Promoting patient comfort during labor and birth questions quizlet Related

Review Promoting patient comfort during labor and birth questions quizlet related questions and content

Which physiologic effect may occur in the presence of increased maternal pain perception during labor?

  • A. Increase in uterine contractions in response to catecholamine secretion
  • B. Decrease in blood pressure in response to alpha receptors
  • C. Decreased perfusion to the placenta in response to catecholamine secretion
  • D. Increased uterine blood flow, causing increase in maternal blood pressure
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Increased maternal pain perception during labor can lead to decreased perfusion to the placenta due to catecholamine secretion. When a mother experiences pain, stress hormones like catecholamines are released, causing vasoconstriction of blood vessels, including those supplying the placenta. This vasoconstriction reduces blood flow to the placenta, potentially compromising fetal oxygenation and nutrient delivery.

Choice A is incorrect because increased catecholamine secretion would not directly cause an increase in uterine contractions. Choice B is incorrect because alpha receptors are not typically involved in decreasing blood pressure in response to pain perception. Choice D is incorrect because increased uterine blood flow would not cause an increase in maternal blood pressure; in fact, it would likely have the opposite effect as increased blood flow typically leads to decreased blood pressure.