antepartum Flashcards
presumptive signs of pregnancy
- least reliable; subj & obj data from pt
- subjective
- amenorrhea
- fatigue
- N&V
- urinary frequency
- breast tenderness
- quickening
- breast changes
- darkened areolae
- enlarged Montgomery’s glands
- uterine enlargement
- skin changes
probable signs of pregnancy
- obj to examiner; some can have other causes
- uterine enlargement
- Hegar’s sign
- Chadwick’s sign
- Goodell’s sign
- ballottement
- Braxton-Hicks ctx
- positive hCG: usually positive by first missed period; 97% accurate
- fetal outline (felt by examiner)
- cervical changes
positive signs of pregnancy
- fetal heart sounds: Doppler @ 10-12 wks GA
- visualization of fetus by US
- abd US @ 5-6 wks GA
- vag US @ 16 days
- fetal movement (palpated by examiner)
quickening
slight fluttering movements of fetus felt by mother, usually at 16-20 wks
Hegar’s sign
- @ 6-8 wks
- softening and compressibility of lower uterus
Chadwick’s sign
- @ 8-12 wks
- deepened violet-bluish color of cervix and vaginal mucosa
- r/t vascularity
Goodell’s sign
- @ 6 wks
- softening of cervical tip
- r/t congestion of blood
ballottement
- rebound of unengaged fetus
- fetus or a fetal part rebounds when displaced by a light tap of the examining finger through the vagina
Braxton Hicks contractions
- false labor
- mostly painless, irregular, usually relieved by walking
- do not cause dilation and effacement of the cervix
hCG
- human chorionic gonadotropin
- pregnancy hormone used for testing
- found in urine or blood
- can be detected 7-8 days before expected menses
hCG production
- begins at impantation
- peaks 60-70 days
- ↓ at 100-130 days
hCG levels
- ↑ could mean
- multifetal
- ectopic
- hydatidiform mole
- genetic abnormality (Down)
- ↓ could mean
- miscarriage
- ectopic
meds that can cause false negative or positive pregnancy test result
- anticonvulsants
- diuretics
- tranquilizers
pt teaching: home pregnancy test
- first-voided morning urine sample (hormone levels higher, easier to detect)
- follow directions on package for accuracy
Nägele’s rule
1st day of last menstrual cycle – 3 months + 7 days + 1 year = EDD
fundal height
- measured in cm
- symphysis pubis to top of uterine fundus (18-30 wks)
- approximates gestational age ± 2 wks
gravidity
- number of pregnancies
- nulligravida: never
- primigravida: in first
- multigravida: second or more
parity
- number of pregnancies in which fetus(es) reached 20 wks gestation
- not affected by stillbirth or live birth
- nullipara: none
- primipara: one
- multipara: two or more
viability
- point in time when infant has capacity to survive outside uterus
- not a specific week number
- 22-25 wks considered threshold
GP/GTPAL
- GP is incomplete: gravidity and para, regardless of outcome or number of fetuses
- gravidity: pregnancies
- para: pregnancies reaching 20 wks GA
- term births: 38+ wks
- preterm births: viability to end of 37 wks
- post-term/postdate: > 42 wks GA
- abortions/miscarriages before viability
- living children
reproductive changes during pregancy
- uterus ↑ in size, changes shape and position
- ovulation and menses cease
CV changes during pregnancy
- cardiac output ↑ 30-50%
- blood volume ↑ 30-45% by term
- HR ↑ 10-15 bpm at 32 wks
repiratory changes during pregnancy
- ↑ O2 needs
- 2nd and 3rd trimesters: chest might enlarge for lung expansion as uterus expands upward
- RR ↑
- lung capacity ↓
musculoskeletal
- r/t relaxin and progesterone
- begins in 2nd trimester
- body alterations + ↑ wt = posture adjustment
- pelvic joints relax = ↓ stability
- shift in center of gravity
- sciatic nerve pressure
- third trimester
- progressive lordosis
- diastasis recti (separation of abs)
GI changes during pregnancy
- N&V: hormone changes and/or ↑ intra-abd pressure
- constipation: ↑ transit time
renal changes during pregnancy
- ↑ filtration rate 2/2 hormones, ↑ blood volume and metabolism
- ↑ frequency common
- amt of urine produced remains same
endocrine changes during pregnancy
- placenta becomes endocrine organ, produces large amts of
- estrogen
- hCG
- progesterone
