Pregnancy At Risk Flashcards
The US is the _____th largest in maternal deaths.
Why?
5th
healthcare workers do not listen to their patients
NO abnormal VS are noticed when critical and at telling dangerous levels. They believe they are fine and send them home regardless
What are the different hemorrhagic conditions r/t pregnancy?
Abortion
Cervical Insufficiency
Ectopic Pregnancy
Gestational Trophoblastic Disease
Placenta Previa
Abruptio Placentae
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)
What is the general definition of an abortion?
pregnancy loss before fetus is viable or capable of living outside the uterus
before 20 weeks or <500 g
-Spontaneous or induced
Spontaneous abortion incidence % in pregnancy
18-31%
During what trimester do 75% of women lose their children to an abortion?
1st trimester
Spontaneous abortion incidence increases with
parental age
What is the most common cause of spontaneous abortions?
chromosomal abnormalities
What are the clinical manifestations of a spontaneous or induced abortion?
uterine cramping, backache, and pelvic pressure
passing of products of conception
bright red vaginal bleeding (spotting)
Abortion subgroups
Threatened
spotting w/o cervical changes (pregnancy threatened)
Abortion subgroups
inevitable
cannot stop
open cervical os
moderate to heavy bleeding
passing tissue
Abortion subgroups
incomplete
not all products of conception are expelled
Incomplete abortions require
D&C to prevent infection of the remaining products
Abortion subgroups
complete
all products of conception are expelled
Complete abortion requires what treatment
no tx required
Abortion subgroups
septic s/s
fever
abdominal pain
tenderness
foul-smelling discharge
scant-heavy bleeding
Abortion subgroups
missed
fetus passed away but remains in the uterus
cause Dead Fetus Syndrome
In a missed abortion, what can develop as a result? and what can it be divulged into?
Dead Fetus Syndrome
- possible develop DIC
DIC requires what procedure
D&C
Abortion subgroups
recurrent/habitual spontaneous abortion
defined as 3+ spontaneous abortions
Cervical os is
the opening in the cervix at the end of the endocervical canal
For missed or incomplete abortion, what treatment needs to occur if the abortion is <13 weeks?
D&C
For missed or incomplete abortion, what treatment needs to occur if the abortion is >13 weeks?
D&E
D&C
Dilation of the cervical os and Cuttrage - scrap out
D&E
Dilation and suction out the remainging
What could be used in a missed or incomplete abortion to induce contractions and expel the uterus?
Prostaglandin E2 or Cytotec
What are the 2 major complications of a missed abortion?
Infection
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)
If the woman has recurrent spontaneous abortions, what will the doctor follow up on?
examination of reproductive organs
refer for genetic counseling
identify hormone/endocrine problems
If a Rh-negative woman has any abortion, what needs to be given
Rh - immune globulin (Rhogam)
If the pregnancy is 18-19 weeks, the treatment would use what to induce the abortion?
prostaglandin
What is the psychological impact of an abortion?
frightening (wait and watch is difficult)
acute sense of grief, anger, disappointment, and sadness
Guilt and speculation they could have prevented the loss
How long can grief last after an abortion?
up to 18 months
- fantasies of unseen, unborn baby
What should nurses do after their patient has an abortion?
convey acceptance of expressed feelings
-provide information and simple brief explanations of what has occured
Induced abortions can be what types
Therapeutic (when the baby passes away inside the mother)
Elective (not wanted)
When asking a pregnant mother about her GTPALM, the nurse notices A1. What should the nurse ask when assessing the score?
Ask when the mother is alone as it could be a sensitive situation
Cervical Incompetence/Insufficiency is the
mechanical defect in the cervix which causes premature cervical ripening
What could cause cervical insufficiency?
previous trauma (D&C or cauterization)
Congenital structural defect
What is a cervical cerclage?
sutures reinforce the cervix
The cervical cerclage is removed when
near term in preparation of labor
Can a cervical cerclage be used for prophylactic reasons?
yes, 12-16 weeks
Why would a cervical cerclage be used for prophylactic reasons at 12-16 weeks of gestation?
hx of loss or cervical insufficiency
Is Rhogam given to a Rh-negative patient with a cervical cerclage procedure?
yes
What are the post-op instructions for a cervical cerclage patient?
monitor and home instructions
- antibiotics to prevent infections
- tocolytics to relax the uterus
- modify activity for 1-2 weeks
What should a patient post-op from a cervical cerclage monitor for and report if found?
uterine activity
leaking fluid
infection
The cervical cerclage post-op patient needs to watch their activity by
modifying activity (bedrest and activity to a minimum)
When is a cervical stitch removed?
at 36 weeks around the estimated labor
What is ectopic pregnancy?
implantation of fertilized ovum in sites other than the endometrial lining of the uterus
Ectopic pregnancy is a medical
emergency
An ectopic pregnancy is usually found where?
fallopian tube due to a tubular obstruction or blockage (scarring)
Ectopic Pregnancy S/S
Full feeling/tenderness in lower abdominal quadrants
+ pregnancy test
When does a pregnancy test become detectable?
