After change-of-shift report, the nurse assumes care of a multiparous patient in labor. The woman is complaining of pain that radiates to her abdominal wall, lower back, and buttocks and down her thighs. Before implementing a plan of care, the nurse should understand that this type of pain is:

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The pain that radiates to multiple areas is referred pain, which occurs when pain is felt at a location other than the site of the painful stimulus. In this case, the painful stimulus is likely the woman's uterus contracting during labor, but the pain is being felt in other areas of the body due to nerve pathways. Visceral pain is generally felt in the internal organs and is often described as a dull ache or pressure, while somatic pain is felt in the skin or musculoskeletal system and is often described as sharp or localized. Afterpain refers to the pain that occurs during postpartum uterine contractions, not during labor.

After Change-Of-Shift Report, the Nurse Assumes Care of a Multiparous