NUR 201 Maternity/Peds Exam 2_Latest
Gestational Diabetes (6 questions on exam)
• Metabolism
o Metabolism Digest Absorb Transport
o Glucose is transported inside he cell by Insulin
o #1 see if not transporting
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NUR 201 Maternity/Peds Exam 2_Latest
Gestational Diabetes (6 questions on exam)
• Metabolism
o Metabolism Digest Absorb Transport
o Glucose is transported inside he cell by Insulin
o #1 see if not transporting glucose into cell = No energy for patient, Fatigue
o Glucose used by the cells for energy
o Type I & Type II glucose cannot get inside the cell
o Glucose does not want to be in blood stream it wants to be in cell, too much glucose in the blood = Hyperglycemic
o Can lack Insulin or have problems with function of Insulin (can’t bring into the cell)
• Gestational Diabetes Pathophysiology
o Two-part complication
o One complication
▪ Anti-insulin effect of hPL (insulin antagonist) in the maternal circulation so glucose can go to baby
▪ hPl blocks effect of insulin going into mothers cell because it wants the
insulin to go to baby’s cells
▪ Then Hyperglycemia in Mom—too much glucose in the blood
▪ After delivery of the placenta, insulin requirements usually decreases abruptly with the loss of hPL in the maternal circulation
o 2nd Complication that can happen
▪ Pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin to meet the demand of the pregnancy (need enough insulin for mama & baby)
▪ So Insulin requirements rise in Second trimester because baby is growing
more
▪ Leads hyperglycemia in mom---too much glucose in blood
• Glucose Metabolism
o The nurse and patient must be able to recognize when it is impaired
o Both must know signs of hyperglycemia & hypoglycemia
o Moms start symptoms of gestational diabetes at 20-24 weeks (2nd trimester)
• Signs & Symptoms
o Hypoglycemic BG (blood glucose) less than 70
▪ Reduced cognition
▪ Tremors
▪ Diaphoresis
▪ Weakness
▪ Hunger
▪ Headache
▪ Irritability
▪ Seizure
o Euglycemic BG 70-140
▪ Pre and post prandial (after mom has eaten)
o Hyperglycemic Post prandial greater than 140 BG
▪ Polyuria
▪ Polydipsia (thirsty)
▪ Dehydration
▪ Fatigue
▪ Fruity odor to breath
▪ Kussmaul breathing
▪ Weight loss
▪ Hunger
▪ Poor wound healing
o What assessment tool does the RN use in practice to determine the efficiency of practice of insulin to transport glucose into the cell?
▪ Accu-check
▪ Too high of result=glucose not be transported into the cell
o Risk Factors GB
▪ Advanced Maternal Age – 35 older
▪ BMI greater 29 overweight
▪ Previous episode of GD—at risk but does not mean will get it again
▪ High fat diet/high glycemic—food has to be both not just one
• (example bacon is not both it is not high glycemic only high fat)
• Use whole wheat pasta & low fat pasta sauce
▪ Sedentary lifestyle
▪ Women with gestational diabetes are at risk for type II diabetes later on in life
▪ Hydramnios--- or an increase in the volume of amniotic fluids, result of excessive fetal urination b/c of fetal hyperglycemia
o When mother has hyperglycemia how is the growth of the baby affected?
▪ Baby has increasing tissue & fat deposits (because high levels of insulin production stimulated by the high levels of glucose crossing the placenta)
▪ So baby is often larger than expected gestational age
• Called Macrosomia-- >4,000g or more than 8ibs & 13oz
▪ Increased risk for birth defect including problems with formation of the heart, brains, spinal cord, urinary tract, & gastrointestinal system
• Sacral agenesis—appears only in mothers with diabetes, the
sacrum & lumbar spine fail to develop and the lower extremities develop incompletely
▪ Possibility not enough surfactant so problems breathing
o How does hyperglycemia influence delivery?
▪ Baby being larger could mean baby gets wedged in birth canal
▪ Could cause lacerations of maternal perineal tissue during birth
▪ Baby could have birth injuries
▪ Hyperbilirubin
• (Bilirubin is orange- yellow pigment formed in the liver by the breakdown of hemoglobin and excreted in bile—leads to jaundice in baby)
• Baby becomes hypoglycemic when cord is cut during birth
• A newborn with a Bilirubin level greater than or equal to 8mg/dL needs phototherapy Tx
o Interrelate Concepts
▪ Nutrition
• Diet high in fat & high glycemic increases blood glucose
• Can’t decrease calories b/c pregnant
▪ Acid/Base balance
• Can go into ketoacidosis & alkalosis—sugar hanging in vascular area
• Blood becomes acidic
• Pregnant women go into ketoacidosis much faster at 300BG where as normal people is in 600
▪ Perfusion
• Kussmaul breathing
• Decreased perfusion to extremities toes & fingers
• Increased vascular resistance
• Most of perfusion takes place in placenta, hyperglycemia damages the placenta
▪ Elimination
• Polyuria
• Go to bathroom to flush glucose out (kidneys)
• Baby is also peeing more which goes into amniotic fluid & gets bigger & bigger till it can pop—called Hydramnios (leads to premature labor)
▪ Sensory perception
• Blocks nerves leading to neuropathies
• Pins & needles
• Especially affects eyes, toes, & fingers
▪ Mobility
• If glucose can’t get in the cell then mom has no energy
• Exercise decreases glucose in the blood
▪ Infection
• Neuropathies in lower extremities—less able to feel cuts
• Decreased healing
• Increased UTI’s & yeast infections (b/c love glucose)
▪ Teaching & learning
• #1 teach how to recognize when blood sugar is too high or too low
• Teach meds
• Teach how to take blood sugar
▪ Reproduction
• If had GD (Gestational Diabetes) before does not mean will have next pregnancy but increases the risk
▪ Growth and development
• Babies are bigger with GB mothers
o Risks to Mom
▪ Increased amniotic fluid (from baby’s increased urination)—called hydramnios
▪ Vascular disease
▪ Ketoacidosis— too much glucose in blood, not good for baby, usually born as still born
▪ Difficult labor—baby is bigger
▪ Yeast and urinary tract infections
▪ Neuropathy and retinopathy
o Treatment Plan
▪ During birth mom’s glucose levels are measured hourly to determine if glucose is needed (need more energy for birth so need insulin to let glucose in the cells )
▪ During Birth long-acting insulin should be reduced or stopped and regular insulin should be used to
▪ Intravenous insulin (5% dextrose solution used with a saline solution) is discontinued with the completion of the third stage of labor (placenta)
▪ Monitor mom 4-6 times a day b/c trouble with lower levels BG
▪ No oral insulins
▪ Introduce exercise & counseling esp. if wants to be pregnant again
▪ Dietary Regulation: increase caloric intake
▪ Glucose Monitoring: more frequently
▪ Insulin Administration: mixture of intermediate and regular
• NPH- Intermediate acting. Do not use if its an emergency
• DO NOT use oral insulins because don’t know how it affects the baby
•
▪ Evaluation of fetal status
o Oral glucose challenge Test (GCT)---Current practice women at low risk
▪ Toward end of 2nd trimester
▪ Using 1-hr, 50-g oral glucose
▪ Oral glucose load is administered without regard to time of day or time of last meal
▪ Venous plasma glucose is measured 1 hr later
▪ A plasma level that is equal to or greater than 130-140mg/dL indicates a need for further diagnostic test
▪ If fail tis test have to do 3-hr 100g OGTT
o 2 hr Oral Glucose tolerance Test (OGTT)---Maybe new practice soon for low risk Moms
▪ Recommended at 24 to 28 weeks gestation
▪ It is a 2 hr 75g oral glucose tolerance test
▪ Is done on all women not previously diagnosed with overt diabetes
▪ Are diagnosed with GB is met or exceed
• Fasting 92 mg/dL
• 1 hr 180 mg/dL
• 2 hrs 153mg/dL
o 3 hr Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
▪ 3hrs;s using 100-g glucose
▪ Women eats an unrestricted diet, consuming at least 150g of carbohydrates per day for at least 3 days before her scheduled test
▪ She then consumes 100-g oral glucose in the morning after an overnight
fast (no eating after midnight)
▪ Plasma glucose is measured fasting and at 1 hr, 2hr, and 3hrs
▪ Women should remain seated and not smoke throughout the test
▪ Gestational diabetes is diagnosed if two or more of the following values are met or exceeded
• Fasting 95mg/dL
• 1 hr 180 mg/dL
• 2 hrs 155mg/dL
• 3 hrs 140mg/dL
o Problems & solutions
