MCH-COMPLICATIONS Flashcards
Pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure (>140/90 mm Hg) and signs of damage to another organ system, most often the liver (HELLP syndrome) and kidneys (proteinuria)
Other symptoms
Severe headaches
Changes in vision
Upper abdoninal pain
Nausea or vomiting
Decreased urine output
Shortness of breath
preeclampsia
Hemolysis
This means that red blood cells are broken down too quickly. This can lead to anemia, a problem involving insufficient transport of oxygen throughout the body.
Elevated liver enzymes
This can be taken as a sign that liver function is compromised.
Low platelet count
Platelets help with blood clotting. So an unusually low level of platelets indicates that a person is at risk for excessive bleeding.
HELLP syndrome
is often considered to be a variant of preeclampsia. However, althouth HELLP syndrome and preeclampsia are closely linked, it’s possible for an expectant mom to have HELLP syndrome without high BP or certain aspects of preeclampsia.
Magnesium Sulfate
Anticonvulsant administered to prevent seizures in woman with preeclampsia.
May slightly reduce blood pressure but main purpose is as an anticonvulsant.
Usually continued for 12-24 hours following delivery.
Strict vital signs and monitor therapeutic levels.
Toxicity includes loss of deep tendon reflexes followed by respiratory depression which can lead to death.
May cause maternal flushing, headache, weakness, pulmonary edema, and cardiac arrest. Watch for respiratory depression in the mother. Monitor for signs of fluid overload
**Calcium gluconate **can reverse the effects of magnesium.
May also inhibit uterine contractions (leads to use of oxytocin), indirectly effective at stopping preterm labor in addition to providing neuroprotection for the preterm infant (reduces risk of cerebral palsy).
Recommended to limit use to 5-7 days because the fetus can develop low blood calcium, bone problems, and respiratory depression with prolonged use.
