ATI Maternal Newborn Proctored Exam Latest Update Related

Review ATI Maternal Newborn Proctored Exam Latest Update related questions and content

A client in active labor receives a regional anesthetic. Which is the main purpose of regional anesthetics?

  • A. To relieve pain by decreasing the client's level of consciousness
  • B. To provide general loss of sensation by blocking sensory nerves to an area
  • C. To provide pain relief by blocking descending impulses from the central nervous system
  • D. To relieve pain by decreasing the perception of pain leading to the pain centers in the brain
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To provide general loss of sensation by blocking sensory nerves to an area. Regional anesthetics work by blocking specific nerve pathways in a targeted area, leading to loss of sensation while maintaining consciousness. This is ideal for laboring clients as it allows pain relief without affecting consciousness or motor function. Choice A is incorrect as regional anesthetics do not aim to decrease consciousness. Choice C is incorrect as regional anesthetics block sensory nerves locally, not descending impulses. Choice D is incorrect as the goal is to block sensation locally, not perception in the brain.