▪ A gestational diabetic arrives for a scheduled doctor’s appointment and her blood sugar is 300
• Ask when her last meal was
• Ask what she ate
• Get urine ketones to look for acidosis
• Give fast acting Insulin
▪ A client is contemplating a second pregnancy. She was a gestational diabetic in her previous pregnancy. She is now 50 pounds overweight with a BMI of 31
• Recommend to eat healthy & exercise
• Teach her she has risk factors she did not have in first pregnancy
• Encourage intake journal or app or weight watchers
▪ A gestational diabetic at 34 weeks gestational calls the clinic to report that she thinks she is feeling decreased fetal movement
• #1 check moms blood sugar—sick babies do not move
• Drink something cold= baby moves
• Eat something spicy or eat something= baby should move
• Music or press on belly see if baby moves
• Have mom lay back and pay close attention to movements
▪ A gestational diabetic arrives at the clinic. She reports that on several occasions during the past week she has felt shaky & sweaty
• Ask if she has been checking her blood sugar regularly
• How often does she eat—may not be eating enough for amount of insulin needed with baby growing
• 24hr diet check
• Ask if she has been around anyone sick—if mom is sick blood sugar goes up
o Levels of Sickness Model gestational Diabetes
▪ Sick
• Elevated fasting glucose <96 (fasting should be less than 96)
• Tired
• Dizzy/vertigo
• Trouble concentrating
• UTI/yeast infection
▪ Sicker
• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Increased hunger
• Dry mucous membranes (tongue, gums)
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Sweaty
• Increase in amniotic fluids— (called Hydramnios) find out when Dr measures moms belly
▪ Sickest
• Ketoacidosis
• Prolonged decreased fetal movement (sick babies do not move)
• High high BG—300 to 500
• Premature labor
• Coma if in--ketoacidosis
Reproduction Part 2 (20 question son Exam)
• Antepartum Care (time between conception & onset of labor. Before active true labor contractions)
o Female Reproductive Cycle
▪ Placenta functions
• Fetal respirations, nutrition, and excretion
• Corpus Luteum (when egg is fertilized): Produces hormones- estrogen & progesterone
• Progesterone effects
o Primary source for nutrition for first 11 weeks until placenta big enough to take over
o Allows pregnancy to be maintained
o Decreases uterine motility & contractility
• Estrogen effect
o Increases secretions- females secondary sex characteristics (wide hips, breasts, hair)
o Thickens cervical mucosa
o Mucosa plug white and acidic, prevents bacterial infections, but likes yeast infections
o UTI can send mom into preterm labor
o Relaxes connective tissue when labor becomes near & cervix can dilate
• Miscarriages can be from hormone imbalance. Progesterone not keeping uterus closed
• Vagina
o Muscular membranous tube
o Estrogen lets vagina become loose so mom can push the baby out (relaxes connective tissue)
o Development & functions of the Placenta
▪ The placenta means of metabolic and nutrient exchange
▪ Two parts of the Placenta:
• Maternal Portion
o Reddish portion attached to uterus
o Consist of decidua basalis with a red flesh like surface
• Fetal Portion
o Chorionic villi covered by the amnion
o Gives a shiny gray appearance
o Chorion Frondosum
▪ The Umbilical Cord
• 3 vessels
• 2 arteries
• 1 vein
o Physical & psychological Changes of Pregnancy
▪ Uterus
• Provides protective environment for the baby to grow during pregnancy (pear size when start pregnancy)
• Enlarges
• Increased blood supply—can hold 1/6th of mothers blood supply to apply to growth of baby
• Braxton Hicks Contractions—mild cramping that do not help the cervix to dilate, so they are not true contractions. Can be from dehydration. Why Moms need to drink 8-10 glasses every 24hrs
▪ Cervix
• Effacement- thinning out of uterus, needs to be paper thin to deliver, have to be 100% effaced to deliver
• Mucus Plug- can lose at 5 weeks before baby is due.
Pinkish/Orangish. Okay as long as bag of water does no break because cord could collapse which is a true emergency, moms are than hospitalized till delivery
• Mucorrhea- increase in cervical discharge for 3-4 days during ovulation—normal is egg white
• Increased vascularity- normal because part of 1/6th of blood goes
to uterus
• Increased cervical vascularity also causes both the softening of the cervix (Goodell sign) and bluish discoloration of cervix or vagina (Chadwick sign)
• Hegar sign—softening of the isthmus of the uterus, the area between the cervix & the uerus
• McDonald sign- is an ease in flexing the body of the uterus against the cervix
▪ Cardiovascular System
• Increased cardiac output- 1/6th mother blood supply- placenta, fetus, & uterus, & breasts
• Decreased blood pressure- lowest point is 2nd trimester, decrease is
only slightly
o Mom can have postural hypotension- baby puts pressure on SVC when lying flat pushing for delivery. Mom often complains of feeling light headed clammy
• Increased total erythrocytes:
o RBC 30%
o Plasma 50%
o Mom may have pseudoanemia pregnancy if H&H low get iron sup. Because plasma is greater than RBC’s
• Increased leukocytes:
o 15,000/mm3
• Increased clotting factors 7,8,9,10
o Mom can develop DVT’s
o If leg is red or hot do not rub them, point toes to ceiling and nose to prevent
o Signs of Pregnancy
▪ Subjective (presumptive)—Symptoms the woman experiences and reports that can be caused by other conditions not just from pregnancy
• Breast changes
• Gaining weight
• Amenorrhea—no period
• Nausea & vomiting
• Urinary frequency
• Quickening—movement of the baby occurs 20 weeks (2nd trimester) this is because it could just be gas
▪ Objective (probable) changes: changes perceived by the examiner that can be caused by other causes
• Pregnancy test
• Changes in pelvic organs (diff. signs like Mcdonalds sign, Goodell sign)
• Uterine & Funic soufflés- is a blowing sound heard in synch with
fetal heart sounds, and may originate from the umbilical cord
• Enlargement of the abdomen
• Skin changes (darkening)
▪ Diagnostic (positive) changes: proves conclusively that the woman is pregnant
• Fetal heart beat
• Fetal movement
• Visualization of fetus
o Prenatal Care
▪ Nursing assessment & education
• Identify is mom just pregnant or does she have HTN or gestational diabetes
▪ Identify education needs
▪ Anticipate the course of pregnancy
• Complete client medical Hx
• Routine lab tests: CBC, Rubella titer, Hep B, GBS, UA (urine analysis), 1 hr glucose and if fail then 3 hr glucose, HIV, PAP,
STI’s
o Some moms normal flora flip & become positive GBS (group B strep), they have to be treated 4hrs before delivery with IV penicillin
• Emotional status—Hx depression
• Past health care
• Disease states—lupus, diabetes
o Determining Number of Pregnancies
▪ TPAL Method
• Gravida- all pregnancies, twins count as 1 pregnancy, includes if they are pregnant now & if they had an abortion
• Para: Number of infants born (alive or dead), births after 20 weeks gestation
o T=term greater than or equal to 37 weeks
o P=Preterm (before 37th weeks)
o A=Abortion (before the 20th wk gestation)
▪ Includes induced (mom decided)
▪ Spontaneous (miscarriage)
▪ Ectopic pregnancy
o L-Living children
▪ Calculating the Delivery Date
• EDD (expected date of delivery)
• EDC (expected date of confinement)
• EDB (expected date of birth)
• Nagele’s Rule:
o Most common method of determining the due date
o Begin with date of last menstrual period subtract 3 months and add 7 days
o 30 days in September, April, June, and November all the rest have 31 except February
• Uterine Assessment
o Fundal Height
▪ Measure fundus
▪ At 20 weeks should be at belly button
o Promoting Health & Pregnancy
▪ Prenatal Education
• Developmental Challenge
• Role changes
• Caring interventions
o Prenatal education Classes
▪ Pelvic tilt- helps turn posterior facing babies forward facing by pushing uterus forward and back
▪ Kegel exercises
• Do not stop urine mid flow for Kegel exercise because increases UTI
▪ Other Self-Care Measures
• Sexual activity
o Abstinence if cervix is weak, Hx of preterm deliveries, Hx STI, or multiple gestation
• Dental Care
o Is key because increased vascularity to the mouth
o Bleeding gums increases risk for infection
o Know word for bleeding gums—pregnancy gingivitis?
