A laboring patient requests hot and cold applications be applied to her abdomen for pain control.How will this intervention act to control pain?
A) By increasing endorphin production
B) By facilitating effacement and dilation
C) By producing increasing pain tolerance
D) By stimulation of large nerve fibers

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The gate control theory explains how pain impulses reach the brain for interpretation.It supports several nonpharmacological methods of pain control.According to this theory,pain is transmitted through small-diameter nerve fibers.However,the stimulation of large-diameter nerve fibers temporarily interferes with the conduction of impulses through small-diameter fibers.Techniques to stimulate large-diameter fibers and "close the gate" to painful impulses include massage,palm and fingertip pressure,and heat and cold applications.

A Laboring Patient Requests Hot and Cold Applications Be Applied