Surgical and trauma

Question 1

What is the leading cause of direct maternal death in the UK?

Answer 1

Sepsis
Pre-eclampsia / eclampsia
Thrombosis
AFE

Question 2

What is the leading cause of direct maternal death in Australia?

Answer 2

Obstetric haemorrhage
Thromboembolism
Hypertensive disease

Question 3

What are signs of sepsis?

Answer 3

Pyrexia >38
Tachycardia >100bpm
Abdo or chest pain
Diarrhoea and/or vomiting
Reduced or absent movements or heart rate
SROM or significant discharge
Uterine or renal angle pain/tenderness
Generally unwell, unduly anxious or panicking

Question 4

What additional considerations are needed in resuscitation of a pregnant woman?

Answer 4

Lateral tilt to assist venous return.
High flow 100% oxygen
Additional risk of aspiration
May require increased drug dosage due to increased circulating blood volume in pregnancy
Perimortem caesarean after 5 minutes if >20 weeks gestation.