6-8 weeks
What are the signs of acute rupture of an ectopic pregnancy?
vaginal bleeding
adnexal/abdominal mass (fetus)
referred shoulder pain
syncope/shock
Adnexal pain
lower abdomen on the tube or involved ovary
What are the vital signs while a patient is bleeding?
low BP
high pulse
The symptoms of a ectopic pregnancy occur around
6-8 weeks
What are the nursing interventions for an ectopic pregnancy?
1st assess VS STAT - low BP and high pulse
check for vaginal bleeding
start large bore IV to start fluids
notify provider immediately for removal
assess for abd masses or adnexal tenderness
Ectopic Pregnancy Tx IF STABLE
prepare for an abdominal US
medical mgmt with methotrexate
Ectopic Pregnancy Tx IF UNSTABLE
rapid surgical tx for ruptured ectopic
- explain the procedure and sign consent
- pre and post-op instructions
- T&C for 2 units of packed RBCs
- future pregnancy is desired and the tube is not ruptured - attempt to preserve the tube
- observe for shock
- Rhogam for Rh (-)
In a OR tx for a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, if a future pregnancy is desired, what happens?
if tge tube is not ruptured, they will attempt to preserve the tube
What is Methotrexate?
chemotherapeutic agent
What are the precautionary measures for nurses when handling Methotrexate?
- PPE with double-gloving
- verify name, medication, and dosage with another nurse
-air should not be expelled from the syringe so as not to aerosol the drug
T/F: You should expel the air in the syringe to prime the needle.
False, do not expel it as it could aerosolize the chemotherapeutic drug
What are the patient teachings for Methotrexate?
urine is considering toxic for 72 hours
avoid getting urine on the toilet seat, flush the toilet 2 times with the lid closing after voiding
- refrain from alcohol, vitamins with folic acid, NSAIDs, and avoid sunlight
What are the adverse effects of Methotrexate?
N/V with transient abdominal pain
Gestational Trophoblastic Disease aka
hydatidiform mole
molar pregnancy
Gestational Trophoblastic Disease Assessment
Hgh beta hCG than for gestational age
- Uterus larger than expected for gestational age
Hyperemesis- excess N/V
Vaginal bleeding(1st tri) varies from brown to profuse hemorrhage
absence of a fetal sac/heartbeat on US
Gestational Trophoblastic Disease can cause what in early development
preeclampsia before 24 weeks gestation
Gestational Trophoblastic Disease is characterized as what on a US?
snowstorm pattern with vesicles and absence of heartbeat and sac on US
gray-shaped nodules
Gestational Trophoblastic Disease malignant chnage leads to
choriocarcinoma and metastasis to the lung, vagina, liver, and brain
Gestational Trophoblastic Disease is
trophoblasts that attach the fertilized ovum to the uterine wall developing abnormally
In an anatomic view, what does a Gestational Trophoblastic Disease look like?
proliferation and edema of chorionic villi into a bunch of clear vesicles in grape-like clusters
- abnormal placenta
- embryo rare
- large enough to fill the uterus to advanced stages
- predispose to Choriocarcinoma
A patient comes in for a 20-week check-up and presents with their fundus at the xiphoid process. What do you suspect based on your findings?
The patient looks full-term when she is only half-term
- Gestational Trophoblastic Disease due to the advanced uterus compared to the actual gestation age
What are the tx for Gestational Trophoblastic Disease?
Evacuate the trophoblastic tissue (D&C)
Tx hyperemesis and preeclampsia
CBC, T&C, screen and coagulation status
Discharge instructions
Evacuate the trophoblastic tissue (D&C) for a molar pregnancy needs to avoid and get what test ran
Chext X-ray, CT, MRI for metastasis
avoid uterine stimulation (manual or chemical - Oxytocin)
What D/C instructions would you give a molar pregnancy after a D&C?
