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Week 3 Care of The Woman Experiencing A Sudden Pregnancy Complications
Week 3 Care of The Woman Experiencing A Sudden Pregnancy Complications
Week 3 Care of The Woman Experiencing A Sudden Pregnancy Complications
complication
Nursing Management:
Future Pregnancies:
>30% who have had ectopic pregnancy will have difficulty becoming pregnant again
>If the fallopian tube has been spared, the chances of a future successful pregnancy are
60%. Even if one fallopian tube has been removed, the chances of having a successful
pregnancy with the other tube can be greater than 40%.
High Risk Women:
>Age – 35 and 44 y/o
>With PID – Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
>Previous Ectopic Pregnancy
>Surgery on fallopian tube
>Infertility problems or medication to stimulate ovulation
Nursing Care:
>Vital Signs
>Administer IVF
>Monitor vaginal bleeding
>Monitor I&O
> Prepare for Culdocentesis-
Result: to determine if clotting or non clotting
>If clotting – negative for ectopic pregnancy
>If non – clotting – positive for ectopic pregnancy
> Culdocentesis- is a procedure in which peritoneal fluid is obtained from the cul de
sac of a female patient. It involves the introduction of a spinal needle through the
vaginal wall into the peritoneal space of the pouch of Douglas
B. BLEEDING DISORDER DURING THE SECOND TRIMESTER OF PREGNANCY
Other Causes:
>Problems with the chromosome
>Problem with the nutrition – low protein intake
>Problem with the ovaries and uterus
>Mole sometimes can develop from a placental tissue that is left behind in the uterus after a miscarriage
or childbirth
Early Signs:
>Vesicles passed thru the vagina
>Hyperemesis gravidarum
>Fundal height – rapidly increases
>Vaginal bleeding (scant or profuse)
> Pre-eclampsia at about 12 weeks
Late Signs
>HPN before 20th week
>Vesicles look like a ‘snowstorm” on sonogram
>Anemia
>Abdominal cramping
Serious Late Complications
>Hyperthyroidism
>Pulmonary embolus
Diagnosis:
> suspect until 3rd month or later if fetal heartbeat is present with bleeding and severe nausea
and vomiting
>Physician will examine the woman’s abdomen feeling for any strange humps or
abnormalities in the uterus
>Tubal pregnancy will be ruled out
>Abnormally increased HCG level with vaginal bleeding; (-) FHB and
unusually large uterus will indicate a molar pregnancy
>Ultrasound – confirm no living fetus
Treatment
>often, the tissue is naturally expelled by the fourth month of pregnancy. In some instances,
the physician will give the woman a drug called oxytocin to trigger the release of the mole
that is not spontaneously aborted
>If this does not happen, a vacuum aspiration can be performed to remove the mole
1.D&C
* woman is given anesthetic
* Cervix is dilated and the contents of the uterus is gently suctioned out.
* After the mole has been mostly removed, gentle scraping of the uterus lining is usually
performed.
* If the woman is older and does not want any more children, the uterus can be surgically
removed (hysterectomy) instead of a vacuum aspiration because of the higher risk of
cancerous moles in this age group
* Monitoring the patient for at least 2 months after the end of a molar pregnancy for HCG
level
>Hcg level will be checked every 2 weeks – if don’t return to normal by that time,
the mole may have become cancerous
>If HCG level is normal, the woman’s HCG will be tested each month for 6 months
and every 2 months for a year
>If mole become cancerous, treatment includes removal of the cancerous tissue
and chemotherapy
>If cancer spread to other parts of the body, radiation will be added
>Woman should not be pregnant within a year after HCG levels have returned to
normal
>If woman got pregnant within that time, it is difficult to tell whether the resulting
high levels of HCG were caused by the pregnancy or as a cancer from the mole
C. BLEEDING DISORDERS DURING THE THIRD TRIMESTER OF PREGNANCY
1. 1.Placenta Previa – occurs when the placenta is improperly implanted in the lower
uterine segment, sometimes covering the cervical os
Types:
> Premature separation of the placenta from the implantation site. It usually occurs after the 20 th
week of pregnancy
> Bleeding into the deciduas basalis (the layer between the placenta and myometrium)
compresses and compromises the function of adjacent placenta
Other Names:
>Uterine hypertonous
>Back pain
>Preterm labor
>Hypovolemic shock
>Non reassuring fetal heart trackings and fetal demise
Severe Cases
>Maternal hypotension
>Uterine hypertonicity
>Fetal distress
>Death
>Clotting abnormalities
Cause: unknown
Predisposing Factors:
>During a physical examination, uterine tenderness and or increased uterine tone may be
noticed
>CBC – decreased hematocrit and hemoglobin and platelets
>Prothrombin time test
>Partial thromboplastin time test
>Fibrinogen level test
>Ultrasound
Treatment and Management:
>IVF
>Blood Transfusion
>Check for presence of shock and fetal distress
>Emergency C/S – for fetal distress or maternal bleeding
Immature fetus with small placental separation – hospitalization – for observation –
release after several days if no evidence of progressing abruption occurs
If mature fetus – vaginal delivery if maternal and fetal distress is minimal
C/S – to protect the mother and child
General Nursing Care
>Infuse IVF, prepare to administer blood
>Type and cross match blood components (PRBC)
>Monitor FHR
>Insert foley catheter
>Measure blood loss – count pads
>Report signs and symptoms of DIC
>Monitor V/S
>Strict I & O
Diagnosis:
>BP assessment
>Urine testing
>Assessment of edema
>Frequent weight measurement
>Eye examination to check for retinal changes
>Liver and kidney function test
>Blood clotting tests
Treatment:
Goal: to prevent the condition from becoming worse and to prevent other
complications
1. Bed rest – either at home or in the hospital
2.Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO4) – drug of choice
Action: CNS Depressant/ Anti Convulsive Drug
Route: IM/IV
Site: 1st dose – IV; 2nd dose – buttocks
Nursing Considerations:
>Consider the rights in giving medications
>Check the expiration date of the medication
>Check for proper color of the medication
> Check the patient’s BP before and after giving of medication
> Insert foley catheter as per doctor’s order
Before giving the 2nd dose: check for the following:
P
E
A
C
E
GENERAL NURSING CARE:
P – PROMOTE BED REST
> Prevent convulsion by nursing measures: seizure precautions
• *Quiet and calm environment
• *Minimal handling
• *Avoid jarring the bed
• *Provide tongue guard – to prevent biting the tongue in case of seizure attack
• *All side rails up (at all times) – to ensure safety of the client
• *Prepare the following at bed side:
>Suction machine
>Oxygen
>Suction tip
>NSS
Note: make sure all machine and equipment are functioning well and in good status,
this is considered as one of the nurse’s responsibilities
• >During seizure attack – stay with the patient; do not restrict movements of
extremities to prevent contracture deformity; ensure patient’s safety (prevent patient
from falling)
• > After the attack – turn patient to side
E - NSURE HIGH PROTEIN INTAKE ( 1 G/KG/DAY)
A – NTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUG : HYDRALIZE
C - NS DEPRESSANT (MGSO4) ANTICONVULSANT DRUG
E – VALUATE PHYSICAL PARAMETERS FOR MAGNESIUM SULFATE TOXICITY
B – BP decreased
U – urine output decreased
R – RR less than 12/min
P – patellar reflex absent
Note: if one of these is present, hold the 2nd dose, report the findings to the physician,
document the findings and actions taken
E.Olygohydramnios
Refers to a pregnancy with less than the average amount of amniotic fluid.
