maternity
Davis Advantage for Maternal-Child Nursing Care, Third Edition.
Chapter 6
Caring for the Woman Experiencing Complications During Pregnancy
Copyright ©2022 F.A. Davis Company
Copyright ©2022 F.A. Davis Company
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Ectopic Pregnancy
Fertilized egg implants outside the uterine cavity
Unilateral stabbing pain in lower quadrant
Ruptured ectopic pregnancy can lead to extreme blood loss, shock, and death
Risk factors for experiencing an ectopic pregnancy
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Diagnostic Tools
Transvaginal ultrasonography
Used to confirm intrauterine or tubal pregnancy
If ultrasound is inconclusive, serial BhCG will be performed
Pelvic examination to confirm mass
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Lab Values
Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin
Type
Needed in cases of rupture, ectopic, or for operative surgery
Rh
Determine need to Rhogam
Complete blood count
White blood count
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Management
Salpingectomy
Removal of fallopian tube
Salpingostomy
Incision into the fallopian tube to remove the pregnancy
Methotrexate
Chemotherapeutic drug and folic acid inhibitor that stops all rapid cell production
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Gestational Trophoblastic Disease
Hydatiform mole or molar pregnancy
Abnormal placental development that results in the production of fluid-filled grapelike clusters
Proliferation of trophoblastic tissue
Associated with loss of pregnancy
In rare cases, associated with the development of cancer
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Pathophysiology of Molar Pregnancy
Fertilization of an empty ovum
Complete mole
Trophoblastic proliferation and the absence of fetal parts
Incomplete mole
Coexistent fetus that has a triploid genotype and multiple abnormalities
Invasive mole
Invades myometrium layers of the fetus
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Signs and Symptoms of Molar Pregnancy
Absence of fetal heart sounds
Markedly elevated quantitative serum hCG
Very low levels of maternal serum α-fetoprotein
Vaginal bleeding that may be scant or profuse
May pass part of the molar pregnancy
Discrepancy between uterine size and dates
Excessive nausea and vomiting
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Management of Molar Pregnancy
Removal of uterine contents
Early stages: suction dilation and curettage
Some women may need a hysterectomy
Chemotherapy if hCG titer rises or plateaus
Surgery if chemotherapy not successful
Radiation therapy reserved for brain and liver metastases
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Spontaneous Abortions
Complete abortion (complete expulsion)
Incomplete abortion (partial expulsion)
Inevitable abortion: bleeding & dilation occur but no expulsion
Threatened abortion: intrauterine bleeding before 20 wks, fetus is still alive
Missed abortion: death of embryo with expulsion within 1 to 3 wks (up to 8wks)
Septic abortion
Recurrent abortion
Elective or therapeutic abortion: medical condition, etc
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Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Extreme persistent, continuous nausea and vomiting in pregnancy
Most common reason for hospitalizations
Concerns include:
Electrolyte imbalance
Dehydration
Alkalosis
Ketonuria
Discrete weight loss
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Cervical Insufficiency
Due to multiple abortions/ D&C
Cervical cerclage may be placed to retain pregnancy
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Bleeding Disorders Later in Pregnancy
Hemorrhagic disorders constitute an obstetric emergency
A leading cause of maternal health in the United States
Early identification of maternal hemorrhage
Placental causes of vaginal bleeding
First indicators:
Tachycardia (Maternal)
Bradycardia or tachycardia (Fetal)
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Placenta Previa
Associated w/: hx C/S, abortions,, mutli gestation, diabetes
Complete placenta previa
Partial placenta previa
Marginal placental previa
Signs and symptoms: painless, bright red bleeding
Vasa previa: unprotected umbilical vessels run through the amniotic membranes, and pass over the cervix = significant hemorrhage
Bright red blood at the ROM
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Placental Abruption
Premature separation of a normally implanted placenta
Risk factors and classifications: HTN, multiparity, abortions, etc
Perinatal and maternal morbidity and mortality
Signs and symptoms: SEVERE Abd pain, board like abd & no vaginal bleeding, vaginal bleeding ( 3rd trimester)is the HALLMARK sign of placenta abruption/placenta previa.
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Placental Abruption Treatment
Pg. 152 Box 6-3
Hospitalization
IV placement Large bore needle (16g)
Labs:
CBC, PT, Platelet count, fibrinogen, clot test
Betamethasone: given to maternal to aid in fetal lung development
Rh negative patients receive RhoGAm
Intake/Output
Electrical Fetal Monitoring
Delivery: depending on mother and baby status
Pg. 152 BOX 6-2
Classifications of Abruptio Placentae
Grade 1: Slight vaginal bleeding and some uterine irritability are usually present. The fetal heart rate pattern is normal.
Grade 2: External uterine bleeding is absent to moderate. The fibrinogen level may be decreased. The fetal heart rate pattern often shows signs of fetal compromise.
Grade 3: Bleeding is moderate to severe but may be concealed. The uterus is tetanic and painful. Maternal hypotension and fetal death has occurred. Fibrinogen levels are often reduced or are less than 150 mg/dL;
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Preterm Labor Pg. 153 Box 6-4
Morbidity and mortality
Etiology and risk factors: hemorrhage, uterine overdistention, hormonal changes, etc
Fetal fibronectin testing: predicts risk of PRL
Assessment of cervical length and funneling: Average Cervical Lengthening (CL): 35-40mm.
