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N306 Final Exam Test 1 Study Guide latest update(40 questions)
Typology: Exams
1 / 33
Antepartum Assessments & Care
1. Reproductive Cycle & Fertilization
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLJTLAKFM3k
A nurse is teaching a woman about her menstrual cycle. The nurse states that
Proliferation of the endometrium is the most important change that happens
before the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle.
The clinic nurse knows that the part of the endometrial cycle occurring from
ovulation to just prior to menses is known as the secretory phases occurs from
the time of ovulation to the period just prior to menses, or approximately days
15 to 26.
➢ The secretory phases occurs from the time of ovulation to the
period just prior to menses, or approximately days 15 to 26.
➢ Amniotic fluid first appears at about 3 weeks.
Reproductive Cycle: Menstrual Cycle
28 days MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Ovarian Cycle: the maturation of the ova consisting of
Follicular Phase - ( from the 1st day of menstruation to 12-14 days)
LH & FSH cause graafian follicle to mature producing Estrogen
Ovulatory Phase - (begins when estrogen levels peak until oocyte
released from graafian follicle) = OVULATION ^LH
Luteal Phase - (begins after ovulation and lasts 14 days) ^ estrogen &
progesterone
If pregnant, know that the corpus luteum secretes estrogen &
progesterone until placenta matures and assumes this function
> If pregnant, corpus luteum will continue to secrete estrogen
& progesterone until placenta matures
> If NOT pregnant, corpus luteum degenerates = < in progesterone
and beginning of menstruation
Endometrial “Uterine” Cycle: changes in the endometrium of
the uterus in response to the ovarian cycle
Proliferative Phase - (occurs following menstruation ending
with ovulation) endometrium preparing for implantation =more
Secretory Phase - (after ovulation and ends with
onset menstruation) = continues to THICKEN
^progesterone
Menstrual Phase - sloughing off of the endometrium = PERIOD.
Fertilization: “Conception” occurs when the sperm nucleus enters the
nucleus of the oocyte within the outer third of the fallopian tube.
The fertilized egg is then called a ZYGOTE and contains a
diploid number of chromosomes = 46
gestation, and this amount increases to approximately 800 mL at 24
weeks’ gestation. After that time, the total fluid volume remains fairly
stable until it begins to decrease slightly as the pregnancy reaches
term.
Infertility: the inability to conceive or maintain a pregnancy after
12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse
6 months for women older than 35 y.o
> Causes
1/3 Male Factor
Endocrine - < in LH, FSH, Testosterone
Spermatogenesis - effects of gonadotoxins
Gonadotoxins include: drugs, infections, systemic illness,
heat exposure, pesticides and radiation to the pelvic region.
Sperm Antibodies - < in sperm motility
Sperm Transport - blocked transport
Vasectomy
Prostatectomy
Inguinal hernia
Absence of Vas Deferens
Disorders of Intercourse
Erectile Dysfunction
> Both male & female need to be evaluated
1/3 Female Factor
Ovulatory Dysfunction
Anovulation
Inconsistent Ovulation
Tubal & Pelvic Pathology
Damage to the Fallopian
tubes ENDOMETRIOSIS
Uterine Fibroids: benign growth of uterine wall
Cervical Mucus Factor
Surgical surgeries: cryotherapy (TX cervical
dysplasia) Infection not allowing sperm to enter
1/3 Both Male and Female Factors
DX Testing :
Screening for STI’s and STD’s
Labs assessing levels of LH, FSH, TSH,
testosterone Semen Analysis
Assessment of Ovulatory Dysfunction
Daily Morning Body Basal Temp
Day 3 of menstrual cycle = FSH & estradiol test
taken Detecting LH surge 36hrs before ovulation
Endometrial Biopsy at end of menstrual cycle
Hysterosalpingogram radiological exam testing tubal problems
Laparoscopy -visualize/inspect ovaries
Females:
Same lifestyle changes as men
Surgery to open tubes if abnormal
Myomectomy - removal of uterine
fibroids Antibiotics to TX infection
Medication stimulating egg production
CLOMIPHENE CITRATE : stimulates release of FSH &
LH PO cycle Day 3-
S/E: hot flashes, breast discomfort, headaches, insomnia
