ATI RN
Promoting patient comfort during labor and birth questions quizlet Questions
Question 1 of 5
A laboring patient who imagines her body opening to let the baby out is using a mental technique called
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: imagery. Imagery involves creating mental pictures or sensations to help focus and relax the mind. In this scenario, the laboring patient visualizes her body opening to facilitate the birthing process, which can help reduce anxiety and pain perception. Effleurage (B) is a massage technique, dissociation (C) is a coping strategy to mentally detach from pain, and distraction (D) involves diverting attention away from pain stimuli. However, in this case, the patient's focus on visualizing the birthing process aligns with the use of imagery.
Question 2 of 5
The process of labor places significant metabolic demands on the obstetric patient. Which physiologic findings would be expected?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice C is correct: 1. Labor is a physically demanding process that requires increased energy expenditure. 2. Increased uterine activity during labor leads to higher oxygen consumption by the mother. 3. Maternal demand for oxygen increases to meet the metabolic needs of both the mother and the fetus. 4. Adequate oxygen supply is crucial to support the increased workload during labor. Summary: A: Incorrect. Labor typically leads to increased blood pressure due to sympathetic activation, not decreased. B: Incorrect. Uterine vasoconstriction is not expected during labor as it needs adequate blood supply for contractions. D: Incorrect. Catecholamine release during labor can lead to vasoconstriction, not increased blood flow to the placenta.
Question 3 of 5
A patient in labor reports a feeling of burning pain during the second stage of labor. This type of pain is associated with
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: somatic pain. Somatic pain is caused by the activation of pain receptors in the skin, muscles, or bones. In the second stage of labor, the baby's head passes through the birth canal, stretching the pelvic floor muscles and causing pressure and stretching of the perineum. This results in somatic pain due to the activation of pain receptors in these structures. Visceral pain (choice A) is deep, dull pain from internal organs, not applicable here. Tissue ischemia (choice B) refers to inadequate blood supply causing tissue damage, not pain. Cervical dilation (choice C) is not typically associated with burning pain.
Question 4 of 5
A labor patient has brought in a photograph of her two children and asks the nurse to place it on the wall so that she can look at it during labor contractions. This is an example of
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: focal point. Placing the photograph on the wall serves as a focal point for the laboring patient, helping her to concentrate and stay focused during contractions. By having a specific point of visual focus, the patient can channel her energy and emotions towards the photo, providing a sense of comfort and motivation. It can also serve as a source of inspiration and reminder of the joy of motherhood, which can help in managing the pain and anxiety of labor. Summary of other choices: B: Distraction - While the photograph may provide a distraction, the primary purpose is to serve as a focal point for the patient. C: Effleurage - Effleurage is a massage technique used in labor, not related to placing a photograph on the wall. D: Relaxation - While the photograph may help in relaxation indirectly by providing comfort and focus, the primary purpose is not relaxation but rather concentration and emotional support.
Question 5 of 5
A laboring patient has asked the nurse to assist her in utilizing a cutaneous stimulation strategy for pain management. The nurse would
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because applying a heat pack to the lower back can help alleviate labor pain through cutaneous stimulation. Heat therapy can increase blood flow, relax muscles, and reduce pain perception. Choice A is not specific to cutaneous stimulation and may not provide effective pain relief. Choice C focuses on mental imagery, not cutaneous stimulation. Choice D, while helpful for pain management, does not involve cutaneous stimulation.