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:
A) visceral.
B) referred.
C) somatic.
D) afterpain.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As labor progresses the woman often experiences referred pain.This occurs when pain that originates in the uterus radiates to the abdominal wall,the lumbosacral area of the back,the gluteal area,and thighs.The woman usually has pain only during a contraction and is free from pain between contractions.Visceral pain is that which predominates in the first stage of labor.This pain originates from cervical changes,distention of the lower uterine segment,and uterine ischemia.Visceral pain is located over the lower portion of the abdomen.Somatic pain is described as intense,sharp,burning,and well localized.This results from stretching of the perineal tissues and the pelvic floor.This occurs during the second stage of labor.Pain experienced during the third stage of labor or afterward during the early after birth period is uterine.This pain is very similar to that experienced in the first stage of labor.

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