o Periodontal disease is a contributing factor to preterm labor
o Ptyalism—excessive, often bitter salivation
o Increase in heartburn
• Immunizations
o Rubella vaccine not given when pregnant b/c it is a live virus. Titer <1:8 means susceptible. Have to have after baby delivers
o TDAP- whooping cough vaccine given 3rd trimester
o Varicella- chicken pox vaccine contraindicated while pregnant (live-virus)
o Influenza Vaccine- given when pregnant
o Teratogenic Substances
▪ Tobacco
▪ Alcohol- No alcohol b/c fetal alcohol syndrome
▪ Caffeine- decrease intake b/c stimulant an decreases iron absorption in mom so become anemic
▪ Medication (OTC)
• Can only take Tylenol for pain
• No marijuana
o NAS (Neonatal Abstinence Scoring)- if find marijuana or drugs in mom urine screen. Observed very carefully
o Assessment of Fetal Well Being
▪ Maternal Assessment of Fetal Activity
• Vigorous fetal activity- measures uterus & palpate the stomach
o Quickening- when baby moves
o Fetal heart rate monitored
• Decreased or cessation of movement
o Stillbirth, fetal hypoxia, growth restriction, preterm birth, fetal death
• Fetal activity monitoring
o Mom and babies HR are on screen (babies is higher than mothers) watch
o Order of Assessment Tests
▪ Ultrasound
▪ Nonstress Test (if fail then next test below)
▪ BPP (if fail then next test below)
▪ CST [Contraction Stress Test]
o Ultrasound- One of the tests for fetal activity
▪ Abdominal Ultrasound
• Allows early diagnosis of complications
• High frequency sound waves
• Safe and noninvasive
• Need a full bladder to do Abd ultrasound- have mom drink 1-2 quarts of water
• Left lateral tilt to prevent gestational Hypotension
▪ Transvaginal U/S (ultra sound)
• Invasive probe inserted vaginally
• Detect ectopic pregnancy, abnormalities
• Nurses Role
o Tell mom to empty bladder before ultrasound
o Fetal Biophysical Profile (BPP)
▪ Any physical characteristics of baby
▪ Scored as good=2; nonreactive or not meeting qualifications=0
▪ 5 responses of baby to stress either
• Fetal HR- is done first, reactive to non stress= 2; nonreactive=0
• Fetal Breathing- 1 or more episodes of breathing lasting 30 secs or more in 30 minutes =2, No movement is 0
• Fetal Movement- more than 3 episodes of movement=2, less than 3
episodes of movement=0
• Fetal Tone- rapid flexion & extension=2, slow flexion & extension=zero
• Amniotic fluid volume- need to score at least a 2
o Also need at least one pocket of fluid measuring 2cm to=2
o Zero pockets=0
o Amniotic fluid cushions the baby
▪ Scoring 8-10: Good unless 0 on amniotic fluid which is most important
▪ Do if mom fails Nonstress test
o Nonstress Test (NST)
▪ Most widely used Tx for antepartum well being done 3rd trimester of pregnancy
▪ Evaluates fetal well being
▪ Electronic fetal monitoring: 2 belts measure fetal activity and FHR (fetal HR)
▪ Monitors responses of the FHR to fetal movement
• FHR increases with fetal movement
▪ Start 30 to 32 weeks
▪ Advantages: easy to interpret & no harm
▪ Disadvantages: Mom has to lie still 20min; tracing
▪ Reactive NST/nonreactive NST
• Need two accelerations of FHR with or without fetal movement
• 15 bpm for 15 seconds in a 20 minutes interval
▪ Nurse’s Role
• Put patient in flat in left lateral position(cushion on right side) and tell them to remain still for 20 minutes as much as possible
• Tell mom to push button when she feels baby move
▪ Looks for risk of fetal death
o Reactive Non Stress Test
▪ Contraction Stress Test (CST)
• Do if mom fails NST, then fails BPP (biophysical profile)
• Is Oxytocin (Pitocin) challenge test—makes mom contract
• When mom is contracting analyze the FHR
• Negative (normal finding)- a pattern of at least 3 contractions in 10 min period and no late decelerations of FHR
• Positive (abnormal fining/not good)- persistent and consistent late decelerations with 50% of contractions
o Because HR of baby keeps decelerating it means baby will not survive the stress of labor so have to do STAT C-section
o Amniocentesis
▪ Determines gene abnormalities
▪ Aspiration of amniotic fluid analysis
▪ Done early pregnancy & 3rd trimester [29 or 30 weeks] (is baby thought to be LBW/stopped growing)
▪ Chance test could lead to infection or lose baby
▪ Evaluation of fetal health
▪ Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)- protein made by baby’s liver
• Can be measured from amniotic fluid
• High levels associated with neural tube defects
• Low levels associated with chromosomal defects (down syndrome, 13, & 18)
▪ Fetal lung maturity: Surfactant
• Lecithin/Sphingomyelin ration 2:1
• If low or does not match 2:1 ratio may need Betamethasone shot to improve babies lung capabilities
• Betamethasone given IM, 2 doses 24hrs part
• Intrapartum Care (time from onset of true labor until birth of baby & explosion of placenta)
o Complications of pregnancy
▪ Torch Acronym for a group of infections:
• Can negatively affect women who are pregnant
o Cross the placenta
o Causing teratogenic effects to the fetus
• Does NOT include all the major infection risks to mother/fetus
• Test the blood for these infections:
o T-Toxoplasmosis
o O-Other viruses (measles)
o R-Rubella
o C-Cytomegalovirus (Herpes Virus)
o H- HIV
o Risk Factors
▪ Toxoplasmosis
• Consumption of raw/undercooked meat
o No sushi
• No handling of cat feces
• S&S Baby:
o Fever
o Malaise
o Muscle aches (flulike symptoms)
▪ Cytomegalovirus
• Common virus (herpes viruses)
• Person to person through body fluids
• Very contagious, spread through unprotected sex, & blood fluid exchange
• S&S Baby:
o Asymptomatic or
o Mononucleosis-like symptoms-“Kissing disease” debilitating disease (causes fatigue, fever, rash, & swollen glands)
o Babies with congenital CMV+
o Yellow Skin and eyes
o Purple skin splotches or a rash
o SGA (small gestational age), enlarged spleen & liver
o Pneumonia, seizures, hearing loss, vision impairment
▪ Rubella
• Spread by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions (mask)
• Contracted through infected children
• Newborns who are born to positive rubella mothers
• Positive Rubella or Mom’s who get rubella shot should NOT get pregnant for 6 months b/c it is a live virus
• S&S Baby:
o Fever
o Rash
o Mild lymphedema
o Joint and muscle pain
• Antepartum (Fetus): Congenital anomalies, miscarriage, death
o Care of the Women at Risk
▪ Bleeding during pregnancy
• First & second trimester
o Spontaneous abortion
o Ectopic pregnancy
• Second half of pregnancy
o Placenta Previa
o Placenta abruptio
▪ Ectopic Pregnancy
• Abnormal implantation of ovum in fallopian tube—very painful
• Do not do hCG pregnancy test if come in with pain
• Stabbing pain and tenderness
• Delayed/irregular menses
• Scant dark red or brown vaginal spotting
• Do vaginal exam/pap smear palpate are—can see very inflamed
• Salpingostomy/salpingectomy— salpingostomy- removal of where egg got implanted to save the tube, salpingectomy-have to remove whole tube,
• Methotrexate- Tx of choice, inhibits cell growth and prevents ovum to continue to grow
▪ Placenta Previa
• Placenta abnormally implants- should implant way up uterus but instead implants low in the cervix
• Painless bright red vaginal bleeding
• Go to Dr. if any vaginal bleeding
• Types of placenta previa:-- if first trimester deliver may deliver vag b/c can move
o Marginal/Low- lying: placenta attached in lower segment but doesn’t reach the cervical os (The opening of the uterine cervix)—Need C-section
o Incomplete/partial: os is only partially covered
o Complete/Total: cervical os completely covered
o
▪ Placenta Abruptio
• True emergency
• Premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall—very painful
• Sudden onset
• Rushed to C-section- not even husband is allowed in have to get baby right out
• Pain severe & steady
• Vaginal bleeding
o Bright red or dark
• Board-like abdomen
• Firm rigid uterus with CX
o Preterm Labor
▪ Labor that occurs between 20 and 36 weeks gestation
• Before 37 weeks gestation or 3 wks before the due date
▪ Preterm labor can be stopped if identified early