Males: Hormonal Therapy Lifestyle changes Stress reduction, improved nutrition, smoking cessation, eliminating drugs Corticosteroids to TX antibodies Antibiotics to TX infection Repair of inguinal hernia or obstruction A client is to take Clomiphene Citrate for infertility. Which of the following is the expected action of this medication? Stimulate release of FSH and LH A couple who has sought infertility counseling has been told that the man’s sperm count is very low. The nurse advises the couple that spermatogenesis is impaired when which of the following occur? The testes are overheated. A nurse working with an infertile couple has made the following nursing diagnosis: Sexual dysfunction related to decreased libido. Which of the following assessments is the likely reason for this diagnosis? The couple has established a set schedule for their sexual encounters. Couples who “schedule” intercourse often complain that their sexual relationship is unsatisfying. A couple is undergoing an infertility workup. The semen analysis indicates a decreased number of sperm and immature sperm. Which of the following factors can have a potential effect on sperm maturity? The man rides a bike to and from work each day. The man takes a calcium channel blocker for the treatment of hypertension The daily riding of a bike can be the cause of prolonged heat exposure to the testicles. Prolonged heat exposure is a gonadotoxin. A number of medications, such as calcium channel blockers, can have an effect on sperm production
Cardiovascular system: 10-15bmp increase heart
rate (Woman feels palpitations at second trimester,
assessed low blood
pressure) NORMAL
Developmental Tasks
The events of pregnancy and childbirth are considered
a developmental “maturational” crisis is the life of a
family All family members are affected
Acquiring knowledge and plans for the specific needs of
pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenthood
Preparing to provide for the physical care of the
newborn Adapting financial patterns to meet increasing
needs Realignment of tasks and responsibilities
Adjusting patterns of sexual expression to accommodate
pregnancy Expanding communication to meet emotional needs
Reorienting of relationships with relatives
Adapting relationships with friends and community to take account of
the realities of pregnancy and the anticipated newborn
Nursing Tasks
Assess knowledge related to pregnancy, childbirth, and
early parenting.
Assess progress in developmental tasks of pregnancy.
Explore patterns of communication related to emotional needs,
responsibilities, and new roles.
Include the entire family; assessments and interventions must
be considered in a family-centered perspective.
Provide education and guidance related to pregnancy, childbirth,
and early parenting
The fetal circulatory structure that connects the pulmonary artery with the
descending aorta is known as which of the following? Ductus arteriosus
An ultrasound of a fetus’ heart shows that “normal fetal circulation is occurring.”
Which of the following statements is consistent with the finding? A right to
lef ●
t shunt is seen between the atria known as foramen ovale
(after 3 months after delivery the the foramen ovale closes n response to
increased blood return to the L atrium.
Information provided by the nurse that addresses the function of the amniotic
fluid is that the amniotic fluid helps the fetus to maintain a normal body
temperature and also Cushions the fetus from mechanical injury
The perinatal nurse explains to the student nurse that in the fetal circulation,
the lowest level of oxygen concentration is found in the umbilical arteries =
TRUE, The highest oxygen concentration (PO2 = 30–35 mm Hg) is found in
the blood returning from the placenta via the umbilical vein; the lowest
oxygen concentration occurs in blood shunted to the placenta where
reoxygenation takes place. The blood with the highest oxygen content
is delivered to the fetal heart, head, neck, and upper limbs, and the
blood with the lowest oxygen content is shunted toward the placenta.
After birth, the perinatal nurse explains to the new mother that prolactin is the
hormone responsible for stimulating milk production.
During prenatal class, the childbirth educator describes the two membranes
that envelop the fetus. The amnion contains the amniotic fluid, and the chorion
is the thick, outer membrane.
The perinatal nurse is teaching nursing students about fetal circulation and
explains that fetal blood flows through the superior vena cava into the
right atrium via the foramen ovale.
