Complications During Labor & Birth Flashcards

1
Q

The Five P’s

A

Powers
Passage
Passenger
Position
Psyche

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2
Q

Dysfunctional labor
Ineffective uterine contractions
Maternal bearing down efforts

A

Powers

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3
Q

Alterations in pelvic structure

A

Passage

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4
Q

Fetal causes (size, presentation, anomalies, etc.)

A

Passenger

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5
Q

Maternal position during labor/birth

A

Position

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6
Q

Psychological repsonses

A

Psyche

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7
Q

Abnormal uterine contractions that prevent dilation, effacement, or descent

A

dysfunctional uterine contractions

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8
Q

Usually occurs in latent (early) labor, primary dysfunctional labor

Painful, frequent contractions w/o cervical change (dilation)

Tx: Therapeutic Rest (narcotic, e.g.; Morphine)

A

Hypertonic uterine contraction

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9
Q

Usually occurs in active labor, secondary inertia

Weakening or cessation of uterine contractions

Tx: Ambulation, oxytocin augmentation, amniotomy, etc.

A

Hypotonic uterine contractions

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10
Q

Long, difficult, or abnormal labor

A

dystocia

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11
Q

-Contractures or narrowing of pelvic diameter
-Inadequate pelvis
-Placenta, fibroids, cervical edema

A

Pelvic and Anatomical Dystocia

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12
Q

-Anomalies (anencephaly)
-CPD (cephalopelvic disproportion)
-Malposition (LOP, ROP)
-Malpresentation (breech)
-Multifetal pregnancy

A

Fetal causes for dystocia

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13
Q

Inadequate pelvis

A

doesn’t allow fetus to get through the birth canal

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14
Q

Absence of a major portion of the brain, skull, scalp

A

Anencephaly

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15
Q

If the baby is facing forward and slightly to theleft(looking toward the mother’s right thigh) it is in theleftocciput posterior (LOP) position. This presentation can lead to

A

more back pain (sometimes referred to as “back labor”) and slow progression of labor.

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16
Q

Large baby due to

A

-Hereditary factors
-Diabetes
-Postmaturity (still pregnant after the due date has passed)
-Multiparity (not the first pregnancy)

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17
Q

True or False

Staying in one position can slow down fetal decent

A

True

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18
Q

What is Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD)?

A

(CPD)occurs when a baby’s head or body is too large to fit through the mother’s pelvis. It is believed that true CPD is rare, but many cases of “failure to progress” during labor are given a diagnosis of CPD. If women is diagnosed in active labor then we will prep to go to OR for C-section

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19
Q

True or False

Hormones and neurotransmitters released in response to stress/anxiety (i.e. catecholamines) can cause dystocia.

A

True

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20
Q

Fetal Macrosomia

Birth weight

A

4,000-4,500g or 8.8-10 lbs

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21
Q

Shoulder dystocia can lead to

A

asphyxia

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22
Q

Maternal risks associated with post term pregnancy, labor, & birth after 42 weeks gestation

A

-Dysfunctional labor
-Interventions more likely necessary
-Birth canal trauma (macrosomia)
-Postpartum hemorrhage
-Infection
-Psychological reactions and fatigue

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23
Q

Fetal risks associated with post term pregnancy, labor, & birth after 42 weeks gestation

A

-Shoulder dystocia (macrosomia) –> Asphyxia
-Aging placenta –> oxygenation
-Oligohydramnios –> risk of cord compression
-Meconium aspiration

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24
Q

If a patient does not experience spontaneous labor by the 42nd week (sometimes earlier), __________ is considered the primary medical management choice

A

induction

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25
Q

Why is continuous fetal monitoring needed w/ induction?

A

-Amniotic fluid decreases in the post term pregnancy. Careful monitoring and interventions likely.
-At risk for variable decelerations: Low amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios)
-At risk for late decelerations: Aging placenta/uteroplacental insufficiency.