▪ Treatment of choice uterine relaxant= Ritodrine Hydrochloride
o Risk factors
▪ Things that may put women at risk include:
• Previous preterm birth
• Twin or triplet pregnancy
• Medical problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney or lung disease
• Infections of the uterine tract (UTIs)
o If mom complains of burning when peeing could go into preterm labor
• Age below 17 or above 35
• Smoking and substance abuse
• Hx of multiple miscarriages or abortions
• Uterine abnormalities
o True labor VS False Labor
▪ True Labor Contractions:
• Get closer together, last longer, and increase in intensity
• Discomfort in back and/or lower abdomen
• Do not stop with walking—instead contraction intensifies, strengthens, & consistency of contractions increase
• Dilate the cervix
▪ False Labor Contractions:
• Do not get closer together or increase in intensity
• Discomfort primarily in lower abdomen
• May be relieved with walking, resting, or hydration
• Does not dilate cervix
o Pharmacological Therapies
▪ Induce labor & stop preterm labor
• Uterine Stimulants (Oxytocics)
o Oxytocin (Pitocin)
o Puts mom into labor
o IV access for all moms to help progress through labor
o Makes uterus contract
• Uterine relaxants (tocolytics, beta 2 adrenergic agonist)
o Ritodrine Hydrochloride—Tx of choice for preterm labor
o Terbutaline Sulfate
o Magnesium sulfate
o Nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat)—also used for heart issues
▪ Adverse effects
• HA (headache)
• Flush
• Nausea
• Orthostatic hypotension
• Light headed
o Indomethacin (Indocin)—bocks prostaglandins to suppress contractions
o Betamethasone (Celestone)—glucocorticoid, help mature babies lungs. IM 2 injections 24 hrs apart if lungs surfactant not 2:1 ratio
• Vitamin and mineral supplement
o Fetal Assessment during Labor
▪ Assessment of contractions
• External monitoring—most moms start. See on screen when contraction will occur
• Internal monitoring—see strength of contraction. Done by physician. FSE (fetal scalp electrode) in lays next to babies head
o Baseline fetal HR
o Fetal tachycardia
o Fetal bradycardia
▪ Types
• Early Deceleration—HR have early decelerations. Not negative is OK
• Late Decelerations—contraction come & HR decreases—BAD
• Variable decelerations—contraction & have variable HR changes could be complication of baby
• If baby’s cord comes out of mom= compressed cord and makes
baby hypoxic, Put hand in mom & push baby’s head off of the cord/ push cord back in
▪ Leopold Maneuvers:
• Consist of performing external palpations of the maternal uterus through the abdominal wall to determine:
o Number of fetuses
o Presenting parts, fetal lie, and fetal attitude
o Degree of descent of the presenting part into the pelvis
o Expected location of the point of maximal impulse (PMI)
▪ Optimal location where fetal heart tones are auscultated the loudest in the mom’s abdomen
o Assessment Of Contractions
▪ Leopold Maneuvers- RN’s do always B4 measurements
• First maneuver (Upper pole)
o Head or buttocks or legs
o Determine what fetal part is at the uterine fundus
• Second Maneuvers (Sides of maternal Abdomen)
o Palpate with one hand on each side of abdomen
o Palpate fetus between two hands
o Assess which side is spine and which is extremities
• Third Maneuvers (Lower pole)
o Palpate just above symphysis pubis
o Palpate fetal presenting part between two hands
o Assess for fetal descent (where baby is in pelvic cavity)
• Fourth Maneuver (Presenting part evaluation)
o Apply downward pressure on uterine fundus
o Hold presenting part between index finger and thumb
o Assess for cephalic versus breech (buttocks) presentation
• Nursing considerations for Leopold Maneuver:
o Have mom empty bladder before
o 45 degree angle with knees bend slightly
o Have mom in left lateral position (on left side)
o Then palpate Mom
▪
o Physical Changes
▪ Pre-labor Warning Signs
• Lightening- mom can breathe better cuz baby drops
• Contractions
o Braxton Hicks
• Cervical Changes: Dilation & effacement
o Determine by palpating
o Paper thin 100%
o Need 10cm dilated & 100% effacement before the mom can push
o If mom pushes before 10cm & 100% she will get a hematoma & a lot of swelling
• Bloody Show: mucus plug
• Rupture membranes
• Nesting- burst of energy to get baby room ready
• Weight loss of 0.5 to 1.4kg (1-3 ibs)
• Increased backache and pressure
• G.I. upset
o Stages of Labor
▪ First stage—takes the longest
• Early Phase—contractions aren’t that bad
• Active Phase--want mom to come to hospital if contractions 3-5 minutes apart
• Transitional Phase—most discomfort mom will have. Contractions
are very intense 1-2 minutes apart 5-7cm dilated
▪ Second Stage
• Pushing—some moms push for 1 hr or 45 minutes fast birth called precipitous delivery. Others are normally 2-3 hrs
• Delivery of the baby
▪ Third stage
• Delivery of the placenta
• Do skin and skin with baby & do one last push to get placenta out
o The Five P’s
▪ Passage: Birth canal
▪ Passenger: Fetus & placenta
▪ Position: Fetal head
▪ Power: Contractions
▪ Psyche: Confidence
▪ And interaction between the passage (canal) and the passenger is most important
o 1) Passage: Birth Canal
▪ Bony Pelvis
• 4 bones
• Support and protect pelvic contents
• Form relatively fixed axis of birth passage
▪ Four Bones:
• 2 inominate bones, sacrum, coccyx
• Sacroiliac bones have degree of mobility (hips)
▪ False Pelvis:
• Portion above the pelvic brim, or linea terminalis
• Supports weight of enlarged pregnant uterus
• Directs presenting part into true pelvis (base)
•
▪ True Pelvis:
• Portion that lies below linea terminalis
• Made up of the sacrum, coccyx, &innominate bones & represents the bony limits of the birth canal
• The relationship of the true pelvis & fetal head is very important
o The size and shape of the true pelvis must be adequate for normal fetal passage during labor & birth
• Determines passage of the fetal head
o Pelvic inlet
▪ Upper border of true pelvis
▪ Typically rounded
o Pelvic cavity
o Pelvic outlet (baby comes out the outlet)
▪ Lower border of true pelvis
▪ The anteroposterior diameter of the pelvic outlet increases during birth as the presenting part pushes the coccyx posteriorly
▪ The Pubic arch is of great importance b/c fetus must pass under it during birth
• If arch is narrow baby’s head may be pushed backward toward the coccyx, making extension of the head difficult
• May require the use of forceps or a cesarean birth
• The shoulders of a large baby also may become wedged under the pubic arch making birth difficult
▪ Pelvic Types:
• Gynecoid- most common & best for vaginal delivery
o Wide and round pubic arch
• Android—male type pelvis, heart inlet, small inlet
o Narrow, sharp, deep pubic arch
o Not favorable for a vaginal birth
o Descent into pelvis is slow
• Anthropoid- baby born face up because of oval shape
o Normal or moderately narrow pubic arch
• Platypelloid- more oval-ish, flat female pelvis results in baby being born transverse- needs to have C-section
o Has extremely wide pubic arch, transverse diameter is wide, but anteroposterior diameter is short
o Outlet inadequate for vaginal birth
▪
▪ Soft Tissue:
• Cervix & vagina form birth canal
• Effacement 100%
• Dilation of cervix 10cm
o 2) Passenger Fetus:
▪ Head: Fetal Skull (cranium)
▪ Most important to labor and birth—Head Size
▪ Molding is overlap of bones
▪ Sutures (membranous)
▪ Fontanels
o Fetal Lie
▪ Relationship of the cephalocaudal axis of fetus to cephalocaudal axis of mother
• Longitudinal/parallel- vertebra lined up with mother
• Transverse—baby is in transverse or horizontal position and has to have C-section to be born
• Oblique—head at 45 degree angle head going toward inlet, when
baby’s head is in the mother’s hip. Baby’s head & body are diagonal not vertical or horizontal (transverse lie)
• Baby should be facing down
▪
o Fetal Attitude:
▪ Relationship of fetal parts to one another
▪ Fetal flexion: chin flexed to chest—completely flexed
• Smallest head diameter passes through birth canal
▪ Fetal extension: chin extended
