Excessive anxiety during labor heightens the client's sensitivity to pain by increasing:
a. muscle tension.
b. the pain threshold.
c. blood flow to the uterus.
d. rest time between contractions.
ANS: A
Anxiety and fear increase muscle tension, diverting oxygenated blood to the woman's brain and skeletal muscles. Prolonged tension results in general fatigue, increased pain perception, and reduced ability to use coping skills. Anxiety will decrease the pain threshold. Anxiety can decrease blood flow to the uterus. Anxiety will decrease the amount of rest the mother gets between contractions.
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