- human placental lactogen
- prostaglandins
- hormones maintain pregnancy and prep body for delivery
body image changes
- 1st trimester
- not obvious
- pt looks forward to more obvious changes
- 2nd trimester
- rapid physical changes in abd, breasts that can affect mobility
- stretch marks, hyperpigmentation
- ↓ balance, back and leg discomfort
- statements of anxiety or desire for pregnancy to be over
expected VS
-
BP
- 1st trimester: prepregnancy range
- systolic: slight or no ↑
- diastolic: slight ↓ at 24-32 wks, back to prepregnancy level at term
- position strongly affects readings (esp. supine)
-
pulse
- ↑ 10-15 bpm about 32 wks-term
-
respirations
- unchanged or slight ↑ (elevation of diaphragm)
- SOB might be noted
expected fetal heart tones
- FHR = 110-160 bpm
- FHR accelerations indicate intact CNS
expected maternal CV changes
- cardiac hypertrophy, shape change
- volume ↑ 40-50 % (about 1500 mL)
- ↑ RBCs by 20-30%
- accommodates ↑ volume, cardiac output
- return to normal shortly after delivery
- pseudo/physiological anemia (RBCs diluted in expanded plasma volume)
- heart sounds
- more distinguishable splitting of S1 and S2
- S1 louder after 20 wks
- murmurs possible
- ↑ clotting factors and ↓ fibrinolytic activity
- ↓ risk of hemorrhage
- ↑ risk of thrombosis
- WBC ↑ up to 15,000
expected uterine changes
- weight: 50–1,000 g (0.1–2.2 lb)
- top of fundus reaches xiphoid process by 36 wks
- may cause SOB
expected cervical changes
- purplish-blue color extends into vagina and labia
- cervix becomes very soft
expected breast changes
- increase in size
- darkening and enlarging of areolae
- tenderness
- Montgomery Tubercles
- colostrum
- ↑ blood supply
- striae gravidarum
expected skin changes
- appearance: ↑ melanotropin from anterior pituitary, starting @ 2nd month
- chloasma: ↑ pigmentation on face
- linea nigra: dark line from umbilicus to pubic area
- striae gravidarm: stretch marks, mostly abd and thighs
- ↑ circulation → ↑ activity of sebaceous, sweat glands
- vascular spiders (telangiectasia)
- ↑ estrogen: palmar/plantar erythema
- pruritus
- gum hypertrophy
- acne vulgaris
nursing interventions
- acknowledge concerns
- encourage sharing feelings
- judgment-free atmosphere
- provide education
- help set postpartum goals
- refer to counseling if body image has negative effect on pregnancy
pt education
- expected changes
- timeline for return to prepregnancy state
- psychosocial changes
- common discomforts and solutions
- keep all follow-ups
- call immediately if bleeding, leakage, contractions during pregnancy
A nurse is caring for a pt who is pregnant and states her last menstrual period was April 1st. When is the expected delivery date?
April 1 – 3 mo + 1 yr + 7 days = January 8
A nurse in a prenatal clinic is caring for a pt in the first trimester of pregnancy. The pt’s health record includes this data: G3 T1 P0 A1 L1. How should the nurse interpret this information?
- G3 = multigravida; pt has had two prior pregnancies and is now pregnant
- T1 = pt has delivered one newborn at term
- P0 = pt has completed no preterm births
- A1 = pt has had one abortion/miscarriage before viability
- L1 = pt has one living child
A nurse is reviewing the health record of a pregnant pt. The provider indicated the pt exhibits probable signs of pregnancy. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (SATA)
- Montgomery’s glands
- Goodell’s sign
- ballottement
- Chadwick’s sign
- quickening
- Montgomery’s glands (presumptive sign)
- Goodell’s sign
- ballottement
- Chadwick’s sign
- quickening (presumptive sign)
A nurse in a prenatal clinical is caring for a pt who is pregnant and experiencing episodes of maternal hypotension. She asks the nurse what causes these episodes. What’s an appropriate response?
- “increase in blood volume”
- “pressure on the diaphragm”
- “weight of uterus on vena cava”
- “increased cardiac output”
“weight of uterus on vena cava”
A nurse in a clinical gets a phone call from a pt who would like to be tested to confirm pregnancy. What information should the nurse provide?