Embryo and Fetal Development : first 8 wks= Organogenesis
Ectoderm
Mesoderm
Endoderm
After 9th wk = Fetus
Fetus Circulation : ^ levels of oxygenated blood enter the fetal
circulatory system from the
Placenta -> Umbilical Vein
Ductus Venosus connects Umbilical Vein to Inferior Vena Cava
Foramen Ovale (opening between L & R atrium)
after delivery shunt closes within 3 months from blood returning to
the L atrium
Ductus Arteriosus (connects Pulm Artery to Descending Aorta)
after delivery it constricts in response to ^ blood oxygen levels
and prostaglandins
● ○ ● ○
Ductus Venosus connects Umbilical Vein to Inferior Vena Cava Foramen Ovale (opening between L & R atrium) after delivery shunt closes within 3 months from blood returning to the L atrium Ductus Arteriosus (connects Pulm Artery to Descending Aorta) after delivery it constricts in response to ^ blood oxygen levels and prostaglandins
○ ● ○
Placenta Development: formed from both fetal and mother tissue Chorionic Membrane (trophoblast & chorionic villi) Form fetal blood vessels of the placenta Endometrium (decidua) = 3 layers Decidua Basalis : forms maternal side of the placenta
Placenta is divided into lobes “cotyledons” Placental membrane separates maternal/fetal blood from mixing but allows for exchange of nutrients, gases and electrolytes through diffusion and active transport
● ● ●
Major Hormones of the Placenta Progesterone : < in uterine contractility & facilitates implantation Estrogen : “enlargement” breasts and uterus hCG : + preg test, ^ in 1st trimester as it stimulates corpus luteum to keep secreting estrogen and progesterone until placenta is able to secrete it (6-7wks) hPL : promotes fetal growth by regulating glucose and stimulates breasts to lactate Umbilical Cord = 1 vein (oxygenated blood) and 2 arteries (deoxygenated blood) A.V.A
The nurse is interviewing a gravid woman during the first prenatal visit. The
woman confides to the nurse that she lives with a number of pets. The nurse
should advise the woman to be especially careful to refrain from coming in
contact with the stool of which of the pets?
The patient should refrain from coming in direct contact with cat feces.
Cats often harbor toxoplasmosis, a teratogenic illness.
During preconception counseling, the clinic nurse explains that the time period
when the fetus is most vulnerable to the effects of teratogens occurs from 2-
8wks
Any drugs, viruses, infections or other exposures that can
cause embryonic/fetal development abnormality
> The developing human is most vulnerable to the effects of
teratogens during the period of organogenesis, THE FIRST
●
Common Discomforts of Pregnancy
Eat crackers or dry toast 30min to 1 hr before rising in the morning to relieve discomfort Avoid having an empty stomach Avoid spicy, greasy, or gas- forming foods Drink fluids between meals Breast Tenderness Wear a bra with adequate support Urinary Frequency Empty bladder frequently Decrease fluid intake before bedtime and use perineal pads Perform Kegel exercises UTI’s Wipe from front to back Avoid bubble baths Wear cotton underpants Avoid tight fitting pants Consume 8 glasses of water per day Urinate ASAP Notify HCP if urine is foul-smelling, contains blood or appears cloudy Fatigue Engage in frequent rest periods Heartburn Eat small frequent meals Do not allow stomach to get too empty/full Sit up for 30min after meals Check with HCP before using OTC antacids Constipation Drink plenty of fluids Eat a diet High in FIBER Exercise Regularly Complaints Common remedies
Hemorrhoids
Take warm sitz bath
Use witch hazel pads
Apply topical ointments to relieve discomfort
Backaches
Exercise regularly
Perform pelvic tilt exercises
Arching & straightening back
Use proper body mechanics -use legs to
lift Use side-lying position
SOB or Dyspnea
Maintain good posture
Sleep with extra
pillows
Contact HCP if symptoms worsen
Leg Cramps
Extend the affected
leg Keep knee straight
Dorsiflex the foot (toes towards
head) Apply heat while extended
Contact HCP if persists
Varicose Veins & Lower Extremity Edema
Rest with legs elevated
Avoid tight/constricting clothing
Wear support hose
Avoid sitting & standing in one position for long periods of
time Do not sit with legs crossed at the knees
Sleep in the left-lateral position
Exercise moderately with frequent walking to stimulate venous return
Gingivitis, Nasal Stuffiness, Epistaxis
Gently brush teeth/Good dental
hygiene Use a humidifier
Use normal saline drops or Spray
Braxton Hicks contractions
Instruct client to change position & walking should cause contractions
to subside
If contractions increase in intensity and become frequent
with regularity - Notify HCP
Supine Hypotension
Lie in a side-lying or semi-sitting position with her knees
slightly flexed
True anemia, or iron-deficiency anemia, occurs when the hemoglobin level
drops below 10 g/dL. The blood’s decreased oxygen-carrying capacity causes
a○ reduction in oxygen transport to the developing fetus. Decreased fetal
oxygen ○ transport has been associated with intrauterine growth
restriction (IUGR) and ○
preterm birth.
