Aromatherapy self assessment quiz version 3.0 JUNE18 merged

May 2018 (V2.0 L Wallbank) 1 of 4
Aromatherapy in Labour Quiz
1. Define aromatherapy. 3 points
2. Give 3 words which describe essential oils. 3 points
a.
b.
c.
3. What are the benefits of midwives offering aromatherapy? 7 points
4. What does the NMC Code require midwives using aromatherapy to do? 6 points
5. The release of which 3 naturally occurring compounds are thought to be stimulated
by the chemical components of essential oils? 3 points
a.
b.
c.
6. Essential oils consist of chemical compounds made up of what? 3 points
7. Name the two main groups of chemical compounds. 2 points
a.
b.
8. Name the two ways that essential oils get into the body. 2 points
a.
b.
Aromatherapy – Quiz

June 2018 (V3.0 L Wallbank) 2 of 4
Aromatherapy – Quiz May 2018
9. In olfaction, which 2 parts of the brain receive stimulation and which of these is part
of the limbic system? 2 points
a.
b.
10. In which layer of the skin do the lipids take up essential oil molecules to allow
compounds to cross into the blood stream? 1 points
11. In the Oxford Study of Intrapartum Use of Aromatherapy, the authors found
aromatherapy helpful to women in labour in 6 ways. Name them. 6 points
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
12. What are the criteria for women to use aromatherapy? 10 points
13. Name as many contraindications as you can. 15 points
14. Which oils are we allowed to use at RBFT? 8 points
15. Which oil must not be used on hypotensive women or those with epidurals?
2 points
16. Which oil is particularly good for panic in transition? 1 point
17. Which oil is phototoxic? 1 point
18. Which oils enhance uterine action? 3 points
19. When must you not use these oils? 3 points

June 2018 (V3.0 L Wallbank) 3 of 4
Aromatherapy – Quiz May 2018
20. Which oil must only be used on a taper or in a footbath? 1 point
21. Why? 1 point
22. What do essential oils inactivate? 1 point
23. Name 5 ways of administering essential oils. 5 points
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
24. What is the maximum % blend that you can use in labour? 1 point
25. Which oils may be helpful for nausea and vomiting? 1 point
26. Which oils may be particularly helpful for headache? 2 points
27. Which oils must not be used with women who have had a LSCS or have a uterine
scar? 3 points
28. In the Oxford Study of 8085 women using aromatherapy, what % reported side
effects? 1 point
29. What were the side effects? 3 points
30. How many essential oils can be used in any 24 hour period? 1 point
31. What is the one exception and what is it used for? 2 points
32. How can you use essential oils when your woman is in the birthing pool and why?
2 points

June 2018 (V3.0 L Wallbank) 4 of 4
Aromatherapy – Quiz May 2018
33. How soon after an ARM or administration of propess/Prostin can you start using
aromatherapy and why? 2 points
34. How often can you use aromatherapy? 3 points
35. Pregnant staff are advised to avoid aromatherapy. How can we communicate the
use of aromatherapy to our colleagues? 2 points
36. What may midwives need to consider when using the emmenagogic oils? (Clary
sage, Jasmine and Rose) 1 point
37. What would you do if your woman developed a skin rash during aromatherapy
massage? 3 points
38. Where would you document this? 1 point
39. What causes oxidation of essential oils and how can we prevent this?
3 points
40. Essential oils pose a possible fire risk. Why? 1 point
41. How do you dispose of a waste massage blend? 1 point
42. Where should waste undiluted oils be collected? 1 point
43. What do you need to discuss with the woman to obtain informed consent?
3 points
44. Which document do you use to record the aromatherapy that each woman
receives? 1 point
45. Where should it be filed? 1 point
46. What tools are we using for audit purposes? 1 point

Author:
Laura Wallbank
Date:
May 2018
Job Title:
Midwife
Review Date:
May 2020
Policy Lead:
Group Director Urgent Care
Version:
V1.0 ratified 4/5/18
Mat CG mtg
Location:
Policy hub/ Clinical/ Maternity/ Intrapartum/ CG476
This document is valid only on date last printed Page 14 of 16
Appendix A - Aromatherapy Oils, Uses, Cautions, and Methods of
Application
Only to be used by Midwives who have attended the Aromatherapy Study Day.
Essential Oil
Indications
Cautions
Application
Lavender
Anxiety
Exhaustion
Back pain
Analgesia
Do not use in women who
have hay fever related
asthma.
Do not use with hypotensive
women/ epidurals.
Inhalation
Massage
Bath
Footbath
Compress
Chamomile
Anxiety
Nervous Tension
Back pain
Analgesia
Can irritate skin in frequent
use.
.
As for Lavender
Frankincense
Anxiety
Hyperventilation
Panic in transition
As for Lavender
For panic use 1 drop on a
taper, tissue or in the palm of
the hand to inhale.
Mandarin
Anxiety
Exhaustion
Stretch marks
Can be phototoxic avoid
direct sunlight after use.
As for Lavender
Clary Sage
Anxiety
Delay in 1st, 2nd 3rd stage.
To uplift and relax.
Use with care, enhances
uterine action.
Midwives take care when
menstruating.
Avoid alcohol after use.
As for Lavender
Jasmine
Anxiety
Stress
Delay in 1st,2nd,3rd stage
Analgesia
IUD
Use with care, enhances
uterine action.
Midwives take care when
menstruating.
As for Lavender
Rose
Anxiety
Stress
IUD
Aids uterine action
Regulating
Use with care, enhances
uterine action.
Midwives take care when
menstruating.
As for Lavender .
Peppermint
Indigestion
Nausea
Vomiting
Analgesia
Cooling.
Use only on taper or in
footbath – can irritate skin.
Methods of Application
Massage
See dosage below
Bath
4 Drops of essential oil in 5mls milk .Do not put oils in the bath if delivery is imminent.
Footbath
2-3 Drops in 5mls milk in bowl of water.
Compress
2-3 Drops of oil in 5mls milk. Soak out excess water and apply to appropriate area.
Avoid eyes.
Inhalation
2-3 Drops of oil in small bowl of hot water. 1 drop on a taper
Essential oil dosages
5mls of Carrier oil
10mls of carrier oil
15mls of carrier oil
1% blend
1 drop
2 drops
3 drops
1.5 % blend
---------
3 drops
---------
2 % blend
2 drops
4 drops
6 drops