cheesycrackers]

Answer to Question 1

B
Feedback:
Touch and massage work to relieve pain by increasing the release of endorphins. Both techniques may also work because they serve as forms of distraction. Many women find massage helpful in the first and second stages of labor. The use of therapeutic touch and massage for the patient in labor is not used to reduce leg cramp. Focusing on a painting during contractions is a form of distraction. Asking for a cold compress at the end of a contraction is not directly related to the use of therapeutic touch and massage during labor.

Answer to Question 2

D
Feedback:
To help prevent supine hypotension syndrome, place the pregnant patient on the left side after an epidural block. If hypotension should occur, the patient's legs should be raised in addition to providing oxygen, intravenous fluids, and medication. The supine position encourages hypotension syndrome. Raising the head of the bed and deep breathing are not interventions to help with hypotension syndrome.