Introduction to Nursing Diagnosis: Delivery Pain
Delivery pain is known as prenatal labor pain and is one of the most common conditions encountered during childbirth. Women experience pain due to contraction of the uterine muscles and dilation of the cervix prior to delivery. This condition can be physical, psychological, and emotional for the mother and can affect her post-natal recovery. For this reason, correctly assessing and managing the intensity of delivery pain and providing supportive care during labor and delivery are important for potential long-term health outcomes.
Nursing Diagnosis Definition
nursing diagnosis is a standardized language used by nurses and other healthcare professionals to assist in providing patient-centered care. nursing diagnosis of Delivery Pain consists of the following definition:
“A state in which an individual experiences a weighted pressure sufficient to cause physical and psychological discomfort; responses may vary with cultural background, spiritual beliefs, and dependence on comfort measures.”
Defining Characteristics
Subjective Data
- Reports of achy, dull, and/or sharp pain
- Describes pain radiating to lower back and thighs
- Complains of pressure, bearing down, and/or burning sensations
- Expresses fear of pain
Objective Data
- Visible change in facial expression
- Pain response to stimulation
- Diaphoresis, restlessness, irritability
- Confusion, apprehension, agitation
- Hyperventilation, grimacing, moaning
- Grimacing in response to uterine contractions
- Potential tissue trauma resulting from lengthy labor
- Fear of childbirth or lack of knowledge about labor and delivery
- Inflammation of the female reproductive tract leading to increased pain
- Fatigue due to protracted length of labor and delivery
- Malposition of the baby relative to the mother's pelvis
Risk Population
Women who are experiencing their first pregnancy are at an increased risk of experiencing more delivery pain when compared to women who have had multiple pregnancies in the past. Other risk factors include fatigue due to a prolonged labor and delivery process, malposition of the baby relative to the mother's pelvis, and inflammation of the female reproductive tract leading to increased pain.
Associated Problems
The associated problems with delivery pain may include increased risk of maternal mortality and morbidity, increased risk of infant morbidity, and decreased maternal-infant bonding due to stress and pain.
Suggestions for Use
Delivery pain should be assessed regularly during the labor and delivery and also in the postpartum period. The patient and her family should be provided with education about delivery pain and its management including techniques such as relaxation and breathing techniques. Nonpharmacologic pain management interventions such as massage and hydrotherapy should also be recommended.
Suggested Alternative Nursing Diagnosis
Other potential nursing diagnoses that may be related to Delivery Pain include Acute Pain, Anxiety, Risk for Ineffective Coping, Risk for Dysfunctional Family Processes and Deficient Knowledge.
Usage Tips
When assessing the degree of delivery pain, nurses should use a pain scale such as a numerical rating scale to clearly identify the level of pain reported by the patient. While providing care, nurses should also still monitor vital signs and assess the level of anxiety and coping.
NOC Results
The nursing diagnosis of Delivery Pain may result in the following NOC (Nursing Outcomes Classification) outcomes: Pain Control, Anxiety Control, Comfort Level, Decision Making and Impaired Physical Mobility.
NIC Interventions
Nurses may utilize NIC (Nursing Interventions Classification) interventions such as Pain Management, Anxiety Management, Distraction and Massage, Relaxation Techniques, Health Teaching, Comfort Measures and Spiritual Support when providing care related to Delivery Pain.
Conclusion
Delivery pain is a common condition experienced during childbirth and can have a significant impact on the patient's post-natal recovery and long-term health outcomes. Nurses should assess and monitor the degree of delivery pain and provide supportive care to the patient and her family to alleviate the level of pain and improve the patient's overall outcomes.
FAQ
- What is nursing diagnosis? nursing diagnosis is a standardized language used by nurses and other healthcare professionals to assist in providing patient-centered care.
- What interventions can be used when managing delivery pain? Nurses may utilize NIC (Nursing Interventions Classification) interventions such as Pain Management, Anxiety Management, Distraction and Massage, Relaxation Techniques, Health Teaching, Comfort Measures and Spiritual Support when providing care related to Delivery Pain.
- Which risks populations may experience more delivery pain? Women who are experiencing their first pregnancy are at an increased risk of experiencing more delivery pain when compared to women who have had multiple pregnancies in the past.
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