A nurse is caring for a client who delivered a newborn by caesarean section birth 1 day ago. The client requests nonpharmacological interventions to manage pain when changing positions. Which of the following responses should the nurse take
Explanation & Rationale
A) You can splint the incision with a pillow when changing position: Splinting the incision with a pillow is an excellent nonpharmacological method to manage pain during position changes after a cesarean section. The pillow helps provide support to the incision site, reduces strain on the abdominal muscles, and minimizes discomfort when the client moves. This is a safe and effective intervention to help with pain management. B) You should change position as little as possible: While minimizing movement might seem like a way to prevent pain, it can lead to complications like muscle stiffness, poor circulation, and respiratory issues. It’s important for clients to change positions to promote comfort, circulation, and lung expansion, but they should do so with support to manage pain effectively. C) You should use patterned paced breathing when changing positions: Patterned paced breathing is a helpful relaxation technique that can be used in various situations, including labor and delivery. However, it is not the most appropriate response in this context, as the client’s pain is more related to physical discomfort from the incision, and physical support (like splinting the incision) would be more effective in managing this type of pain. D) You can apply counterpressure to your back with each position change: While counterpressure can be beneficial for back pain during labor, it is not the most relevant technique for managing pain after a cesarean section, where the pain is related to the abdominal incision site. Splinting the incision provides more targeted support for post-cesarean discomfort.