Part of the volume of amniotic fluid is formed by the addition of fetal urine, this
reduced amount of fluid is usually caused by a bladder or renal disorder in the fetus
that is interfering with voiding
Another cause: due to growth restriction of the fetus, he/she is not voiding as much as
usual
Diagnosis:
1.Physical Assessment: Inspection: suspected during pregnancy if the uterus fails to meet
its expected growth rate
2.Ultrasound – pockets of amniotic fluid are less than average
Effects on the fetus after birth:
Muscles are weak due to cramped space during pregnancy
Lungs fail to develop that can lead to hypoplastic lungs- difficulty of breathing
Potter syndrome- distorted features of the face
Potter syndrome
Nursing Consideration:
> Careful inspection among infants at birth to rule out kidney disease and
compromised lung development
F.Polyhydramnios
Occurs when there is excess fluid of more than 2,000ml or an amniotic fluid
index above 24 cm.
Normal volume at term: 500 to 1000 ml
Effects on Pregnancy:
Can cause fetal malpresentation due to the additional uterine space and can
allow the fetus to turn on a transverse lie
Can lead to premature rupture of the membranes from the increased
pressure that can lead to risks for infection, prolapsed cord and preterm birth
Normal Process during Pregnancy:
> Amniotic fluid is formed by a combination of the cells of the amniotic
membrane and from fetal urine
It is evacuated by being swallowed by the fetus, absorbed across the intestinal membrane into
the fetal bloodstream and transferred across the placenta
With polyhydramnios, accumulation of amniotic fluid suggests difficulty with the fetus’s ability to
swallow or absorb fluid
Causes of inability to swallow fluids:
Anencephalic
Fetus with tracheoesophageal fistula with stenosis
Fetus with intestinal obstruction
Occurs among infant with diabetic mother
Assessment/Diagnosis:
1. Physical Assessment: Inspection- rapid enlargement of the uterus
2. Difficulty to palpate fetal parts because the uterus is unusually tense
3. Difficulty in auscultating the FHR due to the depth of the increased amount of fluid
surrounding the fetus
4. Woman may have extreme shortness of breath due to pushing up of the uterus against her
diaphragm
5. Presence of varicosities and hemorrhoids due to blockage of venous return from the lower
extremities by extensive uterine pressure
6.Increased weight gain due to increased amount of amniotic fluid
7.Ultrasound
Therapeutic Management:
1. Hospitalization or home care
Goal:
a.For adequate rest
b.For further evaluation
c.To maintain adequate uteroplacental circulation
d.To reduce pressure on the cervix and prevent preterm labor
2.Advice woman to report any sign of ruptured membranes or uterine contractions
3.Advice woman to have high fiber diet and consult her doctor for stool softener if diet is
ineffective-to prevent constipation and straining during defecation to prevent uterine pressure
4.Monitor vital signs if in the hospital
5.Monitor presence of edema in the lower extremities
6.Amniocentesis – to remove excess some of the extra fluid
7.Tocolytics- to prevent or halt preterm labor
If preterm rupture of the membranes occurs:
Membranes can be “Needled” (insertion of a thin needle vaginally to pierce them) to slow,
control the release of fluid and to prevent prolapsed cord during labor
Assess infant after birth for gastrointestinal blockage.
G.Post term Pregnancy
> A term pregnancy is 38 to 42 weeks
Any pregnancy that extends this period is postterm
Causes:
1. Women who have long menstrual cycle
40 to 45 days: they do not ovulate on day 14 which is the normal period
They ovulate 14 days from the end of their cycle, or on day 26 or 31, children will be
considered “late” by 12 to 17 days
2. Women who are receiving high dose of salicylates for their severe sinus headaches or
rheumatoid arthritis- this interferes with the synthesis of prostaglandin
3.Myometrial quiescence-uterus that does not respond to normal labor stimulation
Danger to the fetus:
1.Meconium aspiration
2.Macrosomia
3.Lack of growth-placenta is functioning for only 40-42 weeks-exposes the fetus to decreased
blood perfusion, oxygen, fluid and nutrients
Management:
1. Biophysical profile- to evaluate the placental perfusion and amount of amniotic fluid
present;
if normal, it is assumed miscalculation occurs
If abnormal result or physical examination or biparietal diameter on ultrasound result the
fetus is in term size, labor will be induced
How to induce labor:
1.Prostaglandin gel or misoprostol (Cytotec) –applied to the vagina to initiate uterine
contraction followed by an oxytocin infusion
2.If oxytocin is ineffective, C/S is performed
Nursing Consideration during the labor process:
1.Monitor FHR, V/S
After Birth:
1.Assess newborn for meconium aspiration
>Establish and maintain patent airway
2.Assess for polycythemia – due to decreased oxygenation in the final weeks
>hematocrit may be elevated due to polycythemia and dehydration that leads to lowered
circulating plasma level.
