A major advantage of nonpharmacologic pain management is

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because nonpharmacologic pain management methods, such as relaxation techniques or massage, do not involve medications that could potentially harm the fetus. This ensures there are no side effects or risks to the fetus during labor. Option A is incorrect as nonpharmacologic pain management does not necessarily guarantee a more rapid labor. Option B is incorrect because while nonpharmacologic methods can provide pain relief, it may not always be more complete compared to pharmacologic options. Option D is incorrect as some nonpharmacologic methods may alter alertness levels, such as hypnosis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. A patient who delivered a stillborn baby last year is more likely to experience increased anxiety and tension during labor due to previous traumatic experience. This can trigger fear and worry about the current pregnancy outcome, leading to heightened emotional distress. Incorrect Choices: A: Refusing medication does not necessarily correlate with increased anxiety during labor. C: Not attending childbirth classes may result in lack of knowledge but does not directly relate to increased anxiety during labor. D: Having two children younger than 3 years may cause stress but does not specifically indicate increased anxiety during labor.

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.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Increased maternal pain perception during labor can lead to decreased perfusion to the placenta due to catecholamine secretion. When a mother experiences pain, stress hormones like catecholamines are released, causing vasoconstriction of blood vessels, including those supplying the placenta. This vasoconstriction reduces blood flow to the placenta, potentially compromising fetal oxygenation and nutrient delivery. Choice A is incorrect because increased catecholamine secretion would not directly cause an increase in uterine contractions. Choice B is incorrect because alpha receptors are not typically involved in decreasing blood pressure in response to pain perception. Choice D is incorrect because increased uterine blood flow would not cause an increase in maternal blood pressure; in fact, it would likely have the opposite effect as increased blood flow typically leads to decreased blood pressure.

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.