Post C section Care

Running head: Teaching experience 1

Teaching experience 9

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Post Operation Cesarean Section

West Coast University Miami

Today my patient K.P. came in at 39 weeks and 1 day of gestation. She is G1P0 and coming in due to some contractions. As her physician came in to check up on her, he explained to her that she had polyhydramnios but not too worried about it. As per patient request, she personally asked the doctor for a cesarean section. As per patients request the doctor scheduled her for a c-section at 0830. K.P. did have a couple of questions and concerns about the c-section and what to expect once the procedure is done. As her nurse I explained to her everything she needed to know and the risk she is taking by choosing a cesarean section.

What is a Cesarean Section? A C-section is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through incisions in the abdomen and the uterus. This can be planned or also known and scheduled or it can be an emergency when things go wrong either during your pregnancy or trying to deliver vaginally. The main difference between a c-section and a vaginal birth is 1. C-section is a surgical procedure while vaginal birth is natural and 2. A c-section has a more of a recovery time then if you were to do a vaginal birth. Some women ask to have a c-section by choice, but it can be done if your labor isn’t processing, if the baby is in distress, and if you are carrying multiples. Your doctor can do a c-section as well if the baby is in an abnormal position, for example breech, if there is a problem with your placenta, the baby has a prolapsed umbilical cord, or if you have had a previous c-section. If you have had a previous c-section there is always an option to do what is called a VBAC, but your health care provider might recommend just another repeated c-section.

There are many risks when it comes to a c-section post operably. An infection can occur in the lining of the uterus known as endometritis, heavy bleeding and hemorrhaging can occur, you increase you risk for blood clots, and your incision can become infected.

After your procedure is done, you as the patient will be brought back into the PACU unit for observation. Your nurse will be checking your vital signs every 15 minutes. Your provider will put you on an oxytocin for your uterus to contract to prevent from hemorrhaging. As the nurse we will also measure urine output to determine if there is any dehydration. Once the anesthesia starts to wear off and you are able to move your legs, that is when you the patient will move out of PACU and go to the mother baby section. We encourage you to drink plenty of fluid and to start walking with help once the anesthesia is completely worn off. If you chose to breastfeed, you will be able to start as soon as you like, and a lactation nurse will teach you how.

The recovery time for a c-section takes about 6 weeks and will need to have a checkup with your provider in 4 to 6 weeks post-operative. During the recovery process, you will feel pain, discomfort, and sometimes fatigued. While you are at home take it easy and rest whenever possible. Try to keep things that you and the baby might need in arms reach. Try not to lift anything that is heavy as it can cause complications to your incision. As for pain relief, your provider could recommend a heating pad to relieve pain as well as pain killers. They also recommended to not drive as breaking can cause pressure on your incision.

When it comes to incision care, change the dressing over your incision once a day or if it gets dirty or wet. Your doctor will tell you when it is ok to stop covering your incision with a dressing. The area should be kept clean and you can wash it with mild soap and water. Do not scrub the area, just let water run over it. Do not soak yourself in a bathtub or go to the pool or beach till your doctor says it is ok to do so. Check your incision for any red, swollen, or discharge.

For activity, it is good to walk with help because it prevents blood clots and increases your strength. Avoid house cleaning, jogging, and exercises that can strain your muscles and cause pressure on your incision. Wait for you doctor to give you the to go to resume all normal activity. Avoid sex for 6 weeks to prevent any infections. Talk to your doctor about contraception’s once the baby has been delivered. Call your doctor if you are experiencing heavy bleeding after 4 days of post-operative as well as if you still have a light period after 4 weeks, and if you have large blood clots. You can also call your doctor if you have swelling of the legs, pain in your calf, fever, or discharge with a foul odor for your vagina.

C-sections can be hard on mothers. Some may feel depressed, disappointed, sad, and guilty because labor did not go as planned. These feeling can normal but seek help if these feeling do not go away. As a nurse talk to the mother, partner, family, and friends on warning signs of post-partum depression. Those warning signs are sadness, irritability, feeling anxious, feeing guilt, trouble bonding with baby, and not sleeping or oversleeping. Talk to your partner, family, and friends for comfort, help, and advice. If you have thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby call your provider and they will get you the help that you need.

After reviewing and going over all the concepts when it comes to having a c-section, my patient understood all the information I gave her. I would ask her questions and she would respond back with the right answers. The patient was very eager to learn and listen to what I was telling her as well. She finally did decide to stick with the c-section. A week went by and I asked her physician how my patient was doing, and he said both her and baby are doing very well. He also said to me that he was thankful for all the teaching and information I gave her.

References

C-section. (2020, June 12). Retrieved December 03, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/c-section/about/pac-20393655

Going home after a C-section. (n.d.). Retrieved December 03, 2020, from https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/discharge-instructions/going-home-after-a-c-section

SKYLARK STUDY. (2020, November 16). Retrieved December 03, 2020, from https://skylarkstudy.com/?utm_source=google