Question

The nurse is educating a client on the use of nalbuphine for labor pain management. Which of the following statements should be included in the teaching?

"This medication may cause you to be drowsy."

"This medication will reduce the strength of your contractions."

"This medication can be given all the way up until delivery."

"This medication may cause maternal hypertension."

Answer 1

Nalbuphine may cause drowsiness without reducing the strength of contractions and can be given during labor. It is not associated with causing maternal hypertension.

Step-by-step explanation:

The use of nalbuphine for labor pain management is a common practice. As a nalbuphine tutor, it is important to inform the client that this medication may cause you to be drowsy due to its narcotic properties, especially at higher doses. This effect is normal and is part of the drug's analgesic impact on reducing pain. Nalbuphine is not known to reduce the strength of your contractions; in fact, labor contractions are influenced by the hormone oxytocin and prostaglandins, which encourage the uterus to contract. Regarding the timing of administration, this medication can be given during labor, but close monitoring is essential to ensure the safety of both mother and baby. Nalbuphine does not typically cause maternal hypertension; instead, its use is often carefully managed to provide pain relief without causing significant side effects. In summary, nalbuphine helps manage labor pain with some sedative effects, without decreasing the strength of uterine contractions or generally causing maternal blood pressure issues.