3.Asess for hypoglycemia-because fetus had to use stores of glycogen for nourishment in the
final weeks of intrauterine life
4.Maintain an adequate temperature
Newborn has low subcutaneous fats levels
5. Follow up care until at least school age to track their developmental abilities
Care of the Woman:
Allow woman to stay a longer period of time with her newborn and let her or assist her in
providing appropriate interventions to her newborn
H. Preterm Labor
Labor that occurs before the end of week 37 of gestation
Danger:
Infant is immature
Assessment:
> Any pregnant woman having persistent uterine contractions, mild and widely spaced should
be considered to be in labor, if contractions have caused cervical effacement or dilatation over
1 cm
Measures on How to Prevent Preterm Labor:
1.Remain on bed rest except to use on bathroom.
2.Drink 8 to 10 glasses of fluids daily
3.Keep mentally active by reading or working on a project to prevent boredom
4.Avoid activities that could stimulate labor
5. Consult your primary care giver whether sexual relations should be restricted
6.Immediately report signs of ruptured membranes,sudden gush of fluid from the vagina) or
vaginal bleeding
7.Report signs of urinary tract infections or vaginal infection (burning or frequency of
urination, vaginal itching or pain)
8.Keep appointments for prenatal care.
9.Empty bladder to prevent pressure on the uterus
10.Lie down on your left or right side to encourage blood return to the fetus
Signs and Symptoms:
persistent, dull, and low backache
vaginal spotting
Feeling of pelvic pressure
Abdominal tightening
Menstrual-like cramping
Increased vaginal discharge
Uterine contractions
Intestinal cramping
Diagnosis:
Analyzing changes in the length of the cervix by ultrasound
Analysis of vaginal mucus for the presence of fetal fibronectin, a protein produced by
trophoblast cells
* If this is present in vaginal mucus, preterm labor occurs, labor will not occur if the protein is
absent for at least 14 days
Therapeutic Management:
1.Medical attempts can be made to stop preterm labor if:
a.The fetal membranes have not ruptures
b.No fetal distress
c.No evidence of bleeding
d.Cervix is not dilated more than 4 to 5 cm
e.Effacement is not more than 50%
2.If in preterm labor:
a.Admission in the hospital
b.Bed rest – to relieve the pressure of the fetus in the cervix
c.Monitoring the uterine contractions
d.IVF therapy-to keep the woman well hydrated
e.Vaginal and cervical cultures and a clean catch urine sample- to rule out infection
Drug Administration:
1.Tocolytic drugs- an agent to halt/stop labor
>Terbutaline-drug of choice
*carries a “black box” warning- should not be used for over 48 to 72 hours
*Reason: could cause serious maternal heart problems and death
*should not be used in out patient or home setting-requires constant professional assessment
2.Magnesium Sulfate-used traditionally to treat pre eclampsia and prevent eclamptic seizures,
can also be used
*recent research does not support this as tocolytic agent
3.Corticosteroid
> bethamethasone- to promote the formation of lung surfactant to prevent respiratory
distress syndrome among newborn
Fetal Assessment: if woman is sent home:
1.Advice woman to keep herself well hydrated
2.Maintain adequate nutrition
3.Maintain bed rest and avoid strenuous activities
4.Advice the woman to have a record of daily” kick” count or “count to 10” test of her baby’s
movements inside her womb.
