Nurse's Role in Cesarean Birth

Question 1

Type 1: Scheduled Cesarean

Answer 1

• Repeat done for medical reason or because woman had a previous cesarean
• Not an emergency
• Treated like any other surgical procedure

Question 2

Type 2: Emergent

Answer 2

• Done after woman has labored and failed to progress
• Needs to occur within a short time frame but not an emergency
• Often called at end of day before day team leaves

Question 3

Type 3: Emergency or Crash

Answer 3

• Life threatening situation for baby
• Usually fetal distress due to cord compression or loss of fetal variability
• Baby must be out within 30 minutes but can be done in 5-7 or less
• Often triggered by nursing assessment

Question 4

RN Role Pre-Op

Answer 4

• ID patient in the system
• Prep for procedure: IV, antibiotics, baseline vitals on mom and baby, patient teaching
• Include one family member in teaching and process
• Secure chart in OR
• Notify neonatal providers
• Notify anesthesia
• Accompany patient to OR

Question 5

3 main roles of Circulating Nurse in OR

Answer 5

1. Historian: record times everything started, who’s there, roles, etc.
2. Gopher: mobile person to get supplies
3. Teach/Assist/Support
   - in control of the room! Never leaves

Question 6

RN Role Post-Op

Answer 6

• PACU nurse
• Vital Signs and lochia amount Q15 minutes
• Maintain IV patency: pitocin, may give naproxen/morphine
• Ice to perineum or incision
• Baby to breast if not asleep
• Family to visit
• Blankets for warmth
• Documentation
• I and O
• PP Bed

Question 7

First 24 hours after cesarean

Answer 7

1. Flow/VS
2. Pain
3. Bladder
4. Baby