Week 5 Flashcards
What is a sign of potential labour complication when contractions last ≥90 seconds?
Contractions lasting longer than 90 seconds can signal uterine hyperstimulation, which may lead to fetal distress.
How many contractions in 10 minutes can indicate a potential complication in labour?
More than five contractions in 10 minutes (occurring more frequently than every 2 minutes) may indicate uterine hyperstimulation.
What is the significance of relaxation between contractions lasting <30 seconds?
Insufficient relaxation between contractions may reduce fetal oxygen supply, leading to fetal compromise.
What intrauterine pressure value indicates a potential complication during labour?
An intrauterine pressure of ≥80 mm Hg or resting tone of ≥20 mm Hg may indicate uterine hyperstimulation.
What fetal heart rate pattern indicates bradycardia?
less than 110 beats per minute lasting for 10 minutes or longer
What fetal heart rate pattern indicates tachycardia?
FHR greater than 160 beats per minute for 10 minutes or longer
What type of fetal heart rate decelerations are concerning during labour?
Late, variable, or prolonged decelerations are concerning as they indicate fetal distress or uteroplacental insufficiency.
What does an atypical or abnormal fetal heart rate pattern indicate?
It suggests fetal distress and may require immediate intervention to improve fetal oxygenation.
What is the significance of meconium-stained fluid during labour?
Meconium-stained fluid may indicate fetal distress and increases the risk of meconium aspiration syndrome.
What does persistent bright-red or dark-red vaginal bleeding indicate?
It can signal placental abruption or previa, both of which are serious complications.
What maternal temperature is a potential sign of infection during labour?
≥38°C (100.4°F) may indicate infection, such as chorioamnionitis.
What does foul-smelling vaginal discharge indicate in labour?
It suggests an infection, possibly chorioamnionitis or other complications.
What is the purpose of electronic fetal monitoring?
To assess fetal heart rate and uterine activity to monitor fetal well-being during labour.
What is intermittent auscultation (IA) in fetal heart rate monitoring?
Listening to the fetal heart sounds at periodic intervals to assess fetal heart rate (FHR).
What does external fetal monitoring measure?
External fetal monitoring measures fetal heart rate using an ultrasound transducer and uterine activity using a tocotransducer.
What is the normal fetal heart rate (FHR) range during labour?
110-160 bpm
What are early decelerations and what do they indicate?
Early decelerations are a normal response to fetal head compression during contractions.
What are late decelerations and what do they indicate?
Late decelerations are caused by uteroplacental insufficiency, indicating a need for intervention to improve fetal oxygenation.
What are variable decelerations and what can cause them?
caused by umbilical cord compression and can be corrected by maternal position changes.
What is the difference between periodic and episodic FHR changes?
Periodic changes occur with uterine contractions, while episodic changes do not.
How should abnormal fetal heart rate patterns be managed?
changing maternal position, increasing hydration, stopping oxytocin, and considering intrauterine resuscitation.
What defines preterm labour and what are its symptoms?
Preterm labour is regular contractions before 37 weeks gestation
Symptoms include lower abdominal cramps, back pain, and change in vaginal discharge.
What are tocolytics used for in the context of preterm labour?
to suppress uterine contractions and delay preterm birth.
What is the purpose of administering magnesium sulfate in preterm labour?
Magnesium sulfate is used to relax the uterus and prevent preterm labour.
What is the purpose of glucocorticoids in preterm labour?
To accelerate fetal lung maturity and reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome.
What is premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and what risks does it pose?
Rupture of the membranes before labour, increasing the risk of infection and preterm birth.
What is chorioamnionitis and how should it be managed?
Chorioamnionitis is an infection of the amniotic sac that requires antibiotics and prompt delivery.
What is shoulder dystocia and how should it be managed?
when the baby’s shoulder is stuck during delivery, requiring maneuvers to free the shoulder.
What are the risks and management strategies for a prolapsed umbilical cord?
It can lead to cord compression and fetal distress, requiring immediate repositioning of the mother or cesarean delivery.
What are the signs and management of uterine rupture during labour?
Signs include intense pain, vaginal bleeding, and fetal heart rate abnormalities. It requires immediate cesarean section and surgical intervention.
What is an amniotic fluid embolism and how is it managed?
amniotic fluid embolism is a rare, life-threatening event that causes sudden cardiovascular collapse, requiring resuscitation and immediate delivery.