AVOID PREGNANCY FOR 1YEAR - birth control
obtain serum hCG monthly for 6 months then every 2 months for the next 6 months
If the hCG levels rise after the evacuation of the disease, what does this indicate?
malignancy
What do you treat the malignancy of Gestational Trophoblastic Disease with?
methotrexate
What s/s would you teach the patient to immediately report after the tx for Gestational Trophoblastic Disease?
bright red vaginal bleeding
temp >100.4
foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Placenta previa
implantation of the placenta in the lower uterus segment
Marginal/ Low-lying placenta classification
placenta implanted in the lower uterus but more than 3 cm from the internal cervical os
Partial placenta previa
lower placenta border is within 3 cm of the internal cervical os but does not completely cover the os
Total/Complete Previa
placenta completely covers the internal os
What are the s/s of placenta previa?
sudden onset of painless vaginal bleeding (bright red)
soft, relaxed uterus
no tenderness
When does the initial episode of placenta previa bleeding usually occur?
2-3rd trimester
- rarely life-threatening
How do you assess and dx placenta previa?
US to determine placental placement
The HCP orders a vaginal exam on a patient with sudden onset of vaginal bleeding but has no pain. What should the nurse do?
a) Continue with the exam
b) Question why the exam should be ordered and tell the charge nurse after performing the exam.
c) Tell the physician that a vaginal exam is contraindicated for a placenta previa suspected pt.
d) Tell the physician that a vaginal exam is contraindicated for an ectopic pregnancy suspected pt.
c) Tell the physician that a vaginal exam is contraindicated for a placenta previa suspected pt.
A vaginal exam on a placenta previa patient is ALWAYS
What could happen?
CONTRAINDICATED; can cause placental separation or tear placenta causing severe hemorrhage and death of the fetus
The management of a placenta previa patient is based on?
condition of the mother and fetus
- determine the amount of hemorrhage
- eval fetus using an electronic fetal monitor
- gestational age of the fetus
If the placenta previa patient is unstable or based on the fetal heart monitor the baby is not looking good. What would the doctor tell the patient?
Inpatient care in the Antepartum unit until delivery
monitored closely for compromise
immediate delivery
If the placenta previa patient is stable and based on the fetal heart monitor the baby has no fetal compromise. What would the doctor tell the patient?
Delay the birth to increase maturity and birth weight
Administer corticosteroids to speed up the maturation of fetal lungs
conservative mgmt may take place in the home or hospital
Why do you give a fetus corticosteroids?
speed up the maturation of fetal lungs
Why would you delay the birth of a stable placenta previa patient?
increase the maturation and birth weight
Placenta previa can be managed at home with the following criteria
- no evidence of active bleeding is present
- pt can maintain strict bed rest at home except for toileting and shower
- pt verbalizes understanding of risks and how to manage care
- can get to the hospital in a reasonable time if you start to bleed
- home is close to the hospital
- emergency systems available for immediate transport to the hospital
- perform daily kick counts and recognize uterine activity
What is the treatment for total or partial previa, heavy bleeding, or deterioration of the condition?
CESAREAN SECTION
- additional personnel (NICU fr baby)
18 g IV and consider a second line
blood on standby or immediately available
Abruptio Placentae is the
partial or complete premature detachment of the placenta from implantation in the uterus
Abruptio Placentae usually occur in what trimester?
3rd
Abruptio Placentae is considered an OB
emergency
- cause 15% of maternal deaths
Abruptio placentae can be caused by
Hypertensive disorders
High gravida (10+ pregnancies)
Abdominal trauma (car accidents, falls, IPV)
Cocaine, Meth, Marijuana, or Tobacco use
Short umbilical cord (can not reach out in descent)
PROM
Previous abruptio
How can Cocaine, Meth, Marijuana, or Tobacco use cause abruptio placentae?
vasoconstrictor leads to vessels of the placenta to pull loose
What are the s/s of abruptio placentae?
