The nerve block used in labor that provides anesthesia to the lower vagina and perineum is referred to as a(n)

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: pudendal. Pudendal nerve block is specifically used to provide anesthesia to the lower vagina and perineum during labor. This block targets the pudendal nerve, which innervates these areas, providing effective pain relief for childbirth. A local anesthetic is more general and may not specifically target the lower vagina and perineum. Epidural anesthesia is typically used to provide pain relief during labor but does not specifically target the lower vagina and perineum. A spinal block provides anesthesia for a larger area including the lower abdomen and legs, not specifically the lower vagina and perineum.

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.

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.