Question 1

Which of the following is a primary source of pain during the first stage of labor?

Accepted Answer

Dilation and effacement stretching of the cervix

Question 2

A woman in active labor is administered fentanyl via IV for pain relief. Which nursing action is MOST important immediately after administration?

Accepted Answer

Monitor maternal vital signs and fetal heart rate pattern

Question 3

Which of the following is a contraindication for the use of nitrous oxide during labor?

Accepted Answer

Current vitamin B12 deficiency

Question 4

A patient with a history of opiate dependency is in labor. Which medication should be avoided due to risk of severe withdrawal?

Accepted Answer

Naloxone (Narcan)

Question 5

Which of the following is a major disadvantage of epidural anesthesia during labor?

Accepted Answer

Restriction of movement and potential for maternal hypotension

Question 6

A laboring woman receives an epidural block. What is the most common complication associated with this procedure?

Accepted Answer

Maternal hypotension

Question 7

Which nursing intervention helps minimize the risk of hypotension after epidural anesthesia?

Accepted Answer

Preloading with a bolus of crystalloid solution

Question 8

A woman in labor is given promethazine (Phenergan) as an additive medication. What is the primary purpose of this drug in labor pain management?

Accepted Answer

To potentiate opioid analgesia and control nausea

Question 9

Which of the following statements best describes the difference between analgesia and anesthesia?

Accepted Answer

Analgesia is pain relief without loss of sensation or consciousness; anesthesia is loss of physical sensation with or without loss of consciousness.

Question 10

A laboring woman is administered nitrous oxide (N$_2$O) 50%/O$_2$ 50%. What is the expected onset of action after initiation of inhalation?

Accepted Answer

$30$ to $50$ seconds

Question 11

Which of the following is a key nursing action when caring for a woman receiving general anesthesia for an emergency cesarean section?

Accepted Answer

Place a wedge under one of the patient's hips to displace the uterus

Question 12

A woman in labor is experiencing nausea and vomiting after receiving an epidural. Which medication is most appropriate to administer?

Accepted Answer

Metoclopramide (Reglan)

Question 13

Which of the following is a potential complication of spinal anesthesia that requires specific nursing intervention?

Accepted Answer

Postpartum headache from cerebrospinal fluid leakage

Question 14

A woman in labor is administered butorphanol (Stadol). Which of the following is TRUE regarding its use?

Accepted Answer

It provides pain relief without significant respiratory depression in the mother

Question 15

Which of the following is an advantage of epidural anesthesia during labor?

Accepted Answer

The woman remains awake and alert for delivery

Question 16

A laboring woman is receiving opioid analgesics. Which antidote should be readily available in case of opioid-induced respiratory depression?

Accepted Answer

Naloxone (Narcan)

Question 17

Which of the following is a disadvantage of spinal anesthesia compared to epidural anesthesia?

Accepted Answer

Higher risk of postpartum headache due to cerebrospinal fluid leakage

Question 18

A woman in labor is unable to follow instructions and is withdrawing from interaction. Which assessment finding is MOST likely associated with her pain experience?

Accepted Answer

Inability to follow instructions and withdrawal are nonverbal cues indicating pain

Question 19

A patient receiving an epidural block is found to have a maternal coagulopathy. What is the appropriate nursing action?

Accepted Answer

Do not administer the epidural block due to contraindication

Question 20

Which of the following is a real-world application of pain management in labor that integrates both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic methods?

Accepted Answer

Providing continuous labor support and hydrotherapy while monitoring vital signs and administering opioid analgesics as needed

Pain Management in Labor: Study Notes for Personal Health Students

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards