Chapter 16: Obstetric Procedures Flashcards
explain an amniotomy
what are the indications?
- it is an artificial rupture of membranes w/ amnihook (disposable plastic membrane perforator)
- indications:
- induce labor
- augment labor
- allow internal monitoring
risks of an amniotomy
- umbilical cord prolapse
- defer rupture if presenting part is high OR if presentation is not cephalic
- infection
- placental abruption
- can occur w/ polyhydramnios
amniotomy: nursing care before
- obtaining baseline information: FHR for 20-30 min prior to procedure
- assisting w/ amniotomy:
- place absorbent pads under mother
- gater equipment
- no more painful than a vaginal exam
- make sure to wear goggle–universal precautions
amniotomy: nursing care after
- PRIORITY: monitor FHR immediately after AROM
- assess amniotic fluid
- assess maternal V/S
- assess temp Q4h before ROM, then assess Q2h after AROM, but if mom spikes a fever, assess Q1h
- promote comfort
what are possible observations to make with amniotic fluid?
- what to assess:
- T: time
- A: amount
- C: color (clear, bloody, yellow, green)
- O: odor
- problem observations:
- polyhydramnios: more than 2000 mL
- oligohydramnios: less than 500 mL
- large amount of vernix (preterm)
- greenish (meconium b/c post term or placental insufficiency)
- odor (chorioamniotis)
why does oligohydramnios occur?
- maternal HTN
what is the difference b/w induction and augmentation?
- induction: artificial initiation of labor
- augmentation: artificial stimulation of ineffective uterine contractions
what are the 2 chemical methods used for cervical ripening?
- Dinoprostone (Cervidil)–Prostaglandin E2
- Misoprostol (Cytotec)–Prostaglandin E1
- used for cervical ripening and induction
- inserted into the posterior vaginal fornix (25 mcg)
- not given to woman who had previous C/S
what are possible ADRs when trying to induce/augment labor?
- uterine hyperstimulation
- uterine rupture
- maternal water intoxication
- watch for: HA and vomiting
- neonatal jaundice
- inc risk of chorioamnionitis and C/S
what are medical indications for induction?
- hostile intrauterine environment
- premature ROM (PROM)–mom has ruptured, but no contractions, so have to give oxytocin
- chorioamnionitis
- HTN–main reason for induction
- placental abruption
- maternal medical conditions: (G)DM, lupus
- fetal death
what are other possible reasons that a mom may choose to induce labor?
- hx of rapid labors
- living a long way from hospital
- maternity leave
- change in insurance
- fetal anomaly
what is the Bishop Score?
- used to determine successful induction
- ACOG: vaginal delivery more likely if higher than 8 out of 12
- nullipara most successful when 7 or more
- multipara most successful when 5 or more
- looks at position of cervix, consistency of cervix, effacement, dilation, baby’s station

what are the mechanical methods used for cervical ripening?
- used infrequently
- moisture attracting inserts are placed in the cervical canal–absorb H2O and swell
- Dilapan: synthetic material
- Lamicel: sponge with MgSO4
- Laminaria: dried seawee
- foley bulb
Oxytocin Administration for Induction
- dilute oxytocin in isotonic fluid
- secondary infusion via PUMP
- insert oxytocin line close to venipuncture site
- assess uterine activity, FHR, maternal BP and HR
- start slow and inc infusion rate gradually
- nurse decides when to start, change, and stop oxytocin by hospital protocol and Dr.’s orders
- inc by 1-2 milliunits/min
- monitor uterine activity and FHR frequently
what is important to recognize during induction or augmentation?
- tachysystole/hypertonus
how to recognize tachysystole (hypertonus)?
- duration longer than 90-120 sec
- frequency <2 min
- relaxation <30 sec
- resting tone >20 mmHg
- peak pressure >90 mmHg