Warning/Danger Signs
First Trimester
Abd Cramping/Pain: poss threatened abortion, UTI, appendicitis
Vaginal Spotting/Bleeding: “ “
Absent Fetal Heart Sound : poss missed abortion
Dysuria, Freq, Urgency : poss UTI
Fever/Chills: poss infection
Prolonged N/V : hyperemesis gravidarum, ^ risk for dehydration
Second Trimester
Abd/Pelvic Pain: poss appendicitis, UTI, PTL or pyelonephritis
Vaginal Bleeding: poss infection, friable cervix from preg changes,
placenta previa, abruption placenta or PTL
Absent Fetal Heart Sound : poss missed abortion
Dysuria, Freq, Urgency : poss UTI
Fever/Chills: poss infection
●
External & Internal Electronic Fetal and Uterine Monitoring Influences on FHM
11. Utero-Placental pg. 238 Utero-Placental Unit
●
Oxygenated blood from mother is delivered to the intervillous space in the placenta via uterine arteries Nutrients, gas exchange, O2, CO2, water and wastes products are also exchanged in the intervillous space across the membranes
○ ○
Effective O2 & CO2 transfer are dependent on Adequate uterine flow Sufficient placental area
Prolonged N/V : hyperemesis gravidarum, ^ risk for dehydration
○ ■
Third Trimester S/S of PTL (abruptio placenta: placenta detaches from womb) rhythmic lower abd cramping, lower backache, pelvic pressure,
■
leaking of amniotic fluid, ^ vaginal dc S/S of HTN disorder severe headache (not relieved), visual changes, facial or generalized
edema
10. Maternal Screening & Fetal Surveillance Tests & Labs ● Genetic Counseling ○
A diagnostic test commonly used to assess problems of the fallopian
tubes is: Hysterosalpingogram provides information on the
endocervical canal, uterine cavity, and fallopian tubes.
■
The nurse takes the history of a client, G2 P1, at her first prenatal visit
. The client is referred to a genetic counselor, due to her previous
child
having a diagnosis of sickle cell anemia (autosomal recessive illness)
Maternal Screening Risk Factors Biophysical Factors: genetic, nutritional, medical or obstetric issues Psychosocial Factors: negative maternal behaviors affecting fetus Smoking Caffeine use Alcohol/drug use Psychological status Sociodemographic Factors Age, prenatal care, parity, marital status, income and ethnicity Environmental Factors: hazards in workplace or home
Unconstricted umbilical cord
Appropriate oxygenation to the fetus depends on adequate
Oxygen to the mother
Blood flow to the placenta
Uteroplacental circulation
Umbilical circulation
○ The fetus own ability to initiate compensatory mechanism to
regulate the FHR
12. Autonomic Nervous System pg. 239 Parasympathetic Nervous System (rest and digest/ homeostasis)
Stimul
ation < HR
Mediated by the vagus nerve innervating sinoatrial (SA)
& atrioventricular (AV)
Vagus Nerve stimulations SLOWS FHR & helps maintain variability
(variability develops 28-30wks)
Sympathetic Nervous System (fight or flight)
Stimulation ^ FHR
Responsible for FHR variability
Occurring through the release of
norepinephrine May be stimulated during
Hypoxemia
13. Central Nervous System pg. 240
Central Nervous System (CNS) (controls activities of the body)
Responsible for variations in FHR
Responsible for baseline variability RT fetal activity
Regulates & coordinates autonomic activities
Responds to fetal movement
● Mediates cardiac & vasomotor reflexes
14. Chemoreceptors pg. 240
Chemoreceptors : located in the aortic arch &
CNS Respond to changes in fetal O2/CO2 & pH
levels
● ● ●
★
Decreased O2 & Increased CO2 cause the peripheral chemoreceptors to stimulate the Vagal Nerve & SLOW HR Central Chemoreceptors respond to Increased HR and Increased BP
15. Hormonal Regulation pg. 240
Fetal Hypoxia causes release of → epinephrine and norepinephrine increases FHR and BP → vasopressin increases HR in response to hypoxia Hypovolemia → Renin-angiotensin (secreted by the kidneys) produces vasoconstriction
