A woman is experiencing a long and painful labor and is becoming increasingly intolerant of the pain.She has been receiving frequent,small doses of IV hydromorphone (Dilaudid).The nurse suggests that she switch from medication to massage and water treatments.The patient is reluctant.What explanation by the nurse is best?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pharmacological pain interventions can slow the progress of labor,especially if the labor pattern was not well established prior to initiating medication.In order to ease pain and discomfort,the nurse should suggest nonpharmacological measures that should help decrease the amount of pain medication the woman requires.The other statements are not accurate,and telling the woman she has to choose between relaxation techniques or amniotomy sounds vaguely threatening.

A Woman Is Experiencing a Long and Painful Labor and Is