OB Test 2 Flashcards
What are the broad categories associated with factors of high risk pregnancies?
- Biophysical - factors that originate within the mother or fetus and affect the development or functioning of either one or both (ex. genetic, nutritional)
- Psychosocial - maternal behaviors and adverse life events that have a negative effect on the health of the mother or fetus (ex. emotional distress, depression, drinking, substance abuse)
- Sociodemographic - the context in which the mother and family live (ex. low income, lack of prenatal care)
- Environmental - hazards in the workplace and the woman’s general environment and may include environmental chemicals (ex. anesthetic gases, radiation)
What are the possible risks of smoking to the fetus?
low birth weight
higher neonatal mortality rates
increased miscarriage rate
increased incidence of prelabor rupture of membranes
What are the possible risks of caffeine to the fetus?
> 200mg caffeine daily (about 12 ounces coffee/day) may increase the risk for giving birth to infants with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)
What are the possible risks of alcohol to the fetus?
fetal alcohol syndrome
fetal alcohol effects
learning disabilities
hyperactivity
What are the possible risks of drugs to the fetus?
teratogenic effects
metabolic disturbances
chemical effects
depression or alteration of central nervous system
What are the possible risks of psychologic status to the fetus?
birth complications related to emotional stress
How many fetal kicks warrant further evaluation by a non stress test?
fewer than 3 in 1 hour
What is a transvaginal ultrasound used for?
Used in the first trimester to detect ectopic pregnancies, monitor the developing embryo, help identify abnormalities, and establish gestational age.
(full bladder is not needed)
(can be used in second and third trimester along with abdominal scanning to evaluate preterm labor.)
What is an abdominal ultrasound used for?
Used after the first trimester once the uterus has become an abdominal organ to assess the fetus.
(full bladder is needed to displace the uterus upward to provide a better image.)
What is gestational dating by ultrasonography indicated for?
conditions such as uncertainty regarding the date of the last normal menstrual period, recent discontinuation of oral contraceptives, bleeding episode during the first trimester, uterine size that does not correlate with dates, and other high risk conditions.
What standard set of measurements have been accepted as being the most useful for determining gestational age in the first trimester?
crown-rump length biparietal diameter (BPD) head circumference abdominal circumference femur length
After what week of gestation is ultrasound dating less reliable and why?
after 22 weeks of gestation because of variability in fetal size
At what rate is average fetal growth?
1 cm per week
What physiological parameters of the fetus can be assessed with ultrasound?
Amniotic fluid volume (AFV) Vascular waveforms from fetal circulation Heart motion Fetal breathing movements (FBMs) Fetal urine production Fetal limb and head movements
How is the blood flow in a fetus and placenta studied?
Through a doppler blood flow analysis
How does doppler blood flow analysis work?
It uses systolic/diastolic flow ratios and resistance indices to estimate blood flow in various arteries.
What are the vessels that are most often studied through doppler blood flow analysis?
the fetal umbilical and middle cerebral arteries and the maternal uterine arteries.
What is severe restriction of umbilical artery blood flow as indicated by absent or reversed flow during diastole associated with?
IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction)
What does significantly increased peak systolic velocity in the middle cerebral artery predict?
moderate to severe fetal anemia
What does abnormal maternal uterine artery doppler waveforms predict?
fetal growth restriction
What amniotic fluid volume is considered to be healthy?
2.5 or greater
What are subjective determinants of oligohydramnios? objective?
Subjective - fundal height that is small for gestational age and fetus that is easily palpated.
Objective - the maximum vertical pocket of amniotic fluid is less than 1 to 2 cm.
What are subjective determinants of polyhydramnios? objective?
Subjective - fundal height that is large for gestational age and fetus that cannot easily be palpated or that is ballotable.
Objective - pockets of amniotic fluid measuring more than 8 cm.
