Pregnancy discomfort
What hormone is primarily responsible for nausea and vomiting during the first trimester?
hcG
What are 2 types of labor pain?
Visceral pain and somatic pain
What is effleurage
Light rhythmic abdominal massage
Which medication reverses opioid-induced respiratory depression
Naloxone (Narcan)
What is the most common complication after an epidural
hypotension
What hormone slows gastric motility and commonly causes heartburn and constipation during pregnancy
Progesterone
Name some psychosocial factors that influence pain perception
anxiety, fear, culture, previous pain experiences, support system, childbirth preparation
Name some examples of nonpharmalaogical pain relief methods
breathing, massage, heat, cold, TENS, hydrotherapy, music
What is the most effective pharmacologic pain relief during labor
Epidural anesthesia
Before an epidural what should the nurse administer
IV bolus normal saline or LR
A pregnant woman complains of painful nighttime leg cramps. what is the best nursing intervention?
Dorsiflex the foot to the relive the cramp
According to the gate control theory, what helps reduce the perception of pain
stimulation such as massage, touch, movement, breathing, and relaxation "closes the gate"
Why is hydrotherapy helpful during labor
It promotes relaxation and decreases pain
Name 3 contraindications to an epidural
hypertension, hemorrhage, increased ICP
what maternal and fetal assessments should be performed immediately after epidural placement
maternal blood pressure, heart rate, respirations, fetal heart rate
What causes carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy
Edema compressing the median nerve
name the physiological effects of excessive labor pain
increased oxygen demand, increased catecholamines, increased cortisol, decreased placental oxygen exchange
What are 3 breathing techniques taught for labor
slow breathing, quick breathing, patterned breathing
Why should opioids not be given close to delivery
they can cause neonatal respiratory depression
why is the woman positioned on her side after receiving an epidural
to improve placental circulation and prevent supine hypotension
Match these discomforts with their cause
- Round ligament pain
- Dyspnea
- Hemorrhoids
Round ligament pain--> uterine growth/stretching ligaments
Dyspnea--> uterus presses on diaphragm
Hemorrhoids--> constipation and vascular changes
Besides asking for a pain rating, what else should the nurse assess
Coping ability and satisfaction with the labor experience
Why are nonpharmalogical methods recommended even the medications are available
they reduce anxiety, increase coping, and can decrease the need for medications
During what situation is general anesthesia most commonly used
emergency c-section
a laboring patient receives an epidural 5 minutes later her blood pressure drops to 82/48 and the fetal heart rate decreases. what is the nurse priority action
turn the patient to her left side, increase iv fluids, administer oxygen if indicated, notify the provider, continue monitoring maternal vital signs and fetal heart rate