- “wait until 4 wks after conception”
- “be off meds for 24 hr before test”
- “NPO for at least 8 hrs before test”
- “collect urine from first morning void”
“collect urine from first morning void”
elements of thorough prenatal Hx
- reproductive and OB Hx
- medical Hx
- nutritional Hx
- family Hx
- recent or current illness/infection
- current medications
- psychosocial Hx
- hazardous exposures and work conditions
- current exercise and lifestyle
- abuse Hx or risk
parts of prenatal assessment
- pt Hx
- birth plan
- physical assessments
- pt knowledge
reproductive and OB Hx
- contraception use
- gynecological dz
- Hx of STIs
- previous pregnancies
- obstetrical difficulties
medical Hx
- physical pre-existing conditions
- surgical procedures
- handicapping conditions
- immune status (rubella, hep B)
when asking about current meds
- be nonjudgmental
- ask about substance abuse, ETOH use
- observe for clinical findings such as lack of grooming
psychosocial Hx
- pt’s emotional response to pregnancy
- adolescent pregnancy
- spouse
- support system
- Hx of depression
- domestic violence
abuse Hx or risk
- physical
- sexual
- psychological
- assess all clients
- ↑ risk during pregnancy
prenatal assessments
- initial: within first 12 wks
- monthly: wks 16-28
- weekly: wks 29-36
initial prenatal visit
- estimate DOB based on last period
- get Hx: social supports and ROS
- determine risk factors
- physical assessment: wt, VS, pelvic
- initial labs
initial prenatal labs
- Hgb
- Hct
- WBC
- blood type and Rh
- rubella titer
- UA
- renal fxn
- Pap
- cervical culture
- HIV antibody
- hep B surface antigen
- toxoplasmosis
- RPR or VDRL titer (syphilis)
ongoing prenatal visits
- wt
- BP
- urine: glucose, protein, leukocytes
- check for edema
- monitor fetal development
- FHR (US early, doppler later)
- fundal height (2nd trimester)
- fetal movement (16-20 wks)
- education on self-care (N&V, fatigue, backache, heartburn, etc.)
nursing responsibilities
- perform or assist with Leopold maneuvers
- assist with GYN exam
- have pt empty bladder before
- have pt take deep breaths during
- give Rho(D) immune globulin IM to Rh-negative pt about 28 wks
CBC with diff
to check Hgb, Hct, and for infection
purpose of testing blood type, Rh factor, irregular antibodies
to assess for risk of maternal-fetal blood incompatibility (erythroblastosis fetalis)
erythroblastosis fetalis
maternal-fetal blood incompatibility
indirect Coombs’ test
identifies pts who are Rh-positive sensitized
Hgb electrophoresis
finds hemoglobinopathies such as sickle cell, thalassemia
Rubella titer
determines immunity
hep B screen
determines if pt is a carrier of hep B
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) test
vaginal/anal culture at 35-37 wks to assess for GBS infection
UA
- identifies pregnancy, DM, HTN, renal dz, and infection
- pH
- specific gravity
- color
- sediment
- protein
- glucose
- albumin
- RBCs
- WBCs
- casts
- acetone
- hCG
glucose tolerance test
- 1 hr
- fasting not necessary
- check for hyperglycemia
- initial visit for at-risk pts
- 24-28 wks for all pts
- > 140 mg/dL requires follow-up
- 3 hr
- fasting overnight
- oral or IV solution given
- sample taken at 1 hr, 2 hr, 3 hr
- screen for DM
- used in pts with elevated 1 hr test
gestational diabetes Dx
two elevated BG readings from glucose tolerance tests
Pap test
screen for cancer, herpes simplex 2, HPV
vaginal/cervical culture looks for
- streptococcus beta-hemolytic
- bacterial vaginosis
- STIs (gonorrhea, chlamydia)
PPD
- TB skin test
- chest X-ray after 20 wks
- identifies exposure to TB
VDRL
- syphilis screening
- mandated by law
HIV test
- recommended for all pts
- tests for HIV infection
MSAFP
- maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein
- screening at 15-22 wks
- rules out Down syndrome and neural tube defect
- more reliable indicator available (Quad)
Quad screen
- tests for Down syndrome and neural tube defects
- at 16-18 wks
- AFP, inhibin-A, combination analysis of hCG and estriol
Why should pregnant women avoid ETOH?
can cause birth defects
Why should pregnant women avoid tobacco?
can cause low birth weight
things to avoid during pregnancy
- ETOH
- tobacco
- OTC meds, supplements, Rx meds (unless OB/GYN knows about it)
- substance use
- hot tubs or saunas
How much should pts exercise during pregnancy?