16. Fetal Reserves pg.
Fetal Reserves : the reserve of O2 available to the fetus to withstand the transient changes in blood flow and O2 during labor When O2 is decreased, blood flow is deferred to fetal vital organs to compensate BUT when the placental reserves of O2 are decrease or depleting, the fetus may not be able to compensate or adapt to the decreased O2 during contractions Homeostatic Mechanism 3 Types of Fetal Responses - FHR Data NON Hypoxic Reflex FRH Accelerations Compensatory to Hypoxemia Variable Decelerations Impending Decompensation Late Decelerations
**17. Fetal Monitoring >>>>>
Baseline variability pg.
245 Bradycardia &
Tachycardia Accels
Decels Clinical conditions that impact FHR include Gestational age Prior results of fetal assessment Medications Maternal medical conditions
Fetal conditions
Assessing FRH Pattern:
Baseline FHR (rate/variability)
○ Mean FRH rounded to increments of 5 BPM during a 10 min window
○ There MUST be 2 min of identifiable baseline segments
NORMAL 110-160bpm
Periodic/Episodic Changes (accelerations/decelerations)
Uterine Activity
○ Frequency
○ Duration
○ Intensity
○ Resting tone
○ Relaxation time between UC’s
★ Baseline Variability : the fluctuations in the baseline of the FHR
○ Irregular in amplitude & frequency
○ Most Important predictor to adequate fetal oxygenation
cerebral cortex > midbrain (medulla oblongata) > vagus nerve > heart
accels/decels not included
ABSENT : amplitude range is undetectable
= Can occur if the baby is sleeping, meds S/E
Maternal: supine hypo, cord compression, uterine tachysystole, drugs
= May also be a sign of hypoxia/acidosis if persistent for 60min with
interventions
MINIMAL : amplitude range is undetectable < 5 bpm
= Can occur if the baby is sleeping, meds S/E
Maternal: supine hypo, cord compression, uterine tachysystole, drugs
= May also be a sign of hypoxia/acidosis if persistent for 60min with
interventions
MODERATE: amplitude 6 -25 bpm
= Well oxygenated fetus with normal acid-base balance
Know this is NORMAL -keep monitoring
Fetal Bradycardia : FHR <110 bpm for at least 10 min
<FRH may lead to <CO = < umbilical cord blood flow leading to
fetal hypoxia (needs immediate intervention)
< 80 bpm = obstetric emergency
Brady with normal variability is Benign
Brady with loss of variability/late decelerations is a sign
of current/impending fetal hypoxia
Causes:
Maternal related
Supine position
Hypotension
Dehydration
Meds: (ANAESTHETICS/ADRENERGIC RECEPTORS)
Rupture of the uterus /vasa previa or placental
abruption Fetal related
Fetal response to
hypoxia Cord occlusion
Acute/late/profound hypoxemia
Hypothermia
Hypokalemia
Chorionic head compression
Fetal bradyarrhythmia
TX: treat underlying cause/consider
delivery Nursing Actions:
Confirm EFM
Assess fetal movement
Fetal scalp stimulation
Perform vaginal exam - assess for prolapsed cord
Maternal VS
Have mother change in
position Discontinue oxytocin
to < UC’s
Give O2 10L/min via non-breather
mask Stop < pushing
support family
contact HCP
Fetal Tachycardia: FHR >160 bpm for at least 10 min
May be a sign of fetal hypoxemia, especially with decreased