what are nursing actions to do for tachysystole?
- reduce or stop Pitocin & increase primary fluids
- non-supine, lateral position
- O2 by face mask at 8-10 L/min
- notify doctor
what to observe for with induction/augmentation of labor?
- assess blood pressure and pulse frequently
- record I&O
- observe for signs of water intoxication
- pain management
- assess for uterine atony in postpartum period
- assess for jaundice in newborn
risks of induction and augmentation
- uterine hyperstimulation
- uterine rupture
- maternal water intoxication
- greater risk of chorioamnionitis and C/S
what are S/S of maternal water intoxication?
- HA
- blurred vision
- behavior change
- inc BP and RR
indications for version
- external version: change fetal position to cephalic position to inc chance of vaginal birth
- attempted after 37 weeks
- internal version: vaginal birth of twins
nursing considerations and promoting fetal and maternal health with an external version
- provide information and reduce anxiety
- assess NST or BPP for fetal well being
- assess maternal V/S
- monitor FHR for baseline and reassuring pattern
- IV line
- administer tocolytic: terbutaline 0.25 mg subQ (may inc HR)
- observe for complications:
- nonreassuring FHR
- persistent pain: suggests placental abruption
- regular contractions
Nursing Care after an External Version
- monitor for 1 hour
- perform NST
- monitor for U/Cs, bleeding, ROM, decreased fetal movement
- if Rh negative, check Kleinhauer Betke test
- checks for presence of fetal blood in maternal circulation
- V/S: pulse should NOT be greater than 120
amnioinfusion
- a volume of LR or sterile NS is introduced into the uterus through an IUPC
amnioinfusion: indications
- cord compression is suspected (d/t variable decels)
- meconium stained fluid (usually medium or heavy amounts)
- preterm labor with PROM
amnioinfusion: nursing considerations
- monitor maternal V/S
- monitor FHR
- keep mom and partner informed
- comfort measures: ie. dry pads
- positioning
- return of fluid
what is used during assisted or operative vaginal births?
- forceps (occasionally used)
- vacuum extractor:
- if 2nd stage needs to be shortened
- maternal exhaustion/inability to push
- cardiac & pulmonary dz
forceps: technique
- With correct placement of the blades, the handles lock easily.
- During uterine contractions traction is applied to the forceps in a downward and outward direction to follow the birth canal combined with maternal pushing efforts.
vacuum extractor: technique
- The cup is placed on the fetal occiput and suction is created.
- Traction is applied in a downward and outward direction with maternal pushing efforts.
risks for mom with a operative vaginal birth
- lacerations and hematomas of the vagina
risks for fetus with an operative vaginal birth
- ecchymosis
- facial/scalp lacerations and abrasions
- cephalohematomas: collection of blood; does NOT cross suture lines
- intracranial or subgaleal bleeds
what is an episiotomy? what are the types?
- surgical incision of the perineum
- types:
- ML: midline
- RML or LML: right or left medial lateral

advantages of an episiotomy
- allows more room
- dec pressure on the head
disadvantages of an episiotomy
- inc postpartum pain
- more scarring
- prolonged dysparunia
- inc risk of infection
- may extend to rectum
episiotomy: indications
- to prevent pressure on fetal head
- control direction of vagina opening
- clean incision simpler to repair than a laceration
How to Prevent an Episiotomy
- upright position for pushing
- open glottis pushing
- no arbitrary length of time for 2nd stage
- daily perineal massage and stretching after 36 weeks
types of lacerations
- 1st degree: skin and mucosa
- 2nd degree: muscle
- 3rd degree: involves the anal sphincter, anterior wall of rectum
- 4th degree: through the rectal mucosa to the lumen of the rectum

how to provide pain relief for lacerations or episiotomy
- ice pack first 24 hours
- analgesic spray or ointment as prescribed
- sitz baths after 24 hours (not regularly used)
how to prevent infection with lacerations and episiotomies
- perineal care with each void
- dry perineal area from front to back
- blot rather than wipe
- shower rather than tub bath
- apply peri pad front to back
- don’t touch inside of pad
- report any bleeding or discharge to physician
what are the fetal risks of cesarean birth?
- inadvertent premature birth
- transient tachypnea
- persistent pulmonary HTN of the newborn
- traumatic injury
C/S pre-op nursing responsibilities
- informed consent
- patient education and family support
- additional interventions:
- clip hair
- insert bladder catheter
- T&C
- grounding pad
- instrument & sponge counts
- pre-op meds: anti-emetics, antibiotics
vertical skin incision with C/S
- advantages:
- quicker
- better visualization
- can extend upward
- better for obese women
- disadvantages:
- visible when healed
- greater chance of dehiscence and hernia
- w/ classic: inc risk of uterine rupture in subsequent pregnancies/labor
Pfannenstiel skin incision with C/S
- preferred
- advantages:
- less visible
- less dehiscence and hernia risk
- disadvantages:
- less visualization of uterus
- takes more time and can’t be easily extended
- subsequent births take more time
low transverse uterine incision w/ C/S
- advantages:
- unlikely to rupture in subsequent births
- makes VBAC possible w/ next birth
- less blood loss
- easier repair
- less adhesion formation
- disadvantage:
- limited ability to extend

low vertical uterine incision w/ C/S
- advantage:
- can be extended upward
- disadvantage:
- slightly more likely to rupture in subsequent births
- tear may extend incision down to cervix

classic uterine incision w/ C/S
- advantage:
- may be the only choice if:
- implantation of placenta previa on lower anterior uterine wall
- presence of dense adhesions
- transverse lie of large fetus
- may be the only choice if:
- disadvantage:
- most likely to rupture in subsequent births
- eliminates VBAC as an option

C/S intra-op nursing responsibilities
- circulator
- maintaining counts at cavity closures
- extra supplies
- recording data
- observing sterile field
recovery room care after C/S
- postpartum assessment:
- fundus, lochia, dressing, V/S
- urine output
- pain: assess need for analgesia
- assess for return of sensation
- turn frequently prior to its return
- SCD
- promote bonding w/ infant
- airway protection if general anesthesia
VBAC
- vaginal birth after C/S
- physician’s responsibility to discuss during prenatal care
- reinforce explanations:
- advantages of a vaginal birth
- present in a positive way
- acknowledge that a cesarean delivery may be needed