Nursing care measures are commonly offered to women in labor. Which nursing measure reflects application of the gate-control theory?

Question

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The gate-control theory suggests that the perception of pain can be modulated by the activation or inhibition of nerve fibers in the spinal cord. Massaging the woman's back stimulates large-diameter nerve fibers, which can block the transmission of pain signals from smaller-diameter nerve fibers, resulting in pain relief. This is an example of nonpharmacological pain management. Changing the woman's position or encouraging rest between contractions can also provide pain relief to some extent but does not reflect the application of the gate-control theory. Giving prescribed medication is a pharmacological measure that does not necessarily reflect the application of the gate-control theory.

Nursing Care Measures Are Commonly Offered to Women in Labor