4-4.
EVALUATION OF THE DEGREE OF PAIN BEING EXPERIENCED
a. What The Mother Says. Is she requesting pain medication? Is she talking
during the actual contraction?
b. Patient's Response. Comparison of the patient's response to a given
specific phase of labor to the expected response for that phase is considered. The
patient is usually talkative and able to walk about during the latent phase. Whereas, the
patient may be nauseated, irritable, and uncooperative in the transition phase.
c. Facial Expression. This usually gives the truest impression. Grimacing
indicates increased pain.
d. Color of Skin. If the patient's skin is pale, she may be weak or tired. If she is
perspiring, she may be working hard with each contraction.
e. Blood Pressure, Pulse, and Respirations. The patient's blood pressure is
expected to elevate during the actual contraction, which is due to vasoconstriction. Her
blood pressure should be taken at least fifteen seconds after contractions subsides. As
anxiety and pain increase, the patient's blood pressure, pulse, and respiration increase.
f. Posture. The patient may become stiff and tense up. This is an indication
that the patient is not tolerating well. Her legs and arms may be loose and relaxed.
This indicates that the patient is effectively dilating with contractions.
4-5.
GOALS OF NURSING MEASURES TO MINIMIZE DISCOMFORT DURING
CHILDBIRTH
Nursing measures to minimize discomfort during childbirth involves two areas.
They are to decrease the intensity of pain and to minimize the degree to which the
patient is bothered by pain. In decreasing the intensity of pain, the patient is given the
opportunity to rest and is allowed more involved participation in the childbirth process.
In addition, minimizing the degree to which the patient is bothered by pain will allow her
to progress faster and keep her from becoming so fatigued.
4-6.
NURSING MEASURES UTILIZED TO MINIMIZE DISCOMFORT DURING
CHILDBIRTH
a. Give Frequent Explanations to the Patient.
(1) Explain to the patient what she is to expect, especially if she did not
attend childbirth classes.
(2)
Give simple and straightforward answers.
(3)
Inform the patient of all progress. Do not give specific times for
progress.
MD0922
4-5