How is the total AFV (amniotic fluid volume) evaluated?
by a method in which the vertical depths (in cm) of the largest pocket of amniotic fluid in all four quadrants surrounding the maternal umbilicus are totaled, providing an amniotic fluid index (AFI).
What AFI (amniotic fluid index) indicates oligohydramnios?
less than 5 cm
What AFI (amniotic fluid index) indicates polyhydramnios?
25 cm or more
What is oligohydramnios associated with?
congenital anomalies and prelabor rupture of membranes.
What is polyhydramnios associated with?
gastrointestinal and central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities, multiple fetuses, and fetal hydrops.
What does BPP stand for and what is it?
biophysical profile - a noninvasive dynamic assessment of a fetus that is based on acute and chronic markers of fetal disease. (physical examination of fetus including determination of vital signs)
When is the BPP most frequently used and why?
In the late second and the third trimester for antepartum fetal testing because it is a reliable predictor of fetal well-being
What is a normal BPP score?
8 to 10 with a normal AFV
What is a modified BPP?
A shortened version of the BPP that assesses the components that are most predictive of perinatal outcome.
(combines the NST (nonstress test) with the measurement of the quantity of amniotic fluid (AFV); AFV is determined by measuring a single deepest pocket of fluid instead of using the AFI.
What is a desired modified BPP score?
a reactive NST and a single deepest vertical pocket of amniotic fluid that is more than 2 cm.
What is percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS)?
A testing procedure that is used for fetal blood sampling and transfusion; provides direct access to the fetal circulation during the second and third trimesters.
How is a PUBS test performed?
by the insertion of a needle directly into the fetal umbilical vessel under ultrasound guidance.
What is an important consideration for all invasive procedures that penetrate the cervix/abdomen/amnion?
Rh and rhogam
What is the multiple marker test and when can it be done?
a screening used to detect fetal chromosomal abnormalities, particularly trisomy 21 (down syndrome); available beginning in the first trimester of pregnancy at 11-14 weeks of gestation.
What test screens for Rh incompatibility?
Coombs’ test
What is the contraction stress test (CST) and how does it work?
(oxytocin challenge test OCT) A graded stress test of the fetus used to identify the jeopardized fetus that was stable at rest but showed evidence of compromise after stress.; provides an earlier warning of fetal compromise than the NST and produces fewer false-positive results.
What tests are nurses able to perform in many settings?
NST (non stress test)
CST (contraction stress test)
BPP (biophysical profile)
What are the two methods of stimulation in a CST test?
nipple stimulation
oxytocin stimulation
What percentage of maternal deaths worldwide can be attributed to preeclampsia and eclampsia?
10-15%
What are some complications of hypertensive disorders?
Renal failure Coagulopathy Cardiac or liver failure Placental abruption Seizures Stroke, CNS irritability
gestational hypertension
the onset of hypertension without proteinuria or other systemic findings diagnostic for preeclampsia after week 20 of pregnancy.
How is hypertension defined?
a systolic BP greater than 140 and a diastolic BP greater than 90 recorded at least 4 hours apart on at least two separate occasions. (only one pressure, systolic or diastolic, must be elevated to meet the definition)
Preeclampsia
a pregnancy-specific condition in which hypertension and proteinuria develop after 20 weeks of gestation in a previously normotensive woman
In what circumstances can preeclampsia be defined in the absence of proteinuria?
When hypertension is present along with one of the following:
thrombocytopenia
impaired liver function
new development of renal insufficiency
pulmonary edema
now-onset cerebral or visual disturbances
Chronic hypertension
hypertension that is present before the pregnancy or diagnosed before week 20 of gestation
(can occur with or without preeclampsia)
What are some common risk factors of preeclampsia?