variability and decelerations
If tachy = 200-220 bpm, fetal demise
Causes:
Maternal fever/related causes
Infection
Exposure to meds ( Terbutaline )
TX: treat underlying cause & consider
delivery Nursing Actions:
Assess maternal VS
Give meds as
ordered Use ice
packs, if fever
Assess for dehydration - IV fluids
Change the mother’s position
Decrease/Stop Pitocin (Oxytocin)
Notify HCP
Periodic v. Episodic Changes
Periodic = accelerations/decelerations in FHR due to UC & persist
Episodic = accelerations/decelerations in FRH not associated with UC
(accelerations common)
FHR Accelerations = predictive of adequate central fetal
oxygenation and absence of fetal acidemia
Visually abrupt transient increases above the FHR
baseline 15 beats above the baseline (15 sec-2 min)
Prolonged accelerations >2 min but < 10 min
FHR Decelerations = transitory decreases in the FHR baseline
Classified according to shape, timing & duration in relationship with the
contraction
RECURRENT if occur in at least 50% of UC’s within 20 min
INTERMITTENT if occur fewer that 50% of UC’s within 20 min
Nadir : lowest point of the deceleration (occurs at the peak of the
contraction)
symmetrical Mirrors the UC’s
Normal
VARIABLE Decelerations : visibly apparent, abrupt decrease in
FHR Most common during labor
Decrease FHR is > 15 bpm for > 15 sec and <2min in duration
Can be a V, W or U shaped
May be due to umbilical cord occlusion/ cord compression
Consider Amnioinfusion, tocolytics, delivery
LATE Decelerations : visibly apparent, symmetrical gradual decrease
of FHR due to UC’s
May be a sign of fetal intolerance to labor
Nadir occurs after peak of contraction
RT decreased availability of O2 because of uteroplacental
insufficiency Consider tocolytics, delivery
Interventions: Initiate Iv bolus, change maternal position, initiate
oxygen therapy
PROLONGED Decelerations :
More than 15 bpm lasting >2 min but < 10 min
Caused by any mechanism that causes drastic < in
O2 Consider Amnioinfusion, tocolytics, delivery
19. Category system – 1 2 3 pg.
241 Know category 1 and 3
Q: a doctor tells the nurse that the pt is able to discharge when she
meets the criteria of category 1
20. Intrauterine Resuscitation Interventions pg. 249 These interventions maximize uterine blood flow,
umbilical circulation and maternal fetal oxygenation by
Shifting maternal position to the L or R
Administer 500 mL of lactic ringers IV Bolus -maximize
intravascular volume =improved uteroplacental perfusion
Correct hypotension by change in position, Ephedrine and
proper hydration
Adm O2 10L/min on non-rebreather face
mask Reduce UC’s by
Stopping Oxytocin
Removing the cervical ripening agent
Use Terbutaline to Relax the uterus
Amnioinfusion - resolving variable
decelerations Encourage pushing techniques
Obtain fetal acid-base status if possible by fetus scalp
sample Be supportive to mother & fam bam
If fetus has fetal acidemia =
Notify HCP to initiate bedside eval for
cesarean Notify anesthesia & peds team
Move pt to OR
transcervically via an intrauterine pressure catheter to increase
intra amniotic fluid cushioning the umbilical cord and reducing
cord compression.
