Question

How might the nurse instruct the patient to stimulate her nipples in an attempt to increase the quality of uterine contractions? (Select all that apply.)

a. Place a warm, moist washcloth over the breast.
b. Brush the nipples with a dry washcloth.
c. Gently pull on the nipples.
d. Apply suction to the nipples with a breast pump.
e. Press the palms of her hands down on her breasts

Answer 1

To increase uterine contraction quality, patients can be instructed to gently pull on nipples or use a breast pump to apply suction, as these actions stimulate oxytocin release, enhancing contractions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse might instruct the patient to stimulate her nipples to increase the quality of uterine contractions as part of managing the childbirth process. Specifically, the suggested methods to stimulate nipple stimulation are:

1. Applying a warm, moist washcloth over the breast may help in nipple stimulation but is not directly related to nipple stimulation for promoting uterine contractions.
2. Gently pulling on the nipples can stimulate the release of oxytocin, which in turn can cause stronger uterine contractions.
3. Using a breast pump to apply suction to the nipples can also help in simulating the suckling action of an infant, promoting oxytocin release and enhanced uterine contractions.

It’s important to note that the posterior pituitary releases oxytocin, which stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth. As the uterine smooth muscles contract, these actions can intensify contractions, which can facilitate the birthing process. Furthermore, oxytocin also stimulates milk let-down, thus linking nipple stimulation with increased oxytocin levels.