• More difficult—presenting part chin, called mentum
o Station
▪ The relationship of the presenting baby part to the ischial spines
▪ Engagement: head passes through pelvic inlet
▪ For a baby to be delivered has to be +4 or +5 to pelvic inlet
▪ Negative numbers are before Ischial spines & positive numbers are after the Ischial spines
▪ Inlet= -5cm
▪ Floating over false pelvis= -4
▪ Ischial spines=0 (Engaged baby will not go back after hitting this mark, means baby has entered True pelvis)
• Correct Term is the baby is Engaged when charting
• Station Zero= when the fetal vertex is at the level of the Ischial spines
▪ +1, +2, +3 mean baby is headed toward the cervix
▪ +3 = Baby beginning to emerge from Birth canal
▪ Outlet= +5 (means he baby is crowning)
▪
o Fetal Presentation
▪ Fetal part entering the pelvis first
▪ Three main ways a fetus can present
• Head—cephalic
• Feet or buttocks—breech
• Shoulder presentation—scapula
o Fetal Position
▪ Relationship of the fetal presenting part to the front, side, or back of maternal pelvis
▪ Noted by 3 letters (example ROP,LOP)
• Maternal pelvis (which way is baby’s spine is): right (R) or left (L)
• Fetal presenting part: Occiput (O), Sacrum (S), Mentum-chin not tucked in (M), Scapula (Sc)
• Maternal Pelvic Aspect (baby’s spine to pelvis)- anterior (A) baby
is facing down, posterior (P), or transverse (T)
•
•
o 3) Powers
▪ Uterine contractions
• Primary power—frequency, duration, intensity
• Effacement and dilation
• Each contraction has 3 phases:
o Frequency—should be hospitalized if 5 minutes, beginning of one contraction to beginning of next contraction
o Duration—beginning to end of some contraction
o Intensity—ACME how high on the graph contraction goes
o 4) Maternal Position (look in book at positions)
▪ Frequent position changes:
• Comfort
• Relieve fatigue
• Promote circulation
• Determine by maternal preference
• Health care provider
• Condition of mother & fetus
• Level of anesthesia received
• Peanut (birthing bowl)—when mom has an epidural and squats in bed to push out baby into bowl
•
o 5) Psyche
▪ Factors Affecting Psyche
• Mental & physical preparation for childbirth
• Sociocultural values & beliefs
• Previous childbirth experiences
• Support from significant others
• Emotional status
▪ Nursing Tip
• Provide emotional support to laboring women so she is less anxious and fearful
• Excessive anxiety or fear can cause greater pain, inhibit the progress of labor, & reduce blood flow to the placenta
o Pain Management
▪ Pain Threshold and Tolerance
• Threshold
• Tolerance
▪ Source of Pain during Labor
• Dilation and stretching of cervix
• Reduced uterine blood supply during ctx (ischemia)
• Pressure of fetus on pelvic structure
• Stretching of vagina and perineum
o Non-pharmacological pain management:
▪ Child education: breathing & relaxation
▪ Imagery: use of focal points
▪ Changing positions, emptying bladder, walking
o Pharmacologic Pain management:
▪ Analgesics: decrease pain
• Butorphanol (Stadol) and Nalpbuphine
o Don’t use Demerol anymore b/c respiratory depression
• Nalaxone (Narcan)
o Used if baby has depressed resp. rate
▪ Anesthetics: decrease sensation
• Epidural/spinal anesthethesia: Marcaine and fentanyl
• Local: for episiotomy: lidocaine and bupivacaine—if have a tear
• General anesthesia—c/s emergency for placenta abruption
▪ Pudental: local anesthetic, pudental nerve if no epidural so not as much pain
o Procedure for Anesthetics
▪ Epidural anesthesia
• Bolus of IV before procedure
• Monitor BP
• Sit on side of bed
• Injected into epidural space
• Takes 20-30 minutes
• Biggest problem is hypotension
• Waste down is numb
• Give 100mL IV fluid to prevent hypotension
• Test dose Lidocaine
▪ Spinal Anesthesia
• Sit on side of bed
• Administer directly into the spinal sac
• Works immediately
• Does not do hypotension
• Chest down is numb
Fluid & Electrolytes (6 question on Exam)
• Fluid Volume Deficit
o Common
o Decrease in intravascular, interstitial &/or intracellular fluid in the body
o Alone or in combination with electrolyte or acid base imbalances
o Dehydration—loss of fluid alone
o Happens faster in pregnant women & moms recover slower
• How infants & Younger children Differ from Older Children & Adults
o Infants more vulnerable to alterations in fluid & electrolyte balance
▪ Because infants have highest proportion of water, accounting for 70%- 80% of their body weight (water% decreases with age)
o Greater fluid intake & output related to size
o Happens fast
o Slower adjustments
o Amount of body fat (muscle holds fluids better)
• Why do Infants differ from Adults & older children
o Lose greater proportion of fluids each day
o Children may not feel thirsty and so fail to drink even when dehydrated
o Kidneys are immature and inefficient
▪ Infants lose more fluid through the kidneys because immature kidneys are less able to conserve water than adult kidneys
▪ Kidneys are immature until 2 years old
o Little reserve
o Infants have high daily fluid requirement
o Extracellular fluid (ECF) compartment is larger & constitutes greater proportion of body weight—greater insensible loss
o Greater body surface area
▪ Gain more heat in hot weather and lose more in cold weather
o Higher basal metabolic rate (BMR) because growing
▪ Also increase when they have a fever
o Preemies have most body water, than an infant, than an adolescent
o Lose a lot of water during birth
o Water goes through GI faster
• Implications of feeding
o Newborn can be overhydrated if formula diluted too much or undehydrated if concentration of formula is not right
• Dehydration
o Common fluid imbalances:
▪ Total output> total intake
▪ Infants more susceptible to infection—rotavirus (rotavirus causes gastroenteritis)
▪ Insensible losses
• Heat lamp=more water lost (phototherapy used to Tx hyperbilirubinemia)
• Wounds or burns
• GI losses
• Types of Dehydration
o Isotonic dehydration —primary form in children electrolyte and water deficits equal
o Hypotonic dehydration—electrolyte deficits (Na) greater than water deficits (diarrhea & vomiting, burns & renal disease)
▪ Fluid shifts from extracellular (outside cell) to intracellular (inside the cell) in attempt to establish normal proportions
▪ Cells swell rapidly as water rushes in them
o Hypertonic dehydration—water loss greater than electrolyte loss, electrolytes are above normal levels [mostly Na] (NG feedings, intravenous fluids, or diabetes insipidus)
▪ Intracellular (inside cell) shifts to extracellular (outside the cell)
▪ Cells lose water & shrink
o
• Elevated Electrolyte Level
o Hypernatremia (increased Na) and Hyperkalemia (increased K) are the most common and significant extracellular findings
o Manifestations
▪ Hyperkalemia
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Muscle weakness
• Cardiac irregularities
• Tx- administer glucose and insulin to lower K by driving K into intracellular space. Diuretics will increase K & Na loss but also remove fluid
▪ Hypernatremia
• Swelling
• Irritability
• Muscle spasms
• Thirst
• Confusion
• Coma
▪ Hypercalcemia
• Nausea & vomiting
• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Constipation
• Muscle pain
• Low Electrolyte Level
o Hypokalemia (Low K) is most common result of diuretics unless K sparing
o Manifestations
▪ Hypokalemia
• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Nursing assessment
o General appearance
o Weight measurements
o Level of consciousness (crying? Sleeping? Unresponsive?)
o Vital signs
▪ Change in v/s may indicate or in some cases precede fluid, electrolyte and acid-base imbalance balance
▪ Elevated temp may be result of dehydration or a cause of increased body
fluid losses
▪ Tachycardia is an early sign of hypovolemia
▪ Pulse volume will decrease if a fluid volume deficit is present and increase in the case of fluid volume excess
▪ BP decrease for fluid volume deficit and hypovolemia or increase with FVE
▪ Orthostatic hypotension may also occur with FVD and hypovolemia
o Intake & output
o Skin turgor, mucous membranes
o Fontanel—sunken in?