Used when there are Variable Decelerations in the first stage
of l abor due to a decrease in amniotic fluid
Also know the functions of the amniotic fluid: provides cushion for the
fetus and prevents the fetus from getting contractures when bending
arms and legs > mother is able to exercise, encouraged to walk daily
Antenatal Assessments
Ultrasonography : high frequency sound waves producing an image
or an organ or tissue
Gestational Age
Fetal Growth
Fetal Anatomy
Placental Abnormalities & location
Fetal Activity
Amount of Amniotic Fluid
Visual Assistance for invasive procedures -> amniocentesis
> Standard Ultrasounds are typically done in 1st trimester to
confirm preggo & calculate gestational age
Transvaginal Ultrasound - done at 1st trimester
● Abdominal Ultrasound - supine position
★ To calculate gestational age = measurements
○ of Fetal-crown rump length
○ Biparietal Diameter
○ Femur Length
○ Most accurate <20 wks
Amniocentesis
meconium fetal feces
Amniocentesis: less than 1% fetal loss rate after 15
weeks gestation
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) : the aspiration of a small amount of
placental tissue for chromosomal, DNA and metabolic testing
Done within 10-12 weeks for chromosomal analysis to detect
fetal abnormalities caused by genetic disorders
It tests for Cystic Fibrosis but NOT for Neural Tube Defects
Performed ideally at 10-13 wks - NOT recommended before 10 weeks
Procedure
Supine/Lithotomy position
A catheter/needle is inserted transvaginally with ultrasound guiding
it (teaching)
Sample of chorionic “placental” tissue is removed
Risks
10% of women experience bleeding
7% fetal loss rate due to bleeding or infection
Nursing Actions
Review procedure with mother & fam
Instruct breathing exercises
Assist into position
Label specimens
Auscultate FHR after procedure twice in 30 min
Assess mother’s well being
Instruct mother to notify HCP if there is any abd cramping, fever,
chills, bleeding
Adm RhoGam to RH-negative women post procedure as indicated
Amniocentesis: a diagnostic procedure in which a needle is inserted
through the maternal abdomen wall into the uterine cavity to obtain
amniotic fluid Not part of a normal prenatal visit
Genetic testing (mother older than 35)
Hemolytic disease
Fetal lung maturity testing:
Lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio
L:S ratio >2:1 indicates fetal lung maturity
L:S ratio <2:1 indicates fetal lung immaturity in increased risk of
respiratory distress syndrome.
Phosphatidyl glycerol (PG)
+ PG indicates fetal lung maturity.
Lamellar body count (LBC)
LBC of ≥50,000/μL is highly indicative of fetal lung maturity.
LBC of ≤15,000/μL highly indicative of fetal lung immaturity.
LBC results can be hindered by the presence of meconium, vaginal
bleeding, vaginal mucous, or hydramnios.
Hemolytic disease in the fetus
Intrauterine infection
Performed at 14-20 weeks (Hartman said 16-20wks)
Results are in 2 weeks
Risks
Trauma to the fetus/placenta
RH sensitization from fetal blood in mother’s circulation
Bleeding
Preterm labor
Infection
Nursing Actions
Review the procedure with the mother
If < 20 wks, a full bladder may be required for full
visualization Breathing & Relaxation techniques
Explain a local anaesthetic will be used
Prep abd with antiseptic (Betadine)
Label specimens
Instruct woman not to lift anything heavy for 2
days Auscultate FHR after procedure twice in 30
min Assess mother’s well being
Instruct mother to notify HCP if there is any abd cramping, fever,
chills, bleeding
Adm RhoGam to RH-negative women post procedure as
indicated Ultrasonography to guide placement
questions)
trisomies - genetic disorder - 3 copies instead 2 of a chromosome
Neural tube defects are birth defects of the brain, spine, or spinal● cord.
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP): a glycoprotein produced in the fetal liver, gastrointestinal tract, and yolk sac in early gestation. Used to screen for NTD (spinal defects) & Ventral Abd Wall defects 95% of NTD are occur in the absence of risk factors, it is done routinely Procedure: blood sample is taken and sent to the lab < Levels may be Chromosome 21 defect (Trisomy 21/ Down Syndrome) (follow up with amniocentesis then administer RhoGAM if indicated by physician
Levels may be NTD, anencephaly, omphalocele, and gastroschisis (follow up with ultrasound) Further tests are done Risks for high false-positives & negatives may also occur causing stress to the mother & family Nursing Actions Educate mother about the screening Support mother & assist in scheduling Provide support group information Multiple Marker Screen Triple Marker Screening: combines all three chemical markers
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG ) Estriol levels —With maternal age to detect some trisomies and NTDs. Used as an alternative to amniocentesis Quad screen: adds inhibin-A to the triple marker screen to increase detection of trisomy 21 to 80% Done at 15-16 weeks Maternal blood is drawn & sent to lab Low levels of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) and
unconjugated estriol levels suggest an abnormality.
hCG and inhibin-A levels are twice as high in pregnancies with
■ trisomy 21.
○ Decreased estriol levels are an indicator of NTDs.
