A couple is struggling with infertility and wants to know how to maintain their emotional balance.
Which response from the nurse would be most appropriate?

Rationale for Choice A:

Encouraging the woman to rest between contractions can promote relaxation and help conserve energy, but it does not directly address the mechanisms of pain transmission as explained by the gate-control theory. Rest can have indirect benefits for pain management, but it does not directly interfere with pain signals in the same way that massage does.

Rationale for Choice B:

Administering prescribed medication can effectively block pain signals, but it does not rely on the principles of the gatecontrol theory. Medications typically work through pharmacological mechanisms that target pain receptors or neurotransmitters, rather than by competing with pain signals at the spinal cord level.

Rationale for Choice D:

Changing the woman's position can sometimes alleviate discomfort by shifting pressure or encouraging fetal movement, but it does not directly apply the gate-control theory either. Position changes can offer some physical relief, but they do not directly modulate the transmission of pain signals.

Rationale for Choice C:

Massaging the woman's back directly aligns with the gate-control theory of pain management. This theory proposes that nonpainful sensory input can effectively compete with pain signals, preventing them from reaching the brain. The following mechanisms explain how massage applies this theory:

Stimulation of non-painful nerve fibers: Massage activates large-diameter nerve fibers that transmit touch, pressure, and vibration sensations. These signals travel faster than pain signals and can effectively "close the gate" at the spinal cord, preventing pain signals from ascending to the brain.

Release of endorphins: Massage can stimulate the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain relievers. Endorphins bind to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing the perception of pain.

Reduction of muscle tension: Labor pain often involves muscle tension and spasms. Massage can help relax tense muscles, which can indirectly reduce pain by decreasing muscle ischemia and the release of pain-provoking substances.

Promotion of relaxation and distraction: Massage can induce a state of relaxation and provide a distraction from pain. This psychological effect can further contribute to pain relief by reducing anxiety and focusing attention on pleasant sensations.

Conclusion:

Massage offers a non-pharmacological, evidence-based approach to pain management that directly aligns with the gate-control theory. By stimulating non-painful sensory input, promoting relaxation, and releasing endorphins, massage effectively interrupts pain signals and provides significant relief for women in labor.

Choice A rationale:

Urine output (UO) does not completely stop during the oliguric phase of acute renal failure. While it is significantly reduced, some urine production still occurs. Complete cessation of urine output is known as anuria, which is a more severe condition and a medical emergency.

Anuria may occur in the most severe cases of acute renal failure, but it is not the defining characteristic of the oliguric phase.

It's crucial to distinguish between oliguria and anuria, as their management approaches differ significantly.

Choice B rationale:

During the oliguric phase of acute renal failure, urine output (UO) is less than 400 mL/24 hours. This is the defining characteristic of this phase.

The decrease in urine output is due to damage to the kidneys' filtering units, known as nephrons. As a result, the kidneys are unable to filter waste products and excess fluids effectively from the blood, leading to their accumulation in the body.

This reduced urine output can lead to various complications, including fluid overload, electrolyte imbalances, and a buildup of waste products in the blood (uremia).

Choice C rationale:

Urine output (UO) is always measured during the oliguric phase of acute renal failure. It is a vital clinical indicator to monitor the severity of kidney dysfunction and guide treatment decisions.

Accurate measurement of urine output is essential for assessing fluid balance, kidney function, and the effectiveness of treatment interventions.

Choice D rationale:

Urine output (UO) is not greater than 500 mL/24 hours during the oliguric phase of acute renal failure. A urine output greater than 500 mL/24 hours would indicate a non-oliguric phase of acute renal failure or a potential recovery phase.