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26
Q

The use of chemical or mechanical modalities to initiate uterine contractions (before their spontaneous onset) to bring about childbirth

This is considered when an existing maternal or fetal condition dictates the need for medical intervention

A

Induction of labor

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27
Q

Infection of placenta and amniotic fluid (most often caused by bacteria from vagina, if membranes rupture)

A

Chorioamnionitis

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28
Q

Indications for induction

A

-Post-term pregnancy
-Maternal medical conditions (e.g., diabetes mellitus, renal disease, chronic pulmonary disease, chronic/gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, eclampsia)
-Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) (> 37 weeks gestation)
-Fetal demise
-Placental abruption
-Chorioamnionitis
-Fetal compromise (e.g., severe fetal growth restriction, isoimmunization, or oligohydramnios)

29
Q

Contraindications for induction

A

cephalopelvic disproportion, non-reassuring FHR, placenta previa, prior uterine incision, active genital herpes, cervical cancer

30
Q

Used to stimulate uterine contractions after labor has begun spontaneously but is not progressing satisfactorily. It is most commonly indicated for the management of hypotonic uterine dysfunction.

A

Augmentation of labor

31
Q

Chemical methods used to soften cervix (effacement)

A

Prostaglandin E2 (Cervidil), placed posterior cervix

Prostaglandin E1 (misoprostol (Cytotec)) administered PO or placed posterior cervix

32
Q

Induction & augmentation methods

A

Oxytocin (Pitocin) IV (stimulate contractions)
Nipple stimulation: releases oxytocin

Amniotomy: Artificial Rupture of Membranes (AROM)

Patient Position Change
Rotate Baby/Pressure on Cervix

33
Q

Sweeping a finger over the membranes that connect the amniotic sac to the wall of the uterus, this will release prostaglandins which will soften the cervix and cause contractions

A

Stripping the membranes

34
Q

If we notice FHR patterns that are abnormal, but don’t require emergent C-section we will …

A

stop the Pitocin

35
Q

When theballooninflates inside thecervix, it puts pressure on thecervicalcells, helping it dilate and increasing the tissue’s response to oxytocin and prostaglandins

A

Cook cervical ripening balloon

36
Q

AROM

A

Artificial rupture of the membranes

37
Q

Labor typically begins within __________ hours after the membranes rupture.

A

12

38
Q

Nursing interventions for AROM

A

-Record baseline FHR prior to, continuously during, and after due to risk of cord prolapse or infection
-Assess amount, color, consistency, odor of amniotic fluid
-Implement peri care and change pads for comfort
-Monitor temp every 2 hours

39
Q

Intrauterine infusion of isotonic solution (0.9% sodium chloride or lactated Ringer’s)

Used to reduce severity of variable decelerations caused by cord compression

A

amniofusion

40
Q

Indications for forceps assisted delivery

A

-Poor progress during second stage
-Fetal distress
-Persistent occiput posterior position
-Abnormal presentation

41
Q

Nursing interventions for forceps assisted delivery

A

-Assess neonate for intracranial hemorrhage, fetal
bruising, and facial palsy
-Check FHR before forceps are applied and immediately after the forceps application

42
Q

Indications for vacuum assisted delivery

A

-Maternal exhaustion and ineffective pushing
-Fetal distress during the second stage of labor

43
Q

Nursing interventions for vacuum assisted delivery

A

-Place patient in lithotomy position and support with position
-Assess and record FHR before and during vacuum application
-Document number of pulls, pressure, and pop offs
-Observe neonate for bruising and caput succedaneum

44
Q

Vacuum assisted delivery may cause the baby to have

A

swelling, bruising, and cephalohematoma

45
Q

The observance of a pregnant patient and fetus for a reasonable period (approx. 4-6 hours) of spontaneous active labor to assess safety of vaginal birth for mother and infant.

A

Trial of labor (TOL)

46
Q

Indications for TOL

A

-Maternal pelvis is of questionable size or shape
-Fetus is in an abnormal presentation
-If patient wants a vaginal birth after a previous c-section (VBAC)

47
Q

The birth of a fetus through a trans-abdominal incision of the uterus

Purpose if to preserve the life or health of the mother and her fetus

A

cesarean section

48
Q

Indications for C-section

A

-Previous C-section
-Failure to progress in labor
-Fetal factors: malpresentation, fetal distress, CPD, multiple fetuses, macrosomia, prolapsed cord
-Maternal factors: positive HIV, active genital herpes
-Placenta previa or abruption

49
Q

C-section types (surgical techniques)

A

-Classical (Vertical Uterine Incision: Cannot have TOLAC)
-Low-Transverse (Horizontal Uterine Incision)

50
Q

Once a classical C-section …

A

always a classical C-section

51
Q

Nursing interventions for C-section

A

-Obtain informed consent
-Perform preoperative assessment and surgical checklist
-Administer preoperative medications
-Insert IV and foley
-Perform postoperative and postpartum assessment
-Assess for bleeding at site and lochia
-Obtain postop VS
-Monitor for effects of anesthesia
-Assess pain

52
Q

Risk of uterine rupture after C-section?

