NorQuest College-PN Program

Assignment: Professional Portfolio

Student Name: Courtney Robinson
Course: Nursing Foundations 2004

L: Maternal & Newborn

Competency:
L-1: Maternal Nursing and Interventions
Category Letter,
Number and L-1-4: Demonstrate knowledge of commonly known complications associated
Subcategory with pregnancy:

 Ectopic pregnancy
Significant
Learning One significant learning experience I have had in this course related to the
Experience: CLPNA Competency I have chosen is learning more in depth about the known
Describe one complication associated with pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy. Before this theory
significant course, I thought ectopic pregnancies only implanted in the fallopian tubes. I did
learning not realize that ectopic pregnancies could occur in the abdomen as well as the
experience in this cervix. I also have only ever heard of the term a few times, knowing it was a
course related to pregnancy complication, but not knowing more detailed information. Now that I
the CLPNA have finished the theory for this course, I feel confident that I can demonstrate
Competency knowledge of ectopic pregnancies such as incidence and etiology,
identified. manifestations, diagnosis, treatment options, surgical management, and hospital
Provide an care.
example

I have learned through theory that “an ectopic pregnancy is one in which the
fertilized ovum is implanted outside the uterine cavity” (Perry et al., 2017, p.
334). Sites of implantation of ectopic pregnancies include the ampullar,
fimbrial, tubo-ovarian, isthmic, interstitial, ovarian, abdominal, and cervical.
“The uterus is the only organ capable of containing and sustaining a term
What you
pregnancy. However, up to 5% of abdominal pregnancies with birth by
Learned:
laparotomy may result in a living infant. The risk of anomaly in these infants is
Describe what
as high as 40% as a result of having no amniotic fluid (severe oligohydramnios)
you learned and
surrounding the fetus” (Perry et al., 2017, p. 334).
how it relates to
the competency “Ectopic pregnancy can resolve spontaneously by tubal abortion or regression of
identified. the pregnancy from the tube. However, most ectopic pregnancies require
medical or surgical measurement. Medical management involves giving
methotrexate to dissolve the tubal pregnancy. Methotrexate is an antimetabolite
and folic acid antagonist that destroys rapidly dividing cells” (Perry et al., 2017,
p. 335).

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 NorQuest College-PN Program

Proficiency
Rating: Use the Good: Understands the competency in theory and in scenarios and nursing
“Proficiency practice.
Rating
I have rated myself as “good” as I believe I understand the competency in
Categories”
theory and feel competent in demonstrating knowledge of ectopic pregnancies.
(excellent, good,
However, I lack having clinical experience with patients that are manifesting
fair, poor) to rate
and diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy. Excellence comes with time and
your proficiency
experience that is obtained through clinical, work, and everyday practice. As a
in the identified
practical nursing student, I believe there is always more room for growth.
CLPNA
competency.
Explain what was
done to achieve
the competency
and to support
your rating.

This competency is meaningful because by demonstrating knowledge of

Significance of commonly known complications associated with pregnancy such as ectopic
Learning: pregnancy, I can recognize manifestations and stop possible further
Explain how the complications from arising. “Most cases of ectopic (tubal) pregnancy are
identified diagnosed before rupture on the basis of three classic symptoms: (1) abdominal
competency pain, (2) delayed menses, and (3) abnormal vaginal bleeding (spotting) that
enhanced your occurs approximately 6 to 8 weeks after the last normal menstrual period”
learning (was (Perry et al., 2017, p. 334). “If the ectopic pregnancy is not diagnosed until after
meaningful) in rupture has occurred, referred shoulder pain may be present in addition to
this course generalized, one-sided, or deep lower-quadrant acute abdominal pain” (Perry et
al., 2017, p. 335).

I will apply this learning in my current and future nursing practice by keeping in
Nursing mind early signs of ectopic pregnancy. “The key to early detection of ectopic
Practice: pregnancy is having a high index of suspicion for this condition. Any women
Describe how you with symptoms of abdominal pain, vaginal spotting or bleeding, and a positive
will be able to pregnancy test should undergo screening for ectopic pregnancy” (Perry et al.,
apply this 2017, p. 335). My strengths I would say are understanding the clinical
learning in your manifestations of an ectopic pregnancy. My future learning needs I would say
current and future would be how to approach and discuss grief and fertility loss. The women and
nursing practice their family may have multiple emotions such as shock and disbelief, emptiness,
(What are your anger, sadness, guilt, etc. It can affect their hopes and plans for a family, affect
strengths and their relationship with their partner, and create anxiety about their future ability
what are your to have children. “The women should be encouraged to express her feelings
future learning related to the loss. Referral to community resources may be appropriate. Future
needs). fertility issues should be discussed. These women may need referral to grief or
infertility support groups” (Perry et al., 2017, p. 336).

January 2020-final
 NorQuest College-PN Program

College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta. (2020, February 1).

Competency Profile for Licensed Practical Nurses, 5th Edition. Retrieved from
https://www.clpna.com/wp-
APA: Reference content/uploads/2020/01/doc_Competency_Profile_for_LPNs_5th_Ed_2020.pdf
Perry, S. E., Hockenberry, M. J., Lowdermilk, D. L., Wilson, D., Keenan-
Lindsay, L., & Sams, C. A. (2017). Maternal child nursing care in Canada. (2nd
ed.) Milton, ON: Elsevier Canada.

January 2020-final