A nurse is caring for a client who is in labor. Which of the following nursing actions reflects application of the gate control theory of pain?
Turn the client onto her left side.
Massage the client's back.
Encourage the client to rest between contractions
Administer prescribed analgesic medication
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is B. Massage the client's back.
A. Turning the client onto her left side may be a comfort measure, but it is not specifically associated with the gate control theory of pain. It may help improve blood flow and relieve pressure but does not directly engage the gate control mechanism.
B. Massage the client's back is consistent with the gate control theory of pain.
According to the gate control theory, non-painful input (such as massage) can close the "gate" to painful input, reducing the perception of pain. Massage stimulates large-diameter nerve fibers, which can inhibit the transmission of painful signals.
C. Encouraging the client to rest between contractions is a general comfort measure but is not directly related to the gate control theory of pain.
D. Administering prescribed analgesic medication is a pharmacological approach to pain management and is not specifically associated with the gate control theory. Medications can act on pain receptors but do not engage the gate control mechanism.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Decreased heart rate: This is not typically an indication of pain in a newborn. Pain can often lead to an increased heart rate as the body responds to stress or discomfort.
B. Chin quivering: This is a common sign of pain in newborns. When infants experience pain, they may exhibit facial expressions such as quivering of the chin, furrowing of the brow, or grimacing.
C. Pinpoint pupils: Pinpoint pupils are not a typical sign of pain in a newborn. This may be associated with certain medications or conditions affecting the nervous system, but it is not a direct indicator of pain.
D. Slowed respirations: While pain can sometimes cause changes in respiratory patterns, slowed respirations alone may not be a reliable indicator of pain in a newborn. Other signs, such as facial expressions or crying, are often more indicative of pain.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Confirming the newborn's Apgar score is important for assessing the newborn's overall condition, but it may not be the first priority.
Choice B Reason:
Verifying the newborn's identification is appropriate. Ensuring accurate identification is a crucial step in newborn care to prevent errors and ensure that interventions are carried out on the correct infant.
Choice C Reason:
Administering vitamin K is a standard practice but can wait until after the newborn's identification is confirmed.
Choice D Reason:
Determining obstetrical risk factors is part of the overall assessment but is not the immediate priority in this situation.
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