Common Discomforts Flashcards
Why do nosebleeds occur during pg
The increase in blood volume plus the softening effects of higher estrogen levels can make the small capillaries in the nose more likely to rupture= nosebleeds
Education and support for nosebleeds
- explanation of vascular changes in pregnancy
- increase humidity in environment, mister, humidifier, or boiling pots of water on the stove
- normal saline drops/spray may decrease friability
Hx and chart review for nosebleeds
- SOCRATES approach
- factors/event꞉ allergies or upper respiratory tract infection, trauma, etc.
- bleeding allergies
- bleeding disorders
- typical nasal hygiene practices
Differential Dx of nosebleeds
Secondary to the following conditions
- hypertension
- seasonal allergies
- upper respiratory tract infection nasal polyps
- inhalation drug use
- nasal trauma or injury
- coagulation defects
What could abdominal pain indicate in pg?
- round ligament pain
- UTI
- appendicitis
- gallbladder
- renal calculi
- hydronepheosis
- pancreatitis
- preterm labor
- placenta abruption
Hx and chart review for abdominal pain
- SOCRATES approach
- review of prior U/S finding
- location of pain
- bowel activity and changes
- relieving and exacerbating factors like activity, specific, movement, food intake
- recent travels or household exposures
- hx of previous abdominal surgery
- recent trauma
Diet hx for abdominal pain
- timing of pain in relation to meals or empty stomach
- pain associated with types of food
- consider cholecystitis when pain occurs after increase fat meals
overall quality of diet, diet recall - pica
Physical Exam abdominal pain
- Vital signs
- general appearance level of distress
- fetal evaluation as appropriate to GA
- pain scale rating
- skin꞉ jaundice, pallor, diaphoresis
- abdominal exam꞉ bowel sounds, pain location, presence of rigidity, muscle tone, diastasis, umbilical hernia
- assess rebound tenderness and muscle guarding
- CVA tenderness
- suprapubic tenderness
Screening and dx of abdominal pain
- u/s꞉ uterus, abdomen, gallbladder
- serial quantitative hCG in early 1st tri
- urinalysis and culture
- 24 hour urine collecting if preeclampsia, HELLP suspected
- CBC w/ differential WBC elevation
- liver enzyme panel
- serum amylase and lipase
- NST in 3rd trimester
- possible endoscopy or laparoscopy
Differential diagnosis of Varicose veins
- varicose veins of the lower extremities or vulva
- varicose veins complicating pg
- superficial phlebitis and thrombophlebitis
- DVT
Hx and chart review varicose veins
- SOCRATES approach
- pain
- edema
- redness or change in pigmentation
- sensation of leg heaviness
- current relief measures
- daily activities including employment꞉ long periods of standing increases risk for varicosities, prolonged sitting
- recent immobility
Interventions for varicose veins
- support garments
- foam pad to support vulvar varicosities use with close fitting but non-constricting undergarment
- maternal abdominal support to receive pressure on pelvic veins
- increase intake of onions and garlic in the diet
- nettle infusion
- vitamin c, b complex, a, e [for maintenance of vessel walls]
- increase vitamin e up to 600 iu daily may help contribute to maintaining vessel wall
- blueberry juice
- positioning
- leg elevation above the heart
Physical exam for varicose veins
- weight and BMI꞉ obesity increase risk for varicosities
- examination of varicosities꞉ location, severity, number, size
- serial calf measurement
what symptoms for conditions to look out for with varicosities
- superficial phlebitis꞉ heat, tenderness, redness or discoloration
- deep vein thrombosis
- pain and swelling
- leg or vulvar edema
Education for varicose veins
- regular mild exercise
- avoid꞉ constrictive clothing, long periods of standing or sitting, crossing legs while sitting, leg massage
warning signs for varicose veins
- persistent or worsening pain
- unilateral edema of extremity
- localized redness, heat, or tenderness
- fever