Bleeding concealed or overt
uterine tenderness/pain locally over the abruption site
persistent abdominal pain - contraction never goes away
rigid, board -like abdomen
FHR abnormalities - Late decelerations
Shock s/s low BP and high pulse
IUPC reveals high resting tone
If the bleeding from the abruptio placentae is dark red, what does that mean?
overt bleeding
Abruptio Placentae Nursing Interventions
bed rest (no vaginal or rectal manipulation)
notify immediately AND prep for immediate C-section
Left lateral for placenta perfusion
EFM for contractions and FHR
IV infusion with large bore catheter
STAT CBC, clotting, Rh factor, and T&C
constant surveillance (signs of DIC)
assess for IPV ASKING WHEN ALONE
Quantify blood loss
emotional support, teach regarding mgmt and expected outcomes
Conservative mgmt of the Abruptio Placentae if
mild and the fetus is <34 weeks
- no signs of distress
What are the conservative mgmt for a mild abruptio placenta?
bed rest
tocolytic to reduce uterine activity
corticosteroids (accelerate fetal lung maturity)
Rhogam to Rh (-) women
If the abruptio placentae patient has fetal compromise or maternal deterioration in status, what needs to happen next?
immediate delivery with the NICU team at the delivery
DIC means
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
Consumptive Coagulopathy
DIC is a
defect in coagulation where the mother can not clot her excessive bleeding
- anticoagulation with excessive bleeding
- micro-circulation of inappropriate coagulation concurrently
DIC causes ischemia by
Formation of tiny clots in tiny blood vessels that block blood flow to organs
- excessive bleeding
Diseases that cause DIC
placental abruption
prolonged retention of a dead fetus
endothelial damage (severe preeclampsia and HELLP Syndrome)
maternal sepsis
amniotic fluid embolism
Anemia
decrease in the O2-carrying capacity of the blood
Anemia is caused by
iron deficiency
reduced dietary intake
Anemia is associated with increases of what complications?
miscarriage, preterm labor, preeclampsia, infection, PP hemorrhage, and IUGR
IUGR means
Intrauterine growth restriction
Pregnant women are considered anemic if their hemoglobin and hematocrit are what in the different trimesters?
Hgb <11g/dL, Hct <37% in first trimester
Hgb < 10.5g/dL, Hct < 35% in second trimester
Hgb < 10g/dL, Hct <32% in third trimester
Iron deficiency anemia s/s
pallor
fatigue
pronounced lethargy
HA
inflammation of the lips and tongue
What is the total iron requirement for a single fetus pregnancy in one day?
1000 mg/day
What are good sources of iron in food?
meat
fish
chicken
liver
green leafy veggies
What are the different infections possible in pregnancy?
UTI
Vaginal (Candiasis, bacterial vaginosis)
Viral (Rubella, COVID-19, Hep B, Cytomegalovirus, Varicella - Zoster)
Non-viral (Toxoplasmosis, Group B Strep)
STIs
Intrauterine Infection
UTIs in pregnancy can result in
pyelonephritis if untreated
- stay in the hospital
UTIs increase the risk of
preterm labor and premature delivery
Maternal complications from a UTI include
high fever
flank pain
septic shock
ARDs
Candidiasis in pregnancy can develop into
thrush in newborns (yeast infection)
Bacterial vaginosis can lead to
PROM, preterm labor and birth, intraamniotic infection, PP endometritis, neonatal sepsis and death
What is one of the first signs of pyelonephritis or a UTI?
pain with urination
What is the only protection for the fetus from Rubella?
prevention
If the mother has Rubella, what can result in the fetus?
fetal congenital heart defects
IUGR
congenital cataracts
hearing and vision problems
If a woman gets COVID-19 during pregnancy, the preliminary studies show that she is at an increased risk of?
preeclampsia
stillbirth
maternal death
Hepatitis B causes an increased risk for what in OB patients?
prematurity
LBW
neonatal death
If a mother is Hep B +, what should be given to the newborn?
- clean thoroughly and carefully bathed before injections
- receives Hep B immune globulin FOLLOWED by Hep B vaccine
Cytomegalovirus Tx
none for the mother or fetus
What can result if a mother gets infected with the cytomegalovirus?
stillbirth
congenital CMV
microcephaly
IUGR
cerebral palsy
mental retardation
rash
jaundice
hepatosplenomegaly
What precautions are taken for a mother infected with the Varicella-Zoster virus?
Airborne/Contact
Standard
What type of staff should take care of the Varicella-Zoster virus patient?
immune only staff
If the pregnant mother is infectedwith Chickpox at 13-20 weeks gestational age, what could occur to the fetus?
limb hypoplasia, cutaneous scars, chorioretinitis
cataracts
microcephaly
IUGR
If the pregnant woman gets infected 2-5 days before birth, what could happen to the fetus?
life-threatening varicella infection
- congenital varicella syndrome
Toxoplasmosis caused by
protozoa in raw uncooked meat
cat feces in the litter box
Toxoplasmosis can cause what in pregnancy
congenital toxoplasmosis
stillbirth
microcephaly
hydrocephalus
blindness
deafness
Group B Strep infection is the leading cause of
life-threatening perinatal infections
Group B Strep is tested with cultures at what weeks
35-37
If the mother is positive for Group B Strep, what will the nurses need to do?
administer PCN, cephalosporin, or clindamycin
for 2 minimum doses before delivery at least 4 hours to get to the baby
What STIs could infect the fetus in a pregnancy?