Primigravidity in woman <19 or >40 years of age First pregnancy with a new partner History of preeclampsia Pregnancy-onset snoring Multiple fetuses African American Obesity/gestational diabetes mellitus
What is the root cause of preeclampsia?
the placenta
HELLP syndrome
a laboratory diagnosis for a variant of preeclampsia that involves hepatic dysfunction, characterized by:
H = hemolysis
EL = elevated liver enzymes
LP = low platelets
What symptoms do most women with HELLP syndrome report?
- History of malaise
- Influenza-like symptoms
- Epigastric or right upper quadrant abdominal pain
- symptoms worsen at night and improve during the daytime
What pharmaceutical intervention may help certain women who are high risk for preeclampsia?
low-dose aspirin (60-80 mg)
What assessments aid in early detection of hypertensive disorders?
- Accurate BP measurements
- Assessment of edema
- DTRs (deep tendon reflexes)
- hyperactive reflexes (clonus)
- proteinuria
- signs/symptoms of sever preeclampsia (headaches, epigastric pain, rt upper quad abdominal pain, visual disturbances)
How are DTRs graded?
+1, 2, 3
1 is normal, 3 is very brisk and indicative
What are some of the considerations related with activity restriction/bed rest?
isolation
psychological stress
blood clots
cardiovascular deconditioning
What is intrapartum care directed towards in women with severe gestational hypertension and preeclampsia with severe features?
the early id of FHR abnormalities and the prevention of maternal complications
What does care look like in women with severe gestational hypertension and preeclampsia with severe features?
- Bed rest with side rails up
- Darkened environment
- Mag Sulfate therapy
- Antihypertensive medications
- Education of lengthy treatment and need to arrange support for home, work, children, etc.
How does Magnesium sulfate affect the pregnancy?
- delay labor progression
How does the development of evere gestational hypertension and preeclampsia with severe features affect future pregnancies?
- Seven fold risk of developing preeclampsia or eclampsia in a future pregnancy
- increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes
What maternal complications is chronic hypertension associated with?
- placental abruption
- superimposed preeclampsia
- stroke
- acute kidney injury
- heart failure
- death
- fetal risks: IUGR, death, preterm birth
A client at 36 weeks of gestation presents to labor and delivery complaining of a constant headache for the past 2 days. She also states that her face “seems more swollen than usual.” What should be the nurse’s first action?
D. Take the client’s blood pressure
What are maternal risks from maternal hemorrhage (blood loss)?
- hypovolemia
- anemia
- infection
- preterm labor
- impaired oxygen delivery to the fetus
What are fetal risks from maternal hemorrhage (blood loss)?
- blood loss (anemia)
- hypoxemia (below-normal level of O2 in your blood)
- hypoxia (absence of enough O2)
- anoxia (absence of O2)
- preterm birth
What effect does maternal hemorrhage have on oxygen?
decreases oxygen-carrying capacity
Miscarriage (spontaneous abortion)
a pregnancy that ends as a result of natural causes before 20 weeks of gestation
Threatened miscarriage
abnormal bleeding and abdominal pain that occurs while the pregnancy still continues (cervix is closed and bleeding is slight)
Inevitable miscarriage
unexplained vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain during early pregnancy (cervix is open and bleeding is moderate)
Incomplete miscarriage
some—but not all—of the pregnancy tissue is passed.
Cervix is open with tissue remaining and bleeding is heavy
Complete miscarriage
all of the pregnancy tissue is expelled from the uterus.
cervix is already closed after the passage of tissue and bleeding is slight
Missed miscarriage
fetus implants, but fails to develop
cervix is closed and bleeding is spotting to none
Septic miscarriage
miscarriage that leads to infection in the uterus
cervix is usually open and bleeding varies
Recurrent miscarriage
three or more spontaneous pregnancy losses before 20 weeks of gestation or with a fetal weight of less than 500 g.
Cervical insufficiency
passive and painless dilation of the cervix leading to recurrent preterm births during the second trimester in the absence of other causes.
What are the risk factors for congenital cervical insufficiency?