No risks
Nursing Actions “ ”
Surveillance after 28 wks (may feel them at 16-20
wks) Palpate abd & track fetal movements daily for 1–
2 hours 10 kicks in 2 hrs = normal
4 kicks in 1 hr = normal
< 4 kicks in 2 hrs should be reported
Teach mom to drink juice or eat something if baby is not moving,
they may be asleep
Non-stress test (NST) : screening tool that uses electronic fetal
monitoring (EFM) to assess fetal condition or well- being
Know how the procedure is done
Healthy baby’s FHR accelerates with movement
FHR monitored with the external FHR transducer until reactive (up
to 40 minutes), while running a FHR contraction strip for
interpretation. Monitor FHR and fetal activity for 20–30 minutes
Vibroacoustic stimulation (VAS): uses auditory stimulation
(using an artificial larynx) to assess fetal well-being with EFM when
NST is nonreactive.
VAS is only used when the baseline rate is determined to be
within normal limits.
When deceleration or bradycardia is present, VAS is not
an appropriate intervention
Procedure
Activating an artificial larynx on the maternal abdomen near the fetal
head for 1 second in conjunction with the NST
Reactive when the FHR increases 15 beats above baseline for
15 seconds twice in 20 minutes.
Contraction stress test (CST): assess fetal well-being and
uteroplacental function with EFM in women with nonreactive NST at
term gestation.
Identifies a fetus that is at risk for compromise through observation of
the fetal response to intermittent reduction in uteroplacental blood
flow with stimulated uterine contractions
Monitor FHR and fetal activity for 20 minutes.
If no spontaneous UCs, contractions can be initiated in some women
by having them brush the nipples for 10 minutes.
If nipple stimulation is unsuccessful, UCs can be stimulated with
oxytocin via IV until 3 UCs in 10–20 minutes lasting 40 seconds occur
late decelerations in a 10-minute strip with 3 UCs > 40
seconds assessed with moderate variability.
with minimal or absent variability.
fetal growth restriction, lower 5-minute Apgar scores, cesarean
section, and the need for neonatal resuscitation due to neonatal
depression. > requires further testing such as BPP.
CST is equivocal or suspicious when there are intermittent late or
variable decelerations, and further testing may be done or the
test repeated in 24 hours.
Nursing Actions
Explain the procedure to the woman and her family. The CST
stimulates contractions to evaluate fetal reaction to the stress of
contractions Have patient void before testing.
Position patient in a semi-Fowler’s position
Monitor vitals before and every 15 minutes during the test. I Provide comfort
measures.
Provide emotional support.
Correctly interpret FHR and contractions.
Safely administer oxytocin
avoid uterine tachysystole: more than five uterine contractions in 10
minutes, fewer than 60 seconds between contractions, or a contraction
greater than 90 seconds with a late deceleration occurring
Recognize adverse effects of
oxytocin. Schedule appropriate
follow-up.
Risks are false positive with no needed interventions
A woman at 40 weeks’ gestation has a diagnosis of oligohydramnios.
○ Which of the following statements related to oligohydramnios
is correct? It indicates that there is a 50% reduction of
amniotic fluid.
Amniotic fluid index (AFI): measures the volume of amniotic fluid
with ultrasound to assess fetal well-being and placental function.
Ultrasound measurement of pockets of amniotic fluid in
four quadrants of the uterine cavity via ultrasound
Amniotic fluid level is based on fetal urine production, which is
the predominate source of amniotic fluid and is directly
dependent on renal perfusion
Average is 8-24 cm
AFI ≤ 5 cm is indicative of oligohydramnios. Oligohydramnios
is associated with increased prenatal mortality and a need for
close maternal and fetal monitoring.
An AFI above 24 cm is polyhydramnios, which may indicate
fetal malformation such as NTDs, obstruction of fetal
gastrointestinal tract, or fetal hydrops.
<uteroplacental perfusion→< fetal renal blood flow
→<urine production → oligohydramnios
Nursing Actions:
Explain the procedure to the woman and her family. This test measures the
amount of amniotic fluid with ultrasound to assess fetal well-being and how
well the placenta is working.
Provide comfort measures.
Provide emotional support.
Schedule appropriate follow-up.
Special training in obstetric ultrasound is required for evaluation of amniotic
fluid volume
Biophysical profile (BPP): ultrasound assessment of fetal status
along with an NST.