Interventions to prevent preterm labor
Patient education
Medications: Tocolytics
Nifedipine (CCB) decreases smooth muscle contraction (nifedipine & magnesium may lead to sudden cardiac arrest
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Premature Rupture of the Membranes
Occurs before the 37th completed week of gestation
Absence of labor
Most common cause is infection or bacteria in the genital tract: monitor maternal temperature
Patient reports a gush or leakage of fluid from the vagina may lead to oligohydramnios
Any increased vaginal discharge should be evaluated
Pat. Education: Bedrest, VS/4 hrs, Hydration, NO sexual intercourse/orgasm
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Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
Pre-eclampsia
Eclampsia
Pathophysiology
Management
HELLP Syndrome
Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelet
Patient education
Medication: labetalol, hydralazine, etc. Pg. 159 Table 6-1
Significance of proteinuria
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Magnesium Sulfate
Very potent, HIGH Alert Drug!
Causes: decrease Respirations/drowsiness
Educate Pt: flushed/warmth effect, blurring, headaches, etc.
Monitor: BP, HR, RR (16bpm before dose)
Monitor Patellar Reflexes for toxicity & clonus (2+ is Normal)
Monitor: Mag Serum Levels
Calcium Gluconate ready!
| Serum Magnesium Levels | (mEq/L) |
| Normal | 1.5–2 |
| Therapeutic | 4–7 |
| ECG changes | 5–10 |
| Loss of reflexes | 8–12 |
| Respiratory distress | 15 |
| Cardiac arrest | 25 |
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Patient w/ Seizure Activity
DO NOT attempt to shorten/abolish sz
Secure Airway, administer O2 face mask 10L/min, Suction equipment
Assess pulse/circulation (Call code if no pulse), ROM
LEFT side lying (prevent aortic compression)
Monitor VS, IV access, give Mag Sulfate,
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Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy
Depletion of platelets & clotting factors
Signs: hematuria, petechiae, oozing from injections
Causes widespread external or internal bleeding
Most common causes of DIC in pregnancy:
Excessive blood loss with inadequate component replacement
Placental abruption
Amniotic fluid embolism
Severe pre-eclampsia
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Multiple Gestation
Associated complications
PRL, IUGR, Gest Diabetes, UTIs, preclampsia/eclampsia
High-Risk Pregnancy
Delivery planned in Level III Facility
Ultrasounds, Bio Physical Profiles, Non Stress Tests
Twin-to-Twin Transfusion
Vascular connections (A-A, A-V, V-V)
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Infections
Urinary tract infection
Group B streptococcal infection
Normal vaginal/fecal flora
May cause sepsin in Newborn
Maternal screening 36-37 weeks, Abx (penicillin, erythromycin if needed
Torch infections
Associated with congenital anomalies if exposed during first 12 wks
HIV and AIDS
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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Chronic multisystem inflammatory disorder
Autoimmune antibody production
Inflammation of connective tissue
Body fails to recognize its own proteins
Inflammation of multiple organ systems
Adverse pregnancy outcomes more common in SLE
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Rho(D) Isoimmunization
Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn
Maternal antibodies against antigens present on the fetal and neonatal RBCs
Antigens provoke an immune reaction if an incompatible blood cell enters the circulation
Administered deltoid within 3-72 hrs after delivery, abortion, miscarriage , transfusion
Special consideration Jehovah's contains human plasma
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Respiratory Complications
Asthma
Management
Goals of therapy include:
Optimal control of asthma symptoms
Attainment of normal pulmonary function
Prevention and reversal of asthma attacks
Prevention of maternal and fetal complications
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Diabetes in Pregnancy
Definition and classification of diabetes mellitus
Pregestational
Gestational
Maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality
Management
Continuous blood glucose monitors
Insulin and oral hypoglycemic therapy
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The Thyroid Gland and Pregnancy
Hyperthyroidism
Excessive levels of thyroid hormone:
Heat intolerance, diaphoresis, fatigue, anxiety, tachycardia, insomnia, wide pulse pressure
Treatment:
Propyl-thiouracil (PTU) drug of choice
Patient education
Hypothyroidism
Inadequate production of thyroid hormone:
Cold intolerance, lethargy, hair loss, brittle nails, dry skin
Treatment:
Levothyroxine
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Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism
Venous thromboembolic diseases
Superficial and deep vein thrombophlebitis
Pulmonary embolism:
S/S: tachypnea, dyspnea, heart murmur, anxiety, etc
Thrombosis
Pain tenderness/ warmth, swelling , color change, etc
Risk Factors: obesity, limited mobility, preeclampsia, multiple gestation
Doppler, MRI, CT to confirm Thrombosis
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Psychiatric Complications During Pregnancy
Depression
Bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia
Anxiety disorders
Eating disorders
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Assessment and Diagnostic Tools
Doppler ultrasound blood flow studies
Fetal biophysical profile (Pg. 178 Table 6-4)
Nonstress test Play
20 -40 mins
Contraction stress test
Electronic fetal heart rate monitoring
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