Substance Abuse Flashcards
- A growing health problem in women of childbearing age
- As many as to 10% to 20% of pregnant women admit
using illicit substances during pregnancy - Common illicit substances used - marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamine.
Substance Abuse
the inability to meet major role
obligations, an increase in legal problems or risk taking
behavior or exposure to hazardous situation because of
an addicting substance.
Substance abuse
when he or she has withdrawal symptoms following discontinuation of the substance, combined with abandonment of important activities, spending increased time in activities related
to the substance use, using substance for a longer time
than planned, or continue use despite worsening
problems because of substance use
Substance dependent person
1.) a compulsive need to use a substance for its satisfying or pleasurable effect.
2.) Physical and psychological sx occuring when drug is no longer being used
3.) Ability of the body tissues to endure and adapt to
continued or increased use of a substance
1.) Addiction
2.) Withdrawal Symptoms
3.) Tolerance
When sniffed into the nose or smoked
in a pipe, absorbed across the mucous
membrane and affect the CNS
Acts at the nerve terminals to prevent
the reuptake of dopamine &
norepinephrine which in turn results
in vasoconstriction, tachycardia &
hypertension.
Maternal Effects:
Hyperarousal state,
seizures and
hallucinations, extreme
vasoconstriction,
hypertension,
cardiovascular and
pulmonary complications
Fetal Effects:
Intracranial hemorrhage,
abstinence syndrome of
tremulousness, Irritability
and muscle rigidity
Stillbirth, prematurity,
IUGR
Cocaine / Crack
Methamphetamines Neuro stimulant and neurotoxin
Maternal Effects:
Malnutrition, tachycardia, vasoconstriction Develop blackened and infected teeth
Fetal or Neonatal Effects:
Withdrawal symptoms, IUGR, fetal death
Jitteriness and poor feeding at birth
Amphetamines
The most widely used
illicit drug among women
(pregnant and nonpregnant)
Maternal Effects:
Increased incidence of anemia,
and inadequate weight gain
impaired coordination, memory
and critical thinking ability
Loss of short-term memory
Fetal or Neonatal Effects:
Unclear, more study needed,
irritability, tremors, sleep
problems, sensitivity to light
↑ risk of IUGR & SIDS
Marijuana
- A popular hallucinogen
- Can be smoked, taken orally or
injected IV - Causes confusion, delirium and
hallucinations & feelings of
euphoria
Maternal Effects:
Hyperthermia
Hypertension
Diaphoresis
Possible coma
Fetal or Neonatal Effects:
jitteriness, hypertonicity,
vomiting, diarrhea. In both
infants, microcephaly, similar
symptoms of narcotic
withdrawal.
PHENCYCLIDINE (PCP)
Used for the relief of pain such as morphine,
oxycodone, meperidine (Demerol), and codeine.
Can be obtained by prescription. Have dramatic euphoric effect
Safe to use during pregnancy to treat a pregnant
woman who has a respiratory or cardiac code
related to opioid overdose
Maternal Effects:
Spontaneous
abortion, PROM,
preterm labor,
increased
incidence of STI’s,
HIV exposure,
hepatitis
Fetal Effects:
Fetal opiate dependence
IUGR, perinatal asphyxia,
intellectual impairment,
Severe neonatal
abstinence syndrome,
SGA
NARCOTIC AGONISTS
refers to the
“sniffing” or “huffing” of aerosol
substances. Frequently abused by
adolescents.
Maternal Effects:
Can cause respiratory
depression that can limit
oxygen supply to the fetus
- have similar effects to
alcohol dependency
INHALANTS
- CNS depressant & a
potent teratogen. - Incidence of abuse is
highest among women
ages 20-40 years
Maternal Effects:
Spontaneous abortion
Malnutrition
Bone marrow suppression
Increased incidence of infections
and liver disease.
Fetal or Neonatal Effects:
Fetal demise, IUGR, Fetal
alcohol Syndrome (FAS),
congenital defects May intoxicate Infant
Alcohol
Physical Signs
- Dilated or constricted pupils
- Inflamed oral mucosa
- Evidence of needle “track marks” or abscesses
- Poor nutritional status
- Slurred speech or staggering gaits
- Odor of alcohol on breath
Behavioral Signs
- Memory lapses, mood swings, hallucinations
- Pattern of frequently missed appointments
- Frequent accidents, falls
- Signs of agitation, depression, euphoria
- Suicidal gestures
ANTEPARTUM PERIOD
- Examining attitudes
- Preventing substance abuse
- Communicating with the woman
- Helping the woman identify strengths
- Provide ongoing car
INTRAPARTUM PERIOD
- Preventing injury
- Setting limits
- Initiating seizure precautions
- Maintaining effective communication
- Providing pain control
POSTPARTUM PERIOD
- Nursing care is focused on helping the mother with:
- Bonding
- Planning and providing care for herself and her infant
