Pathophysiology of Incomplete Abortion

An incomplete abortion is an abortion that has only been partially successful. The pregnancy has
ended— no fetus will develop, but your body has only expelled part of the tissue and products of
pregnancy.

Precipitating factors:
- 11 weeks and 3 days AOG (occurs during 1st trimester of pregnancy)
-

Predisposing factors:
- abnormal fetal development (?)
- abnormal implantation of the zygote

Medication:
Cefalexin 500mg 1 cap TID
FeSO4 1 tab OD

Signs and symptoms:

- Vaginal spotting
- Vaginal bleeding
- Cramping/sharp/dull pain in the symphysis pubis
- Uterine contractions felt by the mother

Diagnostic test:
Ultrasound

Medical management:
- Administration of intravenous fluids (Lactated Ringer’s)
- Avoid vaginal examinations.

Surgical management
Dilation and curettage

Nursing management:

 If bleeding is profuse, place the woman flat in bed on her side and monitor uterine contractions
and fetal heart rate through an external monitor.
 Also measure intake and output to establish renal function and assess the woman’s vital signs
to establish maternal response to blood loss.
 Measure the maternal blood loss by saving and weighing the used pads.
 Save any tissue found in the pads because this might be a part of the products of conception.