30 min of moderate exercise daily unless contraindicated
How much water should pregnant pts consume?
- 2.3 L
- 8-10 glasses
first trimester teaching
- physical, psychosocial changes
- common discomforts and relief measures
- lifestyle
- exercise
- stress
- nutrition
- sexual health
- dental care
- OTC and Rx meds
- tobacco
- ETOH
- substance use
- STIs
- complications, indications to report
- fetal growth and development
- prenatal exercise
- expected lab tests
second trimester teaching
- benefits of breastfeeding
- common discomforts and relief measures
- lifestyle
- sex and pregnancy
- rest and relaxation
- posture
- body mechanics
- clothing
- seatbelt safety and travel
- fetal movement
- complications
- preterm labor
- gestational HTN
- gestational DM
- premature rupture of membranes
- prep for childbirth, classes
- birthing methods
- birth plan (written or verbal)
third trimester teaching
- childbirth prep
- fetal movement/kick counts
- Dx testing for fetal well-being
childbirth prep
- plan, classes
- coping methods
- breathing, relaxation techniques
- effleurage, counter pressure
- heat/cold therapy, touch and massage, water therapy
- TENS
- acupressure, acupuncture
- music, aromatherapy
- pain mangement discussion
- use of doula during labor
- indications of preterm labor
- labor process
- infant care
- postpartum care
fetal movement/kick count
- concerning counts
- < 3/hr
- none for 12 hr
- downward trend over time
- movement peaks 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., when maternal glucose lowest
- babies have sleep cycles
Dx testing for fetal well-being
- nonstress test
- biophysical profile
- US
- contraction stress test
common discomforts of pregnancy
- N&V
- breast tenderness
- urinary frequency
- UTIs
- fatigue
- heartburn
- constipation
- hemorrhoids
- backaches
- SOB
- leg cramps
- varicose veins and lower-extremity edema
- gingivitis, nasal stuffiness, epistaxis
- Braxton Hicks contractions
- supine hypotension
N&V relief
- eat crackers or dry toast before rising in the morning
- avoid empty stomach
- avoid spicy, greasy, and gas-forming foods
- drink fluids between meals
breast tenderness relief
wear bra that provides adequate support
urinary frequency coping
- (first and third trimesters)
- ↓ fluid before bed
- empty bladder frequently
- use perineal pads
- Kegels to ↓ stress incontinence
UTI relief
- ↓ risk
- no bubble baths
- no tight pants
- wipe front to back
- drink plenty of water
- void before and after sex
- void as soon as urge occurs
- notify provider if urine smells foul, is cloudy, or has blood
fatigue relief
rest often
heartburn relief
- (2nd and 3rd trimesters)
- small, frequent meals
- don’t let stomach get to empty or too full
- check with provider before taking OTC meds
- don’t lie down immediately after eating
constipation relief/prevention
- (2nd and 3rd trimesters)
- drink lots of fluids
- eat plenty of fiber
- exercise regularly
hemorrhoid relief
- (2nd and 3rd trimesters)
- warm sitz bath
- witch hazel pads
- topical ointments
backache relief
- (2nd and 3rd trimesters)
- exercise regularly
- pelvic tilt exercises
- proper body mechanics
- side-lying position
SOB relief
- good posture
- sleep with extra pillows
- notify provider if it worsens
leg cramp relief
- (3rd trimester)
- extend affected leg, keeping knee straight, and dorsiflex foot
- apply heat over cramped muscle
- foot massage with leg extended
- notify provider if frequent
varicose vein and lower-extremity edema relief
- (2nd and 3rd trimesters)
- rest with legs and hips elevated
- avoid constricting clothing
- wear support hose
- avoid sitting or standing in one position for extended period
- don’t sit with legs crossed at knees
- sleep in left-lateral
- exercise moderately with frequent walking
gingivitis, nasal stuffiness, epistaxis relief
- brush teeth gently/good dental hygiene
- use humidifier
- normal saline nose drops or spray
Braxton Hicks contractions relief
- change of position
- walking
- notify provider if ↑ intensity, frequency
supine hypotension relief
- aka vena cava syndrome
- weight of uterus occludes vena cava while in supine position
- effects
- ↓ blood return from legs
- ↓ cardiac OP
- ↓ BP
- bradycardia
- sx: faintness, lightheadedness, dizziness, agitation, nausea
- → fetal hypoxia
- Tx: don’t lay on your back, elevate hips with wedge