Labor and Delivery and Pain Management Options

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and details related to labor, delivery, and pain management options, helping students review vital information for their upcoming exam.

What factors contribute to women feeling satisfied with their childbirth experience?

Women describe feelings of personal accomplishment, increased self-esteem, greater self-confidence, and success as a couple.

What defines the start of true labor?

True labor is defined by strong, painful contractions accompanied by cervical change.

What is the role of Group Beta Strep (GBS) testing in pregnancy?

ACOG, AAP, and CDC recommend testing for GBS at 34-37 weeks; if positive, women are treated in labor unless a cesarean section is planned and membranes are intact.

What are the 5 Ps of Labor?

The 5 Ps of Labor are: The Passenger (fetus and placenta), The Passage (birth canal), The Powers (contractions), Position (maternal position), and The Psyche (psychological response).

What is fetal presentation?

Fetal presentation refers to the part of the fetal body that enters the pelvis first, which can be cephalic (95%), breech (3%), or shoulder (2%).

What factors can affect maternal and uteroplacental perfusion during labor?

Maternal positioning can affect perfusion as well as perception of pain and fetal position.

What are the signs of true labor?

Signs of true labor include regular contractions that increase in intensity and frequency, cervical change, and bloody show.

What nursing interventions should be performed during Stage 1 of labor?

Nursing interventions include admission procedures, education, comfort measures, position changes, pain management, and constant fetal monitoring.

What is the impact of maternal hypotension during labor?

Maternal hypotension can lead to fetal distress, reduced blood flow to the uterus, and complications for both mother and baby.

What are non-pharmacologic pain management methods for labor?

Non-pharmacologic methods include counterpressure, effleurage, water therapy, heat/cold application, and massage.

What are the key advantages of using an epidural during labor?

Benefits of an epidural include frequent complete pain relief, continuous or bolus medication delivery, and minimal direct effects on the fetus.

What potential complications can arise from epidural anesthesia?

Complications include maternal hypotension, spinal headache, hematoma, partial or incomplete pain management, and total spinal block.

Why is labor support important for pain relief?

Labor support involving comfort measures, emotional support, and position changes can significantly enhance a woman's labor experience and reduce pain.

What are the factors affecting birth?

Factors affecting birth include maternal age, health status, socioeconomic factors, nutritional status, and prenatal care.

What are the stages and phases of labor and birth?

The stages of labor are: 1) Early labor phase, 2) Active labor phase, 3) Transition phase, and 4) Delivery phase.

What are maternal physiologic changes and fetal adaptations during labor?

Maternal physiologic changes include hormone fluctuations, cervical dilation, and increased uterine contractions. Fetal adaptations involve changes in heart rate and positioning for delivery.

What positions are effective during labor and birth?

Effective positions for labor include upright and mobile positions, such as walking, squatting, and using a birthing ball. Specific positions vary by stage.

What is the difference between true and false labor?

True labor contractions are regular and increase in intensity and frequency, indicating impending birth, while false labor contractions are irregular and do not lead to cervical change.

What are the findings indicative of maternal progress in labor?

Physical findings include uterine contractions, cervical dilation, and fetal descent. Psychosocial findings may include maternal focus and emotional responses.

What are effective interventions to promote labor progress?

Effective interventions include ambulation, hydration, pain management, and continuous labor support. Ineffective interventions include unnecessary medical procedures and inadequate monitoring.

What are appropriate interventions for labor dystocia?

Interventions for labor dystocia can include positioning changes, hydration, rupture of membranes, and use of oxytocin.

How is the Bishop Score interpreted?

The Bishop Score assesses cervical favorability for labor, based on parameters like dilation, effacement, station, consistency, and position.

What are the risks and benefits of mechanical and chemical agents for cervical ripening?

Mechanical agents may include balloon catheters or membranes stripping, while chemical agents are prostaglandins. Benefits include increased cervical readiness; risks can involve uterine hyperstimulation or infection.

How is oxytocin used in the context of labor?

Oxytocin is used to manage labor progression; careful dosing is necessary to prevent uterine hyperstimulation and adverse fetal effects.

What are presenting signs and management strategies for complications like shoulder dystocia?

Signs of shoulder dystocia include turtle sign and difficulty delivering the shoulders. Management includes maternal positioning and specific maneuvers to relieve the obstruction.

What are key findings for assessing preterm labor?

Key findings include uterine contractions, cervical dilation, and risk factors like previous preterm birth or infections.

What is the nurse’s role in collaborative care for preterm labor?

The nurse’s role includes monitoring maternal and fetal status, educating the patient, and coordinating care with the healthcare team.

What non-pharmacologic strategies enhance comfort during labor?

Non-pharmacologic strategies include breathing techniques, relaxation, visualization, and hydrotherapy.

What are the effects of pain medications in labor?

Pain medications can provide analgesia but may also cause side effects such as sedation in the mother and potential respiratory depression in the baby.

What are the different types of anesthesia used in labor?

Types of anesthesia include parenteral (systemic), regional (epidural, spinal), and general anesthesia, each with specific risks and benefits.

How can maternal and fetal side effects of anesthesia be managed?

Proper monitoring, informed consent, and having emergency protocols in place can help mitigate risks associated with anesthesia.