Care of the Obstetric Patient in Acute settings

Question 1

what effect does pregnancy have on plasma volume and what is it’s implications on resuscitation?

Answer 1

Increases plasma voulue by u to 50%

Haemadilution -blood is more diluted
decrease O2 carrying capacity

Question 2

what effect does pregnancy have on heart rate and what is it’s implications on resuscitation?

Answer 2

Increases heart rate by 16-20bpm

increased CPR circulation demand

Question 3

what effect does pregnancy have on cardiac output and what is it’s implications on resuscitation?

Answer 3

Increases

• 20% at 8/40
• 40% by 20-28/40

increased CPR circulation demand

Question 4

what effect does uterine blood flow on cardiac output and what is it’s implications on resuscitation?

Answer 4

makes up 10% of cardiac output (at term)

Potential for rapid massive haemorrhage

Question 5

what effect does pregnancy have on systemic vascular resistance and what is it’s implications on resuscitation?

Answer 5

decreased systemic vascular resistance

sequesters blood during CPR

Question 6

what effect does pregnancy have on arterial blood pressure and what is it’s implications on resuscitation?

Answer 6

Decreased by 10-15mmHg

decreased reserve of blood in chambers

Question 7

what effect does pregnancy have on venous return and what is it’s implications on resuscitation?

Answer 7

Decreased by pressure of gravid uterus on IVC

Question 8

what effect does pregnancy have on venous respiratory rate and what is it’s implications on resuscitation?

Answer 8

Remains the same but rib flare
increases tidal volume by 40%

↓ buffering capacity, acidosis
more likely

Question 9

what effect does pregnancy have on Oxygen consumption and what is it’s implications on resuscitation?

Answer 9

increased by 20%

Hypoxia develops more quickly

Question 10

what effect does pregnancy have on residual capacity and what is it’s implications on resuscitation?

Answer 10

Decreased by 25%

↓ buffering capacity, acidosis
more likely

Question 11

what effect does pregnancy have on arterial PCO2 and what is it’s implications on resuscitation?

Answer 11

decreased

↓ buffering capacity, acidosis
more likely

Question 12

what effect does pregnancy have on the likelihood of getting laryngeal oedema and what is it’s implications on resuscitation?

Answer 12

increased

difficulty intubating