Which nursing care measure, commonly offered to women in labor, reflects the application of the gate-control theory?
Encourage the woman to rest between contractions.
Administer the prescribed medication.
Massage the woman’s back.
Change the woman’s position.
The Correct Answer is C
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This statement is incorrect. The risk factor for a genetic disorder can vary depending on the specific disorder and the family history. For example, the risk of having a child with an autosomal recessive disorder is higher if there is a history of the disorder in the family.
Additionally, some genetic disorders have a higher risk of recurrence than others. For example, the risk of having a child with cystic fibrosis is 25% if both parents are carriers of the gene.
It's crucial for nurses to be aware of the varying risk factors associated with different genetic disorders to provide accurate information and counseling to families.
Choice C rationale:
This statement is also incorrect. The risk of a disorder involving maternal ingestion of drugs being repeated in the second child depends on several factors, including the specific drug, the dose, and the timing of exposure.
It cannot be generalized to a one in four chance for all drug-related disorders. Nurses should consult with appropriate resources and specialists to determine the specific risks associated with different drugs and exposures.
Choice D rationale:
This statement is incorrect for autosomal dominant disorders. With an autosomal dominant disorder, the likelihood of the second child also having the condition is 50%, not 100%. Each child has a 50% chance of inheriting the affected gene from the affected parent.
It's essential for nurses to understand the inheritance patterns of different genetic disorders to provide accurate information and support to families.
Choice B rationale:
This statement is correct. An autosomal recessive disease carries a one in eight risk of the second child also having the disorder. This is because both parents must be carriers of the affected gene for a child to inherit the disorder.
If both parents are carriers, there is a 25% chance that each child will inherit two copies of the affected gene and have the disorder. However, there is also a 50% chance that each child will inherit only one copy of the affected gene and be a carrier, and a 25% chance that each child will inherit two normal copies of the gene and not be affected.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Infertility is a common issue for women with endometriosis. The endometrial tissue that grows outside the uterus can cause scarring and inflammation, which can block fallopian tubes and prevent eggs from being released or fertilized. Studies have shown that 30-50% of women with endometriosis experience infertility.
It is important to address this potential issue with the patient and discuss options for fertility preservation if desired.
Choice B rationale:
There is no evidence to suggest that women with endometriosis are more likely to have multiples. The likelihood of having multiples is primarily influenced by factors such as genetics, maternal age, and the use of fertility treatments.
Choice C rationale:
Acetaminophen may not be effective for pain relief in women with endometriosis. The pain associated with endometriosis is often severe and can be unresponsive to over-the-counter pain relievers. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen are often more effective in managing endometriosis-related pain.
In some cases, stronger pain medications such as opioids may be necessary.
Choice D rationale:
Oral contraceptives can be helpful for women with endometriosis by:
Suppressing ovulation, which can reduce the amount of endometrial tissue that grows and bleeds each month.
Thinning the uterine lining, which can also reduce pain and bleeding.
Slowing the growth of endometrial tissue.
Oral contraceptives are not a cure for endometriosis, but they can help to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
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