o Extremities (capillary refill)
• Severity of clinical Dehydration (Deff Know for Exam)
o Mild <5%
o Moderate 6-9%
o Severe >10%
o Chart in book
• Dehydration Severity
o Mild (hard to detect)
▪ Infants irritable & older children thirsty
▪ Blood pressure, pulse, & resp. are normal
▪ Mucous membranes moist
▪ Urine normal
▪ Capillary refill and tears normal
o Moderate
▪ Restlessness and irritability (infants)
▪ Alert, thirsty, & restless (older children & adolescents)
▪ Skin turgor poor
▪ Urine dark and decreased output
▪ Pulse rate & RR normal but BP is normal or low
▪ Mucous membranes dry
▪ Thirst increased
▪ Fontanelle sunken in
▪ Capillary refill increases & tears decreased
o Severe
▪ Lethargic to comatose (infants & young children)
▪ Decreased consciousness or apprehensive (older children & adolescents)
▪ Blood pressure low to undetectable
▪ Pulse tachycardia or bradycardia
▪ Respirations changing rate & pattern
▪ Skin turgor very poor
▪ Mucous membranes parched
▪ Urinary output decreased or absent
▪ Thirst greatly increased
▪ Fontanelle sunken in
▪ Capillary refill (greater than 3-4 seconds )
o Weight
▪ Each Kg of weight is equal to 1 L of fluid
▪ Rapid weight loss is a good indicator of fluid volume deficit
▪ Subtract the child’s current weight from the original weight
▪ Divide loss by original weight=% of dehydration
▪ 1 L of fluid= Approx 1KG
▪ Example 14kg original weight
▪ 14 kg original weight of infant
▪ Now weighs 13.6kg 14-13.6kg=0.4kg
▪ 0.4/ 14=0.0028 rounded to 0.03
▪ Express as percent (x100)=3% which is mild dehydration
o Oral Rehydration
▪ Major worldwide health care advances
▪ More effective, safer, less painful, & less costly than IV hydration
▪ Enhance & promote reabsorption of sodium & water
▪ Greatly decreases vomiting, volume loss from diarrhea & duration of illness
▪ Keeps kid out of emergency room
▪ D5 1/2NS--hypertonic
▪ 5-10mL every 5 to 10 minutes
o Administer of Parenteral Therapy
▪ Fluid deficit severe
▪ Unable to take fluids
▪ Administer IV fluids
▪ Hypertonic dehydration (rapid fluid replacement contraindicated because of risk of cerebral edema)
▪ Avoid Potassium replacement until renal function verified
▪ H&H, BUN, CR, and electrolyte labs
▪ Lab vales similar to adults
o Daily Maintenance Fluid Requirements (ORT therapy equation) (Know equation not given on Exam)
▪ 1) know how much the child weighs
▪ 2) Allow 100ml/kg/day for first 10kg (1000ml/day)
▪ 3) Allow 50ml/kg/day for second 10kg (500m/day)
• (+ 1000ml from first category)
▪ 4) allow 20ml/kg/day for remainder of kg above 20
• (+1500ml from first 2 categories)
▪ 5) divide total amount by 24 hrs to obtain rate in milliliters/hour
▪ Example 1:
• If child weighs 7.2 kg
• 7.2kg * 100ml/kg/day=720ml/day
• Then 720ml/day/24hrs= 30ml/hr
▪ Example 2:
• If child is 22kg
• 1000ml/day+ 50ml/day+20ml/day+20ml/day=
• 1540ml/day / 24hrs = 64.17ml/hr
▪ Example 3:
• If child is 15kg
o 1st 10—100ml/day
o 2nd 10—250ml/day (because 5kg*50ml/day=250ml/day)
o Add them together= 1250ml/day
o 1250 / 24hrs = 52.08ml/hr
Perfusion (7-9 questions on exam)
• Preeclampsia—hypertension disorder of Pregnancy
o Perfusion (heart) then to central then to tissues
o With Preeclampsia central and tissue perfusion is impaired or absent
o Preeclampsia starts 20 weeks & ends when the baby is born
• Definition of Preeclampsia
o Pregnancy—specific syndrome
o Occurs 20 weeks gestation—ends when baby is born
o Hypertension + Proteinuria
▪ NEED both to be diagnosed with Preeclampsia
▪ These symptoms to look for
▪ Varying degrees on a scale
• Mild Severe Preeclampsia
• Mom can fall anywhere on the scale but can only get more severe cannot go back to mild
o Etiology of Preeclampsia
▪ Etiology is unknown
▪ Theory:
• Starts with implantation of placenta
▪ Research has demonstrated abnormal placental development or placental damage from diffuse microthrombosis as playing a role in the development of maternal hypertension
▪ An altered maternal immune response to fetal/placental tissue may also contribute to preeclampsia
o Pathophysiology
▪ Pregnancyincreased blood volume Release of prostacyclin and endothelium relaxing factors (tells the blood vessels o dilate & accommodate the extra fluid)blood vessels dilate (vasodilation) Defective placentaIncreased sensitivity to Angiotensin II (vasoconstrictor) blood vessels constrict Increased blood volume + vasoconstriction = Hypertension
▪ There is hyper responsiveness to angiotensin II and epinephrine in moms with preeclampsia
▪ BP are liable (can change quickly) in preeclampsia, normal circadian
rhythms may be reversed or blunted (weakened)
o Risk Factors for Preeclampsia
▪ Teenagers and women over 35 especially if Primigravida (first baby)
▪ Family Hx—genetic component
▪ Multiple gestations—twins, triplets
▪ Obesity—causes placenta not to implant properly
▪ Medical Hx of hypertension or kidney disease
o Mild Preeclampsia (Sick)
▪ Few if any symptoms
▪ Elevated BP (140/90mmHg)
▪ Protein in urine (1+ or 2+ dipstick)
• Protein should not come through kidneys, it should be held onto
▪ Slight Edema is present
• Puffy face
• Puffy hands
• Ankles
• Periorbital edema
▪ Third spacing
• Fluid pushed into third space by edema
• Occurs when too much fluid moves from the intravascular space (blood vessels) into the interstitial or "third" space-the nonfunctional area between cells
o Severe Preeclampsia (Sicker)
▪ BP greater than or equal to 160/110mmHg
• On 2 occasions at least 6 hrs apart while on bedrest
▪ Proteinuria >5g found in 24hrs urine
• Dipstick 3+, 4+ on 2 samples at least 4hrs apart
▪ Increased BUN & CR
• Acute Kidney failure b/c kidneys getting hit with high BP
▪ Oliguria (UO <500mL/24hrs)
• Kidneys start to fail so produce less urine
▪ Deep tendon reflex +3 or +4
▪ Weight gain
▪ CNS Symptoms (affecting all vessels in the body)
• Headache
• Blurred Vision
• Tinnitus
• Hyperreflexia
o Has Eclampsia (no more pre) [sickest]
▪ Kidney failure
▪ Emergency C-section
▪ No urine output at all
▪ CNS Symptoms
• Seizure (most babies do not survive seizures)
• Altered consciousness caused by cerebral edema or cerebral vasospasm
▪ Fetal demise or abruption
o Maternal Risks for Severe Preeclampsia
▪ Increased risk for renal failure
▪ Abruptio-placentae
• Placenta detaching self from uterine wall
• If placenta abrupt’s & detaches baby dies b/c cut off from 02 & nutrients
▪ CNS: seizure (CNS so jacked up mom has a seizure)
▪ Rupture Liver—from the pressure
▪ Pulmonary edema—fluid forced into lungs
▪ May develop hypertension later in life
o Fetal/Neonatal Risks (Severe Preeclampsia)
▪ Small for gestational age (SGA)
• Baby is scrawny and skinny
▪ Over sedated at birth
• From Mg sulfate
▪ Decreased Placental Perfusion
• Decrease in 02 (B/C placental defect decrease in 02, vitamins, electrolytes)
• Chronic hypoxia
• Fetal distress
o Nursing care
▪ Bedrest
• If mom sent home on bedrest will have to be taught to assess BP, weight, protein in the urine and log fetal movement daily
• Mom should report absence of movement
▪ B/P every few hrs—want V/S to go down
▪ Edema daily weights
• Increase in ibs=more edema, or water
▪ Deep tendon reflexes (+1,+2,+3,+4)
• Checking CNS B/C is jacked up and Mom can have seizure
▪ Fetal monitoring—want baby to survive
▪ Intake & output—kidney function
▪ Dipstick urine for protein—kidneys, how much protein is lost
▪ High protein diet/low sodium diet
• High Na foods should be limited to 6g/day
▪ Bedrest: Mom should be on left side/low stimuli
• Get uterus off vena cava
• No TV, NO cellphone, low lights so she does not have seizure
▪ If edema elevate extremities
• Daily labs
o BUN & CR
▪ BUN 7 to 20mg/dL
▪ Cr 0.6-1.2 mg/dL
o Medical Therapies for Severe Preeclampsia
▪ Anticonvulsants
• Magnesium Sulfate (Drug of choice)
o Given IV
▪ Fluid and electrolyte management
• Clients are hypovolemic due to edema (shift into third spacing)
▪ Pharmacology
• Valium—to calm down Mom
• Apresoline—If BP is too high
o Magnesium Sulfate IV
▪ Acts as CNS depressant by blocking neuromuscular transmission
▪ Also acts as smooth muscle relaxant to help reduce blood pressure
▪ Excreted by kidneys
• Monitor mom for toxicity by watching BUN& Cr
• Do not want Mg to build up in Moms blood
• Can increase fluid intake to flush out Mg but watch for fluid overload
▪ Vesicant—kills tissue & can be necrotic if gets in intestinal tissue
• If Mom is in any pain after administration she needs to use call bell immediately
▪ HIGH ALERT DRUG
• Need two nurses to verify patient, drug, amount and IV site before administration
• We use drug no more than 5-7 days because of toxicity
▪ First Test Dose
• Makes patient act drunk
• Can have slurred speech or flushed skin
▪ Magnesium Blood Levels
• Therapeutic range for Mom: 4-8 (if lower than 4 not helping moms preeclampsia )
• Reflexes (deep tendon) will start to disappear at 9-13
o Stop Mg & get stats Mg blood check
o Should have Calcium Gluconate (antidote) at bedside at all times 10mL in 10mL syringe
• Respiratory depression at 14
• Death at 30
▪ Nursing considerations for Mg Sulfate
• Signs to watch for if Toxicity
o Drowsiness
o Decreased RR, Decreased HR, Decreased BP
o Flushing of skin, sweating
o Diarrhea
o Bad headache—(monitor neuro-status)
o Muscle weakness
o Loss of tendon reflexes
• Toxicity in the Baby after birth
o Difficulty breathing immediately after birth can be reversed with medication
• If notice toxicity what does Nurse do?
