A woman admitted in labor asks if she can have a doula present ...

[tiffannnnyyyyyy]

A woman admitted in labor asks if she can have a doula present with her. The nurse understands that a doula is which of the following?
 
  A.
  A massage therapist with a specialty in labor massage
  B.
  A trained labor coach standing in for the woman's partner
  C.
  A woman who is experienced in labor and provides support to the woman
  D.
  Someone who is trained and licensed to deliver babies in the hospital

Question 2

A woman in her third trimester is complaining of numbness and tingling in her fingers. Which action should the nurse take first?
 
  A.
  Assess the woman for hyperventilation.
  B.
  Educate her about a thermoskin carpal tunnel glove.
  C.
  Facilitate an appointment for a nerve conduction study.
  D.
  Reassure her that the condition is temporary.

[tashiedavis420]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
A doula is a woman who is experienced in childbirth and who provides physical and emotional support to the mother during labor, birth, and the postpartum period. A doula is not a massage therapist, nor a trained labor coach, and a doula is not licensed to deliver babies.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Carpal tunnel syndrome is commonly seen in pregnancy and can be caused by either hyperventilation or from nerve compression of the median and ulnar nerves in the arm. If the woman is hyperventilating, the nurse can educate her about conscious control of breathing, which would provide relief quickly and easily. If hyperventilation does not seem to be the causative factor, the nurse can educate her about strategies for symptom control. These methods include maintaining good posture, elevating the hands on pillows when sleeping, wearing a wrist brace, and/or using a thermoskin carpal tunnel glove. Simply reassuring the woman that the condition is temporary does nothing to increase her comfort. A nerve conduction study is not needed at this time, but if the condition persists after childbirth, it could be an option.

[tiffannnnyyyyyy]

Gracias!

[Alyson.hiatt@yahoo.com]

TYSM