Question

A nurse explains the purpose of effleurage to a client in early labor. The nurse tells the client that effleurage is:

1.A form of biofeedback to enhance bearing down efforts during delivery
2.Light stroking of the abdomen to facilitate relaxation during labor and provide tactile stimulation to the fetus
3.The application of pressure to the sacrum to relieve a backache
4.Performed to stimulate uterine activity by contracting a specific muscle group while other parts of the body rest

Answer 1

Effleurage is a relaxation technique involving light stroking of the abdomen used during labor. It aims to facilitate relaxation and to provide tactile stimulation to the fetus, assisting in the progression of labor by promoting relaxation and complementing the natural positive feedback loop involving oxytocin and uterine contractions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse informs the client that effleurage is the light stroking of the abdomen to facilitate relaxation during labor and provide tactile stimulation to the fetus. This is a comforting technique used to help manage pain during the early stages of labor by promoting relaxation, which can ultimately assist with the progression of labor.

During the labor process, the stretching of the myometrium and cervix by the baby in the vertex position can stimulate uterine contractions. This is part of a positive feedback loop that includes the release of oxytocin, which causes the smooth muscles in the uterine wall to contract more powerfully, aiding the progression of labor.