A

Less than 1%

53
Q

TOLAC

A

Trial of labor after cesarean

54
Q

VBAC

A

Vaginal birth after cesarean

55
Q

Requirements for TOLAC/VBAC

A

-Previous low transverse uterine incision
- <2 previous C/S
-Adequate pelvis
-No other uterine scars
-No history of uterine rupture
-Baby must be in VTX (cephalic) position
-CTOL (Cleared for Trial of Labor)

56
Q

A tear in the wall of the uterus that may involve all layers. Rare, but serious obstetrical emergency

A

Rupture of the uterus

57
Q

Rupture of uterus causes

A

Causes:
-Separation of scar from previous cesarean incision
-Uterine trauma
-Drug use
-Congenital uterine abnormality

Causes During Labor:
-Intense spontaneous uterine contractions (prev. c/s)
-Labor stimulation (oxytocin, prostaglandin)
-Over-distended uterus
-Malpresentation
-External or internal version
-Difficult forceps birth

58
Q

Head is born, but the anterior shoulder cannot pass under the pubic arch

-Turtle Sign
Head emerges and it retracts against the perineum and external rotation does not occur

Potential Causes:
Excessive fetal size (>4000 grams/8.8lbs), Maternal pelvic abnormalities, CPD

A

Shoulder dystocia

59
Q

Occurs when the cord lies below the presenting part of the fetus

Contributing factors:
Long umbilical cord (approx. >100cm)
Malpresentation (breech, transverse lie)
Unengaged presenting part (negative station)

Risks:
Fetal hypoxia resulting from cord compression
Variable Decelerations

A

Prolapsed umbilical cord

60
Q

Nursing intervention for prolapsed umbilical cord

A

Insert hand into vagina and hold the presenting part off the cord. Do not take hand out until baby is delivered!

61
Q

Occurs when amniotic fluid containing particles of debris (i.e. vernix, hair, skin cells, or meconium) enters the maternal circulation and causes the release of endogenous mediators.

Rare: Mortality Rate as high as 80%: Survival- Most mothers and approx. 50% of infants suffer neurological impairment.

Signs: Acute dyspnea, Severe hypotension, If mother survives, hemorrhage/DIC usually occurs

Risk Factors:
Fetal death, Multiparity, Placental Abruption, Macrosomia

A

Amniotic fluid embolism

62
Q

Life threatening complications that can occur with amniotic fluid embolism

A

breathing problems, cardiac arrest, and excessive bleeding

63
Q

The cessation of cardiac activity from conception to 28 days following birth.

A

Perinatal loss

64
Q

IUFD

A

Intrauterine Fetal Demise/Death

65
Q

FDIU

A

Fetal Demise/Death In Utero

66
Q

Causes of perinatal loss

A

-Maternal Factors (diabetes, HTN, infection)
-Fetal Anomalies
-Asphyxia by Cord Compression (Cord Accident)
-Placental Insufficiency
-Perinatal loss may occur intrapartum or postpartum due to an obstetrical emergency

67
Q

Treatment for perinatal loss (ways to deliver fetus)

Dependent on gestational age

A

-D&C
-Induction

Avoid C-section

68
Q

Nursing management for perinatal loss

A

-Admit patient away from audible laboring mothers
-Label hospital door with appropriate demise sticker
-Patient is active member in plan of care
-Continuum of care
-Assess coping abilities

69
Q

Phrases to avoid using w/ perinatal loss

A

“It’s God’s will.”
“You can always have another.”
“There was a problem with this baby.”
“There’s always next time.”

It is acceptable to say “I’m Sorry”, hold their hand and mourn with them.