A patient has just been admitted for labor and delivery. She is having mild contractions lasting 30 seconds every 15 minutes. The patient wants to have a medication-free birth. When discussing medication alternatives, the nurse should be sure the patient understands that:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The use of medications during labor and delivery can provide pain relief, which can lead to a more enjoyable birth experience; however, the most important reason to consider medication use is to reduce maternal pain and stress, which can have adverse effects on the fetus. It is important to respect the patient's wishes, but providing education and information about the potential benefits and risks of medication use can help the patient make an informed decision.

A Patient Has Just Been Admitted for Labor and Delivery