Unit VIII - Intrapartum Flashcards
Maternal Childcare Book - Chapter 7
What is lightening?
It is the descent of the fetus into the pelvis. This descent relieves pressure on the diaphragm, allowing the mother to breathe more easily
Note: May not occur in multipara clients.
Maternal Childcare Book - Chapter 7
What is effacement?
The shortening and thinning of the cervix
Maternal Childcare Book - Chapter 7
The opening of the cervical opening or os is referred to as
Dilatation
Maternal Childcare Book - Chapter 7
Explain “Bloody Show”.
It is the release of the mucous plug from the cervix. The plug may contain small amounts of blood.
Maternal Childcare Book - Chapter 7
What is the spontaneous rupture of membranes (SROM)? When does it usually occur?
It is a tearing or perforation of the amniotic sac releasing amniotic fluid. It usually occurs after labor begins
Maternal Childcare Book - Chapter 7
What is the danger of a ballotable (able to be pushed away from the cervix) after a SROM?
There is a danger that the umbilical cord may be washed out of the cervix with the amniotic fluid. The infant’s head may compress the umbilical cord against the pelvis.
Maternal Childcare Book - Chapter 7
What is a prolapse umbilical cord?
It is when the fetus compresses the umbilical cord against the pelvis, obstructing the blood flow through the umbilical cord.
Maternal Childcare Book - Chapter 7
Explain Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM).
Occurs when the membranes rupture before the 38th week of gestation. This condition can indicate the onset of premature labor. It requires immediate medical attention.
Maternal Childcare Book - Chapter 7
What are the signs of impending labor?
- Lightening
- Cervical changes (effacement, dilatation)
- Rupture membranes (SROM, PROM)
- Sudden increase in energy
Maternal Childcare Book - Chapter 7
What are the 5 P’s affecting labor?
1) Passage
2) Passenger
3) Powers
4) Position
5) Psyche
Maternal Childcare Book - Chapter 7
What is the first P (Passage) (as related to variables that affect labor)
Consists of the maternal structures through which the fetus must travel.
Maternal Childcare Book - Chapter 7
What does station refer to?
The relationship between the fetus and the maternal ischial spines. when the fetus reaches 0 station, the head is considered to be fully engaged.
Negative station is towards the umbilicus. Positive station, the fetus is engaged.
Maternal Childcare Book - Chapter 7
What is the second P (Passenger) (as related to variables affecting labor)?
Refers to the fetus.
Maternal Childcare Book - Chapter 7
What are the two things that affect how easily the fetus is delivered?
1) The relationship of the fetal parts to the maternal uterus
2) The size of the fetus
Intrapartum Powerpoint
What does Vertex Presentation refer to?
Refers to head presentation.
Remember: “Presentation” refers to the fetal part that enters the pelvis.
Intrapartum Powerpoint
What does frequency and duration of contractions refer to?
How do you measure them
Frequency refers to how often the contractions are. They are measured from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next
Duration refers to how long the contractions last. They are measured from the beginning to the end of one contraction.
Intrapartum Powerpoint
Explain Leopold’s Maneuver.
It is performed during a physical assessment to determine fetal position.
If the examiner can move the baby’s head, then the baby is engaged into the pelvix.
Intrapartum Powerpoint
What is the goal of fetal heart monitoring?
to detect problems and deviations early so effective intervention can be applied.
Intrapartum Powerpoint
What is the normal baseline for the FHR?
120-160 BPM
Intrapartum Powerpoint
What is fetal tachycardia?
FHR >160 BPM
Intrapartum Powerpoint
What is fetal bradycardia?
FHR <120 BPM
Intrapartum Powerpoint
What are the leading causes of fetal tachycardia?
- Maternal fever
- Some meds
- Amnionitis
- Early fetal hypoxia
Intrapartum Powerpoint
How can a nurse manage fetal tachycardia?
- Identify and correct underlying cause (ex.: take temp)
- Change maternal position
- Admin O2 10-12L/min
- IV hydration
Intrapartum Powerpoint
What are the leading causes of fetal bradycardia?
- Late fetal hypoxia
- Maternal hypertension
- Prolonged umbilical cord compression
- Meds: Beta Blockers, Narcotics (Stadol, Demerol)