- collagen disorders
- uterine anomalies
- ingestion of diethylstilbestrol (DES) by the woman’s mother while pregnant
What is the risk factors for acquired cervical insufficiency?
- history of previous cervical trauma resulting from lacerations during birth or mechanical dilation of the cervix during gynecologic procedures.
How is cervical insufficiency diagnosed?
by a thorough obstetric history along with speculum and digital pelvic examinations and a transvaginal ultrasound examination.
What does the speculum and digital pelvic examination help to identify in cervical insufficiency?
an opening at the internal cervical os, prolapsed fetal membranes, or both.
What does the transvaginal ultrasound examination reveal in cervical insufficiency?
an abnormally short (<25mm) cervix, often accompanied by cervical funneling (beaking)
What is cervical funneling?
effacement of the internal cervical os while the external cervical os remains closed.
Cervical cerclage placement
the treatment for women with cervical insufficiency due to cervical weakness in which a suture is placed around the cervix beneath the mucosa to constrict the internal os of the cervix. (may be placed either prophylactically or as a therapeutic or rescue procedure after cervical change has been identified, or subsequent pregnancy 15-17 wks )
When is a cervical cerclage placed? removed?
Placed at 12-14 weeks
Removed by 36 weeks of gestation
What is the follow-up care recommendations following cerclage?
- Bed rest for a few days following placement
- Watch for and report signs of preterm labor, rupture of membranes, pelvic pressure and infection
- cervix length checks every 2 weeks
Ectopic pregnancy
the fertilized ovum is implanted outside the uterine cavity; also called “tubal pregnancies”
When due ectopic pregnancies usually occur and what are the three most classic symptoms?
6-8 weeks after last normal menstrual period
- abdominal pain
- delayed menses
- abnormal vaginal bleeding (spotting)
Cullen sign
hemorrhagic discoloration of the umbilical area due to intraperitoneal hemorrhage (edema & bruising)
How is an ectopic pregnancy medically managed?
with methotrexate (50 mg/m2 IM or 1 mg/kg)
how does methotrexate work on tubal pregnancies?
it dissolves ectopic pregnancies by destroying rapidly dividing cells
How is an ectopic pregnancy surgically managed?
Either by a salpingectomy (removal of the entire tube) or a salpingostomy (incision made in tube to remove products of conception and then allowed to reclose.
Hydatidiform mole (molar pregnancy)
a benign proliferative growth of the placental trophoblast in which the chorionic villi develop into edematous, cystic, avascular transparent vesicles that hang in a grape like cluster.
How is a Hydatidiform mole (molar pregnancy) managed?
Suction curettage
In patient D&C
Out patent Misoprostol
What is the complications associated with placenta previa?
- major complication is hemorrhage
- fetal death (caused by preterm birth)
- stillbirth, malpresentation, fetal anemia, IUGR
How is placenta previa diagnosed?
with a transabdominal ultrasound
What is the primary risk factor for placental abruption?
maternal hypertension (substance abuse as well)
What are the symptoms of placental abruption?
vaginal bleeding, intense abdominal pain, and uterine tenderness and contractions
What is the process of normal clotting?
the hemostat system stops flow of blood from injured vessels, first by a platelet plug, then by the formation of a fibrin clot (homeostasis exists between the opposing hemostatic and fibrinolytic systems)
DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation)
Pathologic form of diffuse clotting that consumes large amounts of clotting factors, causing widespread external bleeding, internal bleeding, or both
What is DIC a result of?
other acute or traumatic event, Post mag, serum marker + fibrin split products.
How is DIC managed?
Correction of the underlying causes
Often blood transfusion
In caring for an immediate postpartum woman, you note petechiae and oozing from her IV site. You monitor her closely for which clotting disorder?
a. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
b. Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE)
c. Hemorrhage
d. HELLP syndrome
A. DIC
What might be a cause of third trimester bleeding?
Placenta previa
Placental abruption
Cord insertion (Vasa previa, Battledore)