Author Question: A woman in active first stage of labor is using a shallow pattern of breathing that is about twice ... (Read 53 times)

BRWH · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

A woman in active first stage of labor is using a shallow pattern of breathing that is about twice the normal adult breathing rate. She begins to complain of feeling lightheaded and dizzy and states her fingers are tingling. The nurse should:

a. Tell the woman to slow the pace of her breathing.
b. Administer oxygen via mask or nasal cannula.
c. Notify the health care provider.
d. Help her breathe into a paper bag or her cupped hands.

Question 2

After receiving a pudendal block, which reaction is the patient likely to experience?

a. Complete relief from the pain of uterine contractions during labor
b. Numbness of her legs after delivery
c. Delayed voiding after delivery because the nerves supplying the bladder are numb
d. Numbness of the birth canal and perineum to allow pushing during delivery

kjo;oj · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Hyperventilation (decreased carbon dioxide CO2) can occur as a result of rapid breathing. CO2 depletion can cause dizziness, numbness or tingling of hands and mouth, blurring of vision, and muscle spasms of the hands. The woman should be encouraged to rebreathe CO2 from a paper bag or cupped hands because continued hyperventilation can deprive the fetus of oxygen. Generally, this will help the woman slow her breathing pattern. Oxygen administration will not solve the problem.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
A pudendal block is performed during the second stage of labor to block the pudendal nerve, numbing the birth canal and perineum to allow pushing during delivery, and to facilitate episiotomy repair. Although this type of anesthesia relieves discomfort from perineal distention, it does not affect pain from uterine contractions. The pudendal block does not affect the uterus, bladder, or legs.