Unit 11: Comfort

Question 1

What is visceral pain?

Answer 1

pain from uterus; dull and achy; usually lower back/gluteal area

Question 2

What is somatic pain?

Answer 2

pain from soft tissues and musculoskeletal structure; intense, sharp, burning; more part of 2nd stage

Localized

Question 3

What are factors influencing pain?

Answer 3

Previous experience with pain
Culture
Anxiety
Intensity of pain
Gate-control
Comfort
Environment

Question 4

What effect does anxiety during labor?

Answer 4

Effectiveness of contraction decrease
Discomfort increases

Question 5

What is the gate-control theory?

Answer 5

Only a certain amount of sensation can travel up the pathway to the brain.

Question 6

What are breathing techniques in each stage of labor?

Answer 6

Early labor = slow breathing
Active labor = rapid, lighter breathing
1st stage = promotes relaxation of abdominal muscles
2nd stage = increases abdominal pressure, relaxes the pudendal muscles

Question 7

What are nonpharmalogical ways to deal with pain?

Answer 7

Childbirth preparation
Breathing techniques
Effleurage and counterpressure
Touch and massage
Application of heat and cold
Acupuncture
Music
Aromatherapy
Hypnosis
Water therapy

Question 8

What are pharmacologic pain management?

Answer 8

Nerve blocks - epidural, spinal, pudendal nerve block
General anesthesia
Opioids
Sedatives
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)

Question 9

What is care management for woman in labor?

Answer 9

pain assessment
nonpharmacological interventions
Pharmacological intervention (informed consent, timing of administration, preparation for procedures, administration of medication)
Nursing care is a collaborative effort