The perinatal nurse explains to the new graduate nurse that fear ...

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The perinatal nurse explains to the new graduate nurse that fear and anxiety have physiological consequences in labor. The nurse is referring to what physiological process?
 
  A.
  Diminished effectiveness of contractions
  B.
  Faster, more intense labor and delivery
  C.
  Increased release of maternal endorphins
  D.
  More tissue trauma due to hurrying the delivery

Question 2

A woman is using a birth ball to promote comfort and fetal descent. The nurse observes the woman rocking back and forth while sitting on the ball. What action by the nurse is most appropriate?
 
  A.
  Assess her response to the birth ball and document.
  B.
  Document that she is using the modality.
  C.
  Explain that she should move the ball in a circle.
  D.
  Instruct her to only use the birth ball for 10 minutes.

[LegendaryAnswers]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
As muscle tension increases due to fear or anxiety, the effectiveness of uterine contractions decreases. Maternal pain is intensified. This leads to decreased labor progress.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
The birth ball helps with comfort and fetal descent during labor. The patient is using it correctly; the two methods are moving it in a circle and rocking back and forth. The nurse should assess her response to this modality and document it. There is no time restriction on using a birth ball.

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Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[bigcheese9]

Excellent