Exam 4 Flashcards
What is placental previa? Types?
placenta abnormally implants in lower uterine segment near or over cervical oss
Complete/total
incomplete/partial
marginal/low laying
What is the danger with marginal placental previa?
if the cervix opens even slightly bright red bleeding may occur
impaired circulation of the part over the cervix once it opens due to the villi no longer being able to circulate
What is the treatment for placenta previa?
often just needs monitoring at the beginning
as the fetus develops and everything is in close proximity the placenta may look low lying but as the uterus continues to grow the placenta should be attaching to the fundus
What are the risk factors of placenta previa?
previous placenta previa
uterine scarring from previous C-sections, curettage, endometriosis
maternal age >35
multiple gestation and multiparity
closely spaced pregnancies
smoking or cocaine use
What are the clinical manifestations of placenta previa?
painless
bright red vaginal bleeding during 2nd or 3rd trimester
soft, relaxed, nontender uterus
fundal height>for gestational age
fetus in breech, oblique, or transverse position
VS will be normal while the cervix is not dilated
What is the Kleihauer-betke test? What is it used for?
detects fetal blood in maternal circulation for any potential active bleeding
placenta previa and placenta abruptio
What are nursing interventions for placenta previa?
cannot have vaginal birth d/t placenta being in front of uterus
assess for bleeding, contractions, and fetal wellbeing
refrain from inserting anything enter the vagina (including vaginal exams) to decrease risk of cervix dilation
recommend bed rest
administer betametasone if pregnancy <37 wks (preterm)
What is betametasone?
a drug that will help fetal lung development by helping surfactant development
What is placenta abruptio?
premature separation of placenta from uterus when >20wks which can be complete or incomplete
What can placenta abruptio cause?
maternal death (leading cause)
fetal: low birth weight, preterm delivery, asphyxia, stillbirth, perinatal death
What are the risk factors for placenta abruptio?
maternal HTN, preeclampsia
blunt external trauma to abdomen
cocaine and cigarette (vasoconstriction)
previous abruptio placenta
PROM
multiple gestation, multifetal
IUGR
What are the clinical manifestations of placenta abruptio?
sudden onset of intense localized uterine pain
dark red bleeding (if it’s present it will cause the pain)
firm, tender abdomen
uterus boardlike
contractions with hypertonicitiy
fetal distress (decreased fetal mvt)
hypovolemic shock
What are nursing interventions for placenta abruptio?
immediate birth
continuous fetal monitoring
What is ectopic pregnancy?
abnormal implantation outside the uterine cavity
locations can include: ovary, intestine, cervix, abdomen, fallopian tube (can cause fatal hemorrhage if ruptures)
second most frequent cause of bleeding
leading cause of infertility
What are the clinical manifestations of ectopic pregnancy?
lower-abdominal quadrant unilateral stabbing pain and tenderness (usually starts as dull pain and progresses into colicky, then sharp and stabbing, then diffuse)
delayed, lighter than usual, or irregular menses
scant, dark red or brown vaginal spotting, 6-8wks after LMP or red, vaginal bleeding if ruptured
referred shoulder pain d/t rupture and increase of blood in peritoneal cavity irritating diaphragm or phrenic nerve
s/s of shock and hemorrhage (hypotension, pallor, tachy)
What are the risk factors of ectopic pregnancy?
STI (gonorrhea/chlamydia)
assisted reproductive technologies
tubal surgery
have or using an IUD
What do the labs show during ectopic pregnancy?
decrease of progesterone and hCG
hCG is drawn every 48 hrs to determine viable pregnancy
progesterone >25 nanograms of millimeters almost always rule out ectopic or abnormal pregnancy
How is ectopic pregnancy managed if a rupture has not occurred?
methotrexate to dissolve the embryo
What are the nursing considerations for methotrexate?
the metabolite that is broken down from methotrexate is considered toxic for 72 hrs (need to double flush, can be present in stool for up to 7 days)
avoid alcohol and vitamins containing folic acid which can cause a toxic reaction to medication
avoid sun exposure
avoid gas forming foods
What is spontaneous abortion? Types?
pregnancy terminated before 20 wks or fetal weight<500g
types are classified by manifestations and if products of conception are partially or completely retained or expelled
threatened, inevitable, incomplete, complete
What is threatened spontaneous abortion? Clinical manifestations? Management?
cervix is not dilated, placenta still attached to uterine wall
cramping/backache, vaginal bleeding
bedrest
What is inevitable spontaneous abortion? Clinical manifestation? Management?
cervix dilated, placental separation from uterine wall
craping and moderate bleeding, membranes may rupture
if infection also present then a medical abortion will be performed
What is incomplete spontaneous abortion? Clinical manifestation? Management?
embryo or fetus are passed but the placenta remains in uterus
profuse bleeding and extensive cramping, cervix obviously dilated, hemorrhage
curettage of the remaining placenta to avoid any further complications
What diagnostics are done for spontaneous abortion?
labs: hCG, CBC, US (to determine what is still in uterus and if viable)
FHB