Comfort Measures and Pain Management Flashcards
7 cards from real Doula Certification practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Comfort Measures and Pain Management flashcards as text
What is the recommended water temperature for a laboring person using hydrotherapy?
Answer: 98–100°F (37–38°C)
Water temperature of 98–100°F (37–38°C) is considered safe for laboring people, providing comfort without raising core body temperature dangerously.
Which massage technique involves slow, gliding strokes along the length of the back?
Answer: Effleurage
Effleurage consists of slow, gliding strokes that promote relaxation and pain relief and is one of the most commonly used massage techniques during labor.
A birth ball (exercise ball) is most commonly used during labor to:
Answer: Support upright positioning and promote pelvic movement
Birth balls support upright positions and allow the laboring person to rock and sway, promoting optimal fetal positioning and pain relief.
When applying heat therapy during labor, which of the following should a doula avoid?
Answer: Placing a heating pad directly on bare skin for extended periods
Direct prolonged contact between a heating pad and bare skin can cause burns; always use a barrier and limit application time to prevent tissue damage.
Acupressure point SP6 (Spleen 6), sometimes used to stimulate labor and reduce pain, is located:
Answer: Three finger-widths above the inner ankle bone
SP6 is located three finger-widths above the medial malleolus (inner ankle bone) and is believed to stimulate uterine contractions and reduce labor pain.
What is visualization or guided imagery primarily used for during labor?
Answer: To reduce pain perception by creating a positive mental focus
Guided imagery helps laboring people focus on calming mental images, which activates the relaxation response and reduces pain perception.
Cold therapy (ice packs or cold cloths) during labor is most effectively applied to:
Answer: The back of the neck and face for cooling
Applying cold cloths to the back of the neck and face helps relieve heat and discomfort, particularly useful during active labor when laboring people often feel overheated.