Author Question: The nurse is preparing materials to instruct a pregnant patient about the use of a local anesthetic ... (Read 74 times)

MGLQZ · **on:** Jun 27, 2018

The nurse is preparing materials to instruct a pregnant patient about the use of a local anesthetic to block specific nerve pathways. About which type of pain reduction technique will the nurse instruct the patient?

A) General anesthesia
B) Pressure anesthesia
C) Regional anesthesia
D) Pudendal nerve block

Question 2

When teaching the pregnant patient about self-medicating for pain during labor, why did the nurse instruct the patient to avoid taking acetylsalicylic acid?

A) Development of respiratory depression in the newborn
B) Interference with the ability to concentrate on contractions
C) Interference with blood coagulation with increased risk of bleeding in mother or infant
D) Competition with bilirubin-binding sites in fetal circulation increases risk of kernicterus.

Mochi · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 27, 2018

Answer to Question 1

C
Feedback:
Regional anesthesia is the injection of a local anesthetic to block specific nerve pathways. This achieves pain relief by blocking sodium and potassium transport in the nerve membrane so the nerve is unable to conduct sensations. General anesthesia is rarely used and is not referred to as being general anesthesia. Pressure anesthesia results from the fetal head pressing against the stretched perineum. A pudendal nerve block is the injection of a local anesthetic through the vagina to anesthetize the pudendal nerve.

Answer to Question 2

C
Feedback:
The nurse should caution the pregnant patient not to take acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) for pain in labor because aspirin interferes with blood coagulation, increasing the risk for bleeding in the newborn or patient. Aspirin does not cause respiratory depression in the newborn, interfere with contractions, or compete with bilirubin-binding cites in fetal circulation.