Syphilis
Gonorrhea
Chlamydia
Trichomoniasis
Human papillomavirus
Herpes Simplex Virus
Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Chorioamnionitis is
infection of the amnion/chorion/amniotic fluid
S/S of chorioamniotitis
maternal fever
fetal tachycardia >160 baseline for 10 minutes
maternal WBCs >15000 (w/o corticosteroids)
purulent fluid from the cervical os
Chorioamnionitis interventions
wash hands before and after touching pt
- Temp q2 hours after ROM and - q hour for a fever
keep pads under dry and limit vaginal exams - aseptic
inform neonatal staff if infection signs
Antibiotic therapy starts when identified
Assess maternal pulse, respiration, and BP hourly if fever is present
Chorioamnionitis can lead to what if untreated
sepsis
- high pulse and respirations
- low BP
high lactic acid
What do you give as an antipyretic for a maternal fever?
acetaminophen
- assess maternal fever, pulse, respirations, and BP hourly
PROM is the
Rupture of membranes before the onset of true labor regardless of gestational age
PPROM is the
rupture of membranes before 37 weeks gestation
- Associated with preterm labor and birth
When a baby is born with PPROM, the infection risk increases if not delivered within
24 hours
A newborn born before ___ -___ weeks is at the greatest risk of PPROM.
32-34 weeks
Conditions associated with PPROM
Infection of the vagina or cervix
Weak structure of the amniotic sac
Previous preterm birth, especially if preceded by PPROM
Fetal abnormalities or malpresentation
Incompetent or short cervix
Over distention of the uterus
Maternal hormonal changes
Maternal stress or low socioeconomic status
Maternal nutritional deficiencies and diabetes
PROM management depends on gestational age. What order should the nurse intervene and verify?
1st - verify ROM with nitrazine/fern/amnisure testing
2nd - If nearterm - induce labor if not
3rd - If preterm less than 36 weeks
= weight risks and benefits of fetal infection and risk of prematurity
PROM management if short-term
tocolytics to delay delivery and administer corticosteroids
What should be considered for management of PROM?
fetal age
lung maturity
amount of amniotic fluid
signs of fetal compromise
If there is no signs of infection of fetal lung immaturity after PROM,
admit and observe for infection or labor
- daily non-stress tests
- biophysical profile with amniotic fluid
- fetal lung maturity testing
- maternal antibiotics for 7 days
With a PROM patient what patient teachings does the nurse need to verify understanding completely?
- avoid sex, orgasm, or inserting anything into the vagina
- avoid breast stimulation with preterm gestation
- Temp a least 4x/day minimum
- Report 37.8C or 100F
- Maintain activity restrictions (bedrest unless bath/toilet)
- Note/report uterine contractions or foul odor or discharge
Preterm Labor begins
after the 20th gestational week but before 37 weeks
(21-36 weeks)
Preterm labor infants are not equipped for extrauterine life and may develop
cerebral palsy
developmental delay
vision or hearing impairment
significant emotional/financial burdens for the families
T/F: Racial disparities exist in preterm birth rates.
True - AA and Hispanics then caucasian
Risk factors for preterm labor
Uterine over-distention
Decidual (endometrium) activation
Premature activation of normal physiological initiation of labor
Inflammation and infection in decidua, fetal membranes, and amniotic fluid
What is the goal of preterm labor?
delay birth and promote fetal maturation
How can you predict preterm labor?
cervical length
infections
PPROM previously
Fetal fibronectin (fFN) test
Fetal fibronectin test
high negative predictive and low positive predictive value
Fetal fibronectin test - NEGATIVE
< 1% chance of delivering in the next 2 weeks
Fetal fibronectin test - POSITIVE
12-17% chance of delivering in the next 2 weeks
Fetal fibronectin test steps
- collect specimens before any manipulation to avoid contamination
- rotate the swab across the posterior fornix for 10 seconds to absorb cervicovaginal secretions
- remove and immerse in buffer
- secure and label
How do you stop preterm labor initially?
- identify and tx infections and causes
- limit activity - left lateral or semi-sitting positions
- Hydrate: Oral and IV fluids
- Tocolytics