o Stop IV
o Administer Calcium Gluconate IVP (IV push)
• Contraindications
o Do not use more than 5-7 days for preterm labor (risk of decreased Ca, bone changes in baby)
o Avoid continuous use during active labor or within 2hr of delivery (Mg toxicity)
• Implications
o Have to have two Nurses verify order, drug, patient, & IV site before administering Mg sulfate
o Monitor newborn for decreased BP, hypoflexia, decreased RR (Fetal Monitoring)
o Monitor I &O, output should be greater than or equal to 100mL/4hrs
o Monitor Neuro-status and tendon reflexes before & during Mg therapy
▪ If patella reflex is absent STOP drug
o RR should be >16 before Mg is given
o Pt should be side lying on left side with dim lights, no TV, No phone—low stimuli
o Antidote Calcium gluconate should be at bedside at all times with 10ml syringe and needle to draw med up
o Make sure room is set up with emergency breathing equipment-- 02 tubing, nonrebreather mask, ambu
• Eclampsia Definition
bag, suction equipment (tubing & catheter)-- incase mom does have seizure
o Preeclampsia that has progressed to seizures or coma
o Characterized by grand mal convulsion or coma
▪ May occur before the onset of labor, during labor, or in early postpartum period
o Mom will have immediate C-section if progresses to seizure or coma
• Only cure for preeclampsia is birth of the child
o Client with preeclampsia usually improves rapidly after giving birth
o After birth seizures can still occur up to 48hrs postpartum
o Physician may order hydralazine or magnesium sulfate after delivery in severe cases of preeclampsia
• Nursing Considerations
o BP should be assessed at least every 1-4 hrs, more frequent monitoring is needed with changes in client status
o Client should be weighted daily at the same time
o Temp, pulse, & resp. should be monitored every 4 hrs
o Fetal HR-- is assessed with maternal vital signs
▪ A late deceleration or a decrease or absence in variability indicates fetal distress
o Urinary output—I & O should be checked monitored and recorded every shift or more frequently per physician order.
▪ Output should be at least 30mL/hr
o Urine Specific gravity—findings over 1.040 correlate with oliguria and proteinuria
o Deep tendon reflexes—assess for evidence of hyperreflexia
▪ The patellar reflex is the easiest to assess
▪ Clonus should also be asses by dorsiflexing the foot while the knee is held in a fixed position
▪ Normally no Clonus is present
o Level of consciousness—any change is level of consciousness or mental status should be reported
o Pt should be on left side (left lateral position) even when giving birth, if Pt can’t push while on left side she should be encouraged to move into a semi sitting position
o Non stimulating environment
o Oral contraceptives may be used if the woman’s blood pressure has returned to normal by the time they are prescribed (usually 4-6 weeks)
Antenatal Lab Notes
o Loading dose: infuse 4 grams of Mg Sulfate IV in 250mL of NS to run over 30 minutes and then follow with the maintenance dose. What rate would you set the infusion pump?
o 250mL/ 30minutes * 60min/ 1hr = 500mL/hr
o Maintenance dose: 40 grams of Mg sulfate in 1 L of D5W to infuse at 2 grams per hour X 24hrs. What rate would you set the infusion pump
o 40gram/ 1L (1000mL) * 2 grams per hr/ X= 50mL/hr
o Learning Activity 1
o Define mucous plug
▪ Blocks cervical opening to protect baby from outside environment slightly pink/egg white before delivery
▪ Can be pushed out a few hrs before birth or 2 weeks priot
o What are some of the Pre labor warning signs
▪ Warm-up contractions—Braxton Hicks, mild contractions, builds strength before labor, relived by walking, emptying bladder, or drinking fluids
▪ Lightening—movement of baby dropping to pelvic cavity, mom can
breathe easier but more lower back aches
▪ Flu-like symptoms—loose bowel, diarrhea, nausea
▪ Sporadic backaches—uterine contractions
▪ Nesting instinct—urge to prepare for baby, burst of energy
▪ Passing of mucous plug
o At onset of labor, what are the two most common signals/physical factors that indicate that labor is near
▪ Breaking of waters (amniotic fluid)—know discharge amount, color, & timing
▪ Stronger, longer contractions that are more closely together—don’t go
away with walking, or emptying the bladder, or drinking fluids
▪ Bloody show (losing mucous plug)--is a mucusy discharge tinged pink or brown with blood. It means the blood vessels in the cervix are rupturing as it begins to efface and dilate
o Define 3 stages of Labor
▪ Stage 1—Labor
▪ Stage 2—Pushing & delivery of baby
▪ Stage 3—Delivery of Placenta
o Which stage of labor is divided into 3 phases and what are they named?
▪ Stage 1
• Early
• Active
• Transitional
Fluid & Electrolytes: Hyperemesis Gravidarum(HG)—(2-4 questions on Exam)
o Fluid + Electrolyte
• Review fluid volume deficit
• Review electrolyte imbalance
• Dehydration leads to fluid electrolyte imbalance & Alkalosis loss of hydrochloric acid
• Hypovolemia—not enough fluid
• Hypotension
• Tachycardia
• Increased Hct & BUN
• Decreased urine output
▪ Average daily urine output for an adult 1.5L (1500mL)
• Puking HCl acid so becomes alkaline
• Electrolytes come through dietary intake & excreted by urine
• Na & Cl not stored in he body so have to have them everyday
• K & Ca stored in cells & bones, shift in bld out of storage to maintain normal level
o Normal Plasma Ranges of Electrolytes (know ranges)
• Cations
▪ Mg 1.5- 2.5 mEq/L
▪ K 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
▪ Ca 8.0 10.5 mEq/L
▪ Na 135-145 mEq/L
• Anions
▪ Sulfate1.0 mEq/L
▪ Organic Acids (Lactate) 2.0 mEq/L
▪ Phosphate 2.5-4.5 mEq/L
▪ Total Protein6.0-8.4 mEq/L
▪ Bicarbonate 24-30 mEq/L
▪ Cl 95-105 mEq/L
o Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG)
• Uncontrolled vomiting
▪ 0.3-2% of pregnant women end up with HG
• Pathophysiology begins with dehydration:
▪ Dehydrationleads to fluid electrolyte imbalance & Alkalosis from loss of hydrochloric acid (HCl)
• Symptoms
▪ Dehydration
▪ Weight loss >5% of weight LBW & SGA infants
▪ Ketosis
• Raised levels of ketone bodies in the body, associated with abnormal fat metabolism and diabetes mellitus
▪ Nutritional deficiency
▪ Electrolyte abnormalities
▪ Mom can’t keep anything down not even water
o Nausea & Vomiting
• Pregnancy frequently causes nausea & vomiting
▪ 80-85% of pregnancies
• Usually occurs in the morning but can occur at any time of day
• Vomiting usually develops at 5 weeks
• Disappearing at 16 to 20 weeks (2nd trimester)
o Pathophysiology
• Evolution protective responsevomits remove potentially toxic or teratogenic chemicals
▪ Body thinks its toxic so vomit to keep baby safe
• Psychosocial factors
▪ Emotional response to stress
▪ Displacement of the GI track
o Theories & Risk Factors
• Theories
▪ Increased HCG
▪ Thyroid function (not funct. properly)
▪ Adrenocorticotrionic hormone production
▪ Mineral &vit. B6 deficiency
• Mom’s with non-balanced diet from vomiting
▪ Helicobactor Pylori infection
• Risk Factors
▪ Primigravida (first pregnancy)
▪ Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc)
▪ Hx of previous HG
o Laboratory Tests
• Urinalysis for ketones and acetones checked
▪ Excess ketones when body is using an alternative form of energy
• Elevated urine specific gravity—means concentrated urine (normal range is 1.0053 to 1.030)
• Chemistry profile
▪ Decreased Na, K, and Cl (from low intake)
▪ Elevated liver enzymes—ALT& AST
▪ Thyroid test—for hyperthyroidism
• Even if no Hx of hyperthyroidism
• Due to elevated HCG
• Fluid & electrolytes thoughts to effect the thyroid
• Can get gestational Hyperthyroidism or Hypo & after birth of baby goes back to normal (synthroid—drug to fix hypo)
▪ Elevated Hematocrit concentration (hemoconcentration)
• HCt due to not being able to keep food down
o Signs & Symptoms
• Physical assessment findings
• Excessive vomiting and diarrhea (both ends)
• Dehydration with possible electrolyte imbalance
• Weight loss >5%
• Increased pulse rate (tachycardia), weak pulse
• Decreased BP (hypotension)
• Poor skin turgor and dry mucous membranes
o Pregnancy Unique Quantification of Emesis and Vomiting score(PUQEscore)
• Helpful in early pregnancy and takes 2 minutes to preform
• 4 questions, 4th is about Moms welling being
• Score <6 mild discharge to out-patient management from GP and community midwife
• Score 7-11 Moderate consider admission depending on woman’s preferences
• Score >12 severe Recommend admission
• 15 is highest Score a Mom can have for grading, 4th question not included in score, just how mom is generally feeling
• Question 1 in last 12 hrs, for how long have you felt nauseated or sick to your stomach
▪ Not at all score 1
▪ 1 hour or less score 2
▪ 2-3 hrs score 3
▪ 4-6hrs score 4
▪ More than 6 hrs-score 5
• Question 2 In the last 12 hrs have you vomited or thrown up?
