Pregnancy Complications Flashcards
What is hyperemesis gravidarim?
Excessive and persistent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy associated with ketosis and weight loss (>5% of pre-pregnant weight)
What is the incidence rate of hyperemesis gravidarium?
0.3 to 3% of all pregnancies.
What is the etiology of hyperemesis gravidarium?
Etiology is unclear, but there are some theories (biologyical, psycholoigcal, sociocultural)
Hormonal- linked to increased hCG to increased TSH in first trimester, increased estradiol, decreased prolactin, genetics may play a role
Infection (H pylori of GI), psychological factors
What is the objective and subjective data associated with hyperemesis gravidarium?
Progressive vomiting and retching, dehydration, fluid and electrolyte imbalance, alkalosis (untreated acidosis)
Hypotension, tachycarida, increased hematocrit and BUN, decreased output
Potassium loss -> cardiac and renal dysfunction
Fetal loss -> maternal mortality and morbidity
What is a spontaneous abortion?
Spontaneous loss of pregnancy prior to viability (20 weeks/500 grams)
What are the different types of spontaneous abortion? (7)
Threatened Imminent/inevitable Complete Incomplete Missed Recurrent pregnancy loss Septic
What are the signs of a threatened spontaneous abortion?
Bleeding, cramping, closed cervix
What are the signs or an imminent/inevitable spontaneous abortion?
Bleeding, cramping, dilated cervix
What is a complete spontaneous abortion?
All products expelled
What is an incomplete spontaenous abortion?
Not all products expelled (placenta usually retained)
What are the signs and symptoms of a missed spontaneous abortion?
Fetus dies, pregnancy changes reverse, brownish discharge (risk of DIC of not expelled after 6 weeks)
What is recurrent pregnancy loss? (due to spontaneous abortion)
Consecutive loss of 3 or more pregnancies.
What is a septic spontaneous abortion?
Presence of infection (premature rupture of membranes)
What is the incidence of spontaneous abortion?
12-26% of diagnosed pregnancies (increased risk with maternal age)
What is the etiology of spontaneous abortion?
Chromosomal and reproductive tract or placental abnormalities.
Implantation problems.
Teratogens eg. accutane, hot tubs
Endocrine imbalances (hCG, estrogen, progesterone)
Chronc maternal diseases, infections (TORCH) and UTIs
What is the objective and subjective data of a woman having a spontaneous abortion?
Depends on the type of spontaneous abortion
Spotting
Cramps and backache
Loss of products of conception
What is the treatment/nursing care for spontaneous abortion?
Determine source of blood loss (eg. cervix vs fetal
Speculum exam
Ultrasound
hCG (less useful)
Take HGB and Hct, cross match blood
Possible decreased activity/bed rest
No intercourse
Provide emotional support and referral prn
What is the treatment for an imminent/incomplete spontaneous abortion?
Hospitalized - IV, D&C/suction evacuation
- if >12 weeks induction to expulsion (PE2/cytotec)
Provide emotional support and referral prn
What is placenta previa?
Low implantation of the placenta
What are the types of placenta previa?
Marginal
Partial
Complete/total
What is marginal placenta previa?
On margin of internal os
What is partial placenta previa?
Covers part of internal os
What is complete/total placenta previa?
Completely covers internal os
What is the incidence rate of placenta previa?
2/1000 births
What is the etiology of placenta previa? what are the risk factors?
Etiology unknown Associated with: multiparity previous c-section previous induced abortions multiple gestations previous SA increasing age large placenta placenta accrete smoking male fetus Asian women
What are the objective and subjective data for placenta previa?
Bleeding - painless, abrupt, bright red
- not associated with activity
- usually around 30 weeks (upper and lower segment begin to differentiate)
How is placenta previa diagnosed?
Usually diagnosed by ultrasound
What is the assessment for placenta previa?
Assess re: onset and amount of blood, fetal heart, uterus, emotions
What precautions need to be taken with caring for a placenta previa patient?
No vaginal or rectal exams until placenta previa is ruled out
What is the nursing care for placenta previa?
Bedrest with bathroom privileges, side lying, IV O2 PRN, monitr pads, fetal heart rate, and uterine activity
Determine source of blood loss (placenta or cervix)
Vital signs, ultrasound (speculum exam if cervical problems)
HGB and HCT, group and cross-match, urinalysis
Emotional support
When should the birth be delyted until with placenta previa (if possible)?
37 weeks
What medication should be administered to a patient with placenta previa if premature birth is anticipated?
betamethasone
What are the outcomes of placenta previa?
Caesarean birth with complete placenta previa.
Induction and possible vaginal delivery with low lying/marginal previa (need cephalic presentation and minimal PV loss)
What is placenta abruptio?
Premature separation of the normally implanted placenta from the wall of the uterus during pregnancy/1st or 2nd stage of labour
What are the three types of placenta abruptio?
Marginal
Central
Complete
What is marginal placenta abruptio?
Mild separation, vaginal bleeding
What is central placenta abruptio?
Concealed hemorrhage
What is complete placenta abruptio?
Complete separation of the placenta
What is the incidence of placenta abruptio?
0.5-1% of pregnancies
What is the etiology of placenta abruptio?
Etiology unknown
What are the predisposing factors for placenta abruptio?
Maternal hypertension/PIH
Trauma, sudden intrauterine pressure changes
Previous abruption
Cocaine use, smoking, low socio-economic status
PPROM
Malformations of uterus, placenta, cord
Inherited thrombophilia
What is the objective and subjective data for placenta abruptio?
Pain - sharp, stabbing, high in fundal area, increased with contractions for some, tenderness of the uterus
Bleeding - overt (edge of placenta involved & route to escape)
- covert (if in centre of the placenta - uterus becomes hard and board-like)
Shock
DIC if fibrinogen reserves are used up
What is the main difference in presenting symptoms between placenta previa and placenta abruptio?
Abruptio has sudden stabbing pain, previa is painless
What is the treatment/nursing care for placenta abruptio?
OSB emergency!
IV
Monitor vital signs, pv loss, fetal heart (continous monitoring), contractions, O2 prn, left lateral position.
Stat blood work: HBG, HCT, blood group and type, cross match, fibrinogen levels
What is the prognosis/outcome of placenta abruptio?
ARM and induction, forceps/vacuum, caesarean delivery (fetal demise)