Author Question: In order to evaluate the condition of the patient accurately during labor, the nurse should be aware ... (Read 59 times)

karlynnae · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

In order to evaluate the condition of the patient accurately during labor, the nurse should be aware that:

a. The woman's blood pressure will increase during contractions and fall back to prelabor normal between contractions.
b. Use of the Valsalva maneuver is encouraged during the second stage of labor to relieve fetal hypoxia.
c. Having the woman point her toes will reduce leg cramps.
d. The endogenous endorphins released during labor will raise the woman's pain threshold and produce sedation.

Question 2

In relation to primary and secondary powers, the maternity nurse comprehends that:

a. Primary powers are responsible for effacement and dilation of the cervix.
b. Effacement generally is well ahead of dilation in women giving birth for the first time; they are closer together in subsequent pregnancies.
c. Scarring of the cervix caused by a previous infection or surgery may make the delivery a bit more painful, but it should not slow or inhibit dilation.
d. Pushing in the second stage of labor is more effective if the woman can breathe deeply and control some of her involuntary needs to push, as the nurse directs.

JaynaD87 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
The endogenous endorphins released during labor will raise the woman's pain threshold and produce sedation. In addition, physiologic anesthesia of the perineal tissues, caused by the pressure of the presenting part, decreases the mother's perception of pain. Blood pressure increases during contractions but remains somewhat elevated between them. Use of the Valsalva maneuver is discouraged during second stage labor because of a number of unhealthy outcomes, including fetal hypoxia. Pointing the toes can cause leg cramps, as can the process of labor itself.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
The primary powers are responsible for dilation and effacement; secondary powers are concerned with expulsion of the fetus. Effacement generally is well ahead of dilation in first-timers; they are closer together in subsequent pregnancies. Scarring of the cervix may slow dilation. Pushing is more effective and less fatiguing when the woman begins to push only after she has the urge to do so.