▪ 7 or more times score 5
▪ 5-6 score 4
▪ 3 to 4 score 3
▪ 1 to 2 score 2
▪ I did not throw up score 1
• Question 3 In the last 12 hrs, how many times have you had retching or dry heaves without bringing anything up?
▪ No time score 1
▪ 1 to 2 score 2
▪ 3 to 4 score 3
▪ 5 to 6 score 4
▪ 7 or more score 5
• Question 4 On a scale 1-6 how would you rate your nausea and/or vomiting today, if 1 is acceptable and 6 is extremely debilitating?
• 1 2 3 4 5 6
o Management Hyperemesis Gravidarum
• Administer pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) IV and other supplemental vitamins that are added to the IV
• Administer antiemetic medication for uncontrollable nausea and vomiting
▪ Ondanseron (Zofran)—have to monitor closely
▪ Metoclopramide (Reglan)
o Nursing Care
• NPO for 48hrs
• IV fluids LR (Lactated Ringers) for Rehydration
• Monitor I & O
▪ Measure emesis & diarrhea
• Assess skin turgor and mucous membranes
• Monitor vital signs (hypotension &tachycardia)
• Monitor Moms weight—weigh moms daily
o Teaching
• Moms should rest as much as possible; get some help if you can
▪ A support group is very beneficial
• Small, frequent snacks, high carbohydrate and lower fat protein foods, e.g. cereal, pasta, rice potatoes, lean meat, eggs and fish. Avoid strong flavors and smells
• Don’t drink and eat at same time, leave a gap of 30 minutes
• If you can’t tolerate hot food try cold and vice versa
• Have a snack before going to bed and try to eat before getting up in the morning e.ge plain biscuits/crackers. Get out of bed slowly and don’t make any sudden movements
• Try travel sickness wristbands, available by chemists
• Take ginger—biscuits, tea, root, stem, capsules, ginger beer
• Try Lucozade, sprite, 7-up, coke (not diet versions), and also ice pops/lollies which help to give fluid and sugar slowly
o Patient Education
• Discharge Instructions
▪ Clear fluids after for 24hrs if not vomiting
▪ Soft diet
▪ Advance diet as tolerated
• Dry toast, crackers or cereal
▪ Normal diet as tolerated
▪ If vomiting returns
• Feeding tube or Total Parenteral nutrition (TPN)
Ethical & Legal Standards (5-6 questions on Exam)
• Ethical Principles
o Respect for person—moral worth
o Autonomy—self-determination, patient expresses their wishes
o Veracity—telling the truth
o Nonmaleficence—to do no harm
o Justice—fair treatment
o Fidelity—loyal, keep promises
o Beneficence—do good to the patient
• How is our Moral Comfort Zone formed?
o Culture
o Family (biggest influence)
o Religion
o Life experience
o Peers (adolescents, high school)
• Professional Ethics
o Ethical Dilemma
▪ When personal and professional ethics clash
▪ ANA code of ethics based on professional Ethics
▪ A problem for which in order to do something right you have to do something wrong
o Top 3 Ethical Problems Nurses see:
▪ Staffing issues
▪ Having to report an impaired colleague (drug or alcohol)
▪ Quality Life—keeping doing treatments when patient should be left alone to pass
• Ethical Decision Making in Practice
o Asking the right questions the “Four Topic Approach”
▪ Question One: Do I have a duty or obligation to tell the truth?
• Veracity (tell the truth)
▪ Question Two: What are the best interests of my patient?
• Beneficence (to do good to patient)
▪ Question Three: To whom is My Primary Loyalty?
• Fidelity (loyalty, keep promises)
▪ Question Four: What is the greater harm?
• Nonmaleficience (do no harm)
• Delaware Mandatory Reporting Requirements Regarding Children
o Who must report (MANDATORY)?
▪ Any physician or other person in the healing arts, including any person licensed to render services in medicine
▪ Osteopathy, dentistry, any intern, resident, nurse, school employee, social
worker, psychologist, medical examiner, or any other person who knows or in good faith suspects child abuse or neglect
▪ The Delaware Attorney General has indicate that any person with knowledge suggesting that everyone is a potential mandated reporter
▪ However Delaware State court decision suggested that only those in
enumerated positions above are mandatory reporters
▪ Because the law is unclear on this issue everyone should report all instances of suspected child abuse or neglect to avoid any criminal or civil liability
o Standard Knowledge
▪ Knowledge of or good faith suspicion of child abuse or neglect
▪ “Abuse” occurs when a person
• Causes or inflicts sexual abuse on a child
• Or has care, custody, or control of a child & causes or inflicts physical injury through unjustified force
o Emotional abuse
o Torture
o Exploitation
o Maltreatment
o Mistreatment
▪ “Neglect” occurs when a person
• Is responsible for the care, custody, and/or control of a child, and has the ability and financial means to provide for the care of the child and:
o Fails to provide necessary care with regard to food, clothing, shelter, education, health, medical, or other necessary care
o Chronically and severely abuses alcohol or controlled substances, is not active in Tx for such abuse, and the abuse threatens the child’s ability to receive necessary care
o Fails to provide necessary supervision appropriate for a child when the child unable to care for the child’s own basic needs
o Definition of Applicable Victim
▪ A child is any person under 18 years of age
o Reports Made to
▪ Reports must be made to the Division of Child Protective Services of the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families
▪ Reports can also be made to law enforcement, though not in lieu (instead) of the report made to the Division
o Contents of Report
▪ Reports and the contents thereof including a written report, if requested, shall be made in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Division of Child Protective services
▪ The Divisions reporting form available at http://Kids.delaware.giv/fs/fs_cai.shtml
▪ Form requires
• Childs name, address, date of birth/age, race, and sex
• The name, address, date of birth/age, race, and sex of the child’s parents or custodians
• Languages spoken by the child and the parents or custodians
• A description of the child’s current injuries and reasons for suspecting abuse or neglect and
• Any evidence of prior abuse or neglect
o Timing/Other Procedures
▪ An oral report shall be made immediately and can be made through the 24hr state-wide toll-free hotline (1-800-292-9582)
▪ A written report must be made if requested
o Other
▪ A mandated reported who fails to report shall be liable for a civil penalty not exceed $5,00 for the first violation, and not exceed $50,000 for any subsequent violation
▪ No legally recognized privilege, except that between attorney and client and that between priest and penitent in a sacramental confession, shall apply to situations involving known or suspected child abuse, neglect, exploitation or abandonment and shall not be constitute grounds for a mandated reporters failure to report
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