LABOR THAT CANNOT BE HALTED
Membranes have ruptured-point of no return
Effacement is more than 50%
Cervical dilatation is more than 3 to 4 cm
Management:
> If fetus is very immature, C/S – to reduce pressure on the fetal head and reduce the
possibility of subdural or intrventricular hemorrhage from a vaginal birth
What to expect:
First stage of labor-the longest stage
Second stage of labor- maybe shorter
Artificial rupture of the membranes is not done because of the risk for prolapse of the cord
around a small head
Analgesics are administered with caution- immature infant have difficulty of breathing at
birth
Epidural anesthesia is preferred if the woman wants pharmacological pain management
I.Intrauterine Fetal Death
Fetal death is determined by the point of gestation when death occurs
Missed abortion – when the fetus dies before 20 weeks of gestation and is not
aborted spontaneously
Fetal death – occurs after 20 weeks of gestation and may be used when labor does
not begin within 48H of death
Signs and Symptoms:
Painless spotting
Uterine contractions with cervical effacement and dilatation
Fetus is born lifeless and emaciated
Dx:
> (-) fetal movement
> (-) FHB
> Uterine growth ceases
> Uterine size decrease
> Fetal heart movement cannot be visualized by UTZ
> X-ray detected by the appearance of intravascular or intra abdominal fetal gas
(Robert’s sign)
Management:
1.Induced labor- combination of misoprostol(Cytotec) applied to the vagina to effect cervical
ripening and oxytocin administration to begin uterine contraction
2.Blood studies: test for DIC
J. Rh Incompatibility
> Occurs when an Rh-negative mother (one negative for a D antigen or one with a dd
genotype0 carries a fetus with an Rh positive blood type (DD or Dd genotype)
For this to happen:
> The father of the child must either be homozygous (DD) or heterozygous (Dd) Rh
positive
If the father of the child is homozygous (DD) for the factor, 100% of the couple’s children will be
Rh positive (Dd)
If the father is heterozygous for the trait, 50% of their children can be Rh positive (Dd)
People who have Rh-positive blood have a protein factor (the D antigen) that Rh – negative
people do not, when an Rh –positive fetus begins to grow inside an Rh-negative mother who
is sensitized, her body reacts by forming antibodies against the invading substance-the fetus.
> The Rh factor exists as a portion of the red blood cells so these maternal antibodies cross
the placenta and cause destruction
A fetus can become so deficient in RBC from this that a sufficient oxygen transport to body
cells cannot be maintained
This condition is termed as hemolytic disease of the newborn or erythroblastosis fetalis
Assessment:
1.Antibody titer
>if results are normal: 0, a ratio below 1:8 is minimal, the test is repeated at week 28 of
pregnancy, if the result is normal, no therapy is needed
If the woman anti-D antibody is elevated (1:16 or greater, showing Rh sensitization- the
fetus will be monitored for 2 weeks or more by Doppler velocity - a technique that can
predict when anemia is present or fetal red cells are being destroyed
If the results are high-fetus is not developing anemia and mostly an Rh-negative fetus
If the results are low – fetus is in danger, immediate birth will be carried out if near term; if
not near term, efforts to rdeucecthe numbe rof antibodies in the woman will be made or
replacing damaged red cells in the fetus began
THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT:
1. RhIG, a commercial preparation of passive Rh (D) antibodies against the Rh factor is
administered to women who are Rh negative at 28 weeks of pregnancy
It cannot cross the placenta and destroy fetal red cells because the antibodies are not the IgG
class which is the only type that crosses the placenta
RhIG (Rhogam)-given again by injection to the woman in the first 72 hours after birth of an
Rh-positive child- to further prevent the woman from forming natural antibodies
Nursing consideration after birth:
1.Determine the infant’s blood type
>if Rh positive, the mother will receive the RhIG injection
If Rh negative, no antibodies have been formed in the mother’s circulation during pregnancy
and none will form-no need for RhoGAM injection