Author Question: A relaxation technique that can be used during the childbirth experience to decrease maternal pain ... (Read 223 times)

Brittanyd9008 · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

A relaxation technique that can be used during the childbirth experience to decrease maternal pain perception is:

a. using increased environmental stimulation as a method of distraction.
b. restricting family and friends from visiting during the labor period to keep the client focused on breathing techniques.
c. medicating the client frequently to reduce pain perception.
d. assisting the client in breathing methods aimed at taking control of pain perception based on the contraction pattern.

Question 2

The support person for your labor client has been applying gentle massage to the client's upper back frequently over the past hour. Now, the labor client states that it just isn't helping anymore.

Both the support person and labor client are becoming frustrated with each other's inability to make things less stressful during the labor process. What would be the best nursing response at this time?

a. Have the client change position and tell the support person to take a break.
b. Discuss the effects of habituation and suggest alternate measures that could be used to relieve pain.
c. Advise the client that this may be the best time to ask for an epidural.
d. Tell the client and support person that she must be progressing further and you will do a vaginal exam to determine progress.

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Relaxation techniques are aimed at incorporating mind and body activities to maintain control over pain. Additional environmental stimuli may have the opposite effect and increase client anxiety, which will affect pain perception. Restricting visitors may have the opposite effect, leading to increased anxiety because of isolation. Medicating a client may not decrease pain perception but may place the client at risk for adverse reactions and/or complications of pregnancy related to medications.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The process of habituation occurs as nerve fibers become less responsive to massage efforts, so alternative methods should be suggested to reduce frustration and improve outcomes. Although it might be advisable to suggest a break for the support person, that will leave the client alone when she is clearly frustrated. Change of position may be advisable. There is no indication that the client wants to have anesthesia as part of the labor-birth plan. Vaginal exams are done to determine progress but the situation as stated does not indicate that the client is progressing further so this might lead to further frustration if the findings do not indicate progress.