Author Question: A nurse is teaching a woman about pain management strategies during labor. The woman expresses great ... (Read 86 times)

Tirant22 · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

A nurse is teaching a woman about pain management strategies during labor. The woman expresses great fear about the experience. Which of the following statements by the nurse would help to ease the woman's fears? (Select all that apply.)

A.
Don't worry about the pain; at least it's not from illness.
B.
Keep in mind there is an end to the pain with the birth.
C.
Pain during labor is normal and expected, and helps you to give birth.
D.
We can anticipate your labor pain and plan for it.
E.
You have to expect some amount of pain during labor.

Question 2

The perinatal nurse is directing a student nurse in giving intravenous fentanyl citrate (Sublimaze) to a woman in labor. Which actions by the student would require the registered nurse to intervene?

A.
Administers the medication between contractions
B.
Administers the medication during a contraction
C.
Checks the three rights prior to administration
D.
Injects the medication rapidly
E.
Injects the medication slowly

johnharpe · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B, C, D
Labor pain has some unique characteristics, including: (1) being part of a normal process, as opposed to being caused by illness or injury; (2) being anticipated, which allows for planning and preparation; and (3) having an end point with the birth of the baby. The nurse should inform the pregnant woman about these facts in a supportive, encouraging way. Stating at least it's not from illness is factual but dismissive of her fears. Stating that she has to expect some pain is also dismissive and gives the impression that wanting pain control is unreasonable.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A, C, D
Sublimaze (and all opioid analgesics) should be administered during contractions so that the fetus has less exposure to the drug due to uterine vasoconstriction. There are five rights to medication administration (right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, right time). The medication should be injected slowly. The nurse should intervene if the student injects the medication between contractions, checks only three rights of medication administration, and injects the medication rapidly.