OB Medications
This medication is commonly used to prevent Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) in newborns.
What is Betamethasone
This is the most serious but rare complication associated with a trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC), and it’s a key reason why continuous fetal monitoring is essential during vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) attempts.
What is uterine rupture
This rare but severe condition involves hallucinations, delusions, and potential harm to self or baby.
What is postpartum psychosis
Before performing any surgical procedure, this crucial step ensures patient safety by identifying risks such as blood type compatibility, hemoglobin levels, and underlying conditions. Delays in this process could prevent timely administration of appropriate interventions, such as blood transfusions or anesthesia adjustments.
What is obtaining and reviewing lab specimens
This type of abortion occurs when all products of conception are expelled, resulting in a decrease in pain and bleeding, and typically does not require surgical intervention.
What is a complete abortion
This medication is often used for the ripening of the cervix and induction of labor.
What is Misoprostol (Cytotec)
A score of 7 or higher on this pre-labor assessment tool indicates a favorable cervix and is a reliable, cost-effective predictor for successful induction of labor.
What is the Bishop Score
This life-threatening complication of pregnancy involves sudden abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and a rigid, non-relaxing uterus, often requiring immediate medical intervention to prevent maternal and fetal distress.
What is placental abruption (abruptio placentae)
In this mechanical technique, the provider inserts a gloved finger through the cervix and sweeps it 360 degrees to separate the amniotic sac from the uterine wall without rupturing the membranes, with the goal of promoting cervical readiness and potentially triggering labor.
What is membrane stripping
This condition, often characterized by breast pain, redness, and fever, is treated by encouraging continued breastfeeding, using warm compresses to promote milk let-down, and maintaining adequate fluid intake to support milk production and combat infection.
What is mastitis
A serum magnesium level of 10 mg/dL could lead to signs and symptoms of this condition?
What is Magnesium Toxicity
In a patient with hyperemesis gravidarum presenting with ketonuria, tachycardia, and orthostatic hypotension, this intervention takes priority to prevent further metabolic imbalance and maternal compromise.
What are IV fluids
This complication is characterized by a firm, contracted uterus with a steady stream of un-clotted bright red blood, and is typically caused by tearing of the vaginal or cervical tissue during delivery.
What is a laceration
This condition, often resulting from placental insufficiency or maternal factors such as smoking, poor nutrition, or systemic illness, leads to fetal growth that falls below the 10th percentile for gestational age. It is distinguished from small-for-gestational-age neonates by the additional concern of impaired fetal development due to inadequate oxygen and nutrient supply, though chromosomal abnormalities are a rare cause.
What is intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)
Newborns who experience excessive growth in utero due to high maternal glucose levels are at increased risk for complications like shoulder dystocia and birth trauma. This condition is often associated with elevated fetal insulin levels in response to the maternal hyperglycemia.
What is large-for-gestational-age (LGA)
This medication is used to stop rapid cell division in cases of ectopic pregnancy and molar pregnancy. It may also be given for an abortion.
What is Methotrexate
This sexually transmitted infection is caused by a one-celled protozoan and is often identified by a frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge and vaginal irritation.
What is trichomoniasis
This condition, commonly following cesarean delivery or prolonged labor, presents with fever, uterine tenderness, and foul-smelling lochia. It is most often caused by polymicrobial infection, and if untreated, can lead to severe complications such as peritonitis, septic shock, or the formation of a pelvic abscess.
What is endometritis
Epigastric pain in a preeclamptic patient is often attributed to ischemia of this organ, resulting from endothelial dysfunction and microvascular damage. This organ’s blood flow becomes compromised due to vasospasm, which leads to the accumulation of toxins and subsequent hepatocellular injury. In severe cases, the pain is associated with the development of a condition that can progress to hepatic rupture, acute renal failure, and DIC.
What is HELLP Syndrome
A nurse is monitoring a postpartum patient 10 hours after a spontaneous vaginal delivery. The patient’s white blood cell count is 24,000/mL, pulse is 90 bpm, blood pressure is 138/90 mmHg, and temperature is 38.8°C (101.8°F). What abnormality requires prompt notification?
What is the elevated temperature of 38.8°C (101.8°F)
While some of these findings may be expected due to physiologic changes after birth, this specific abnormality requires prompt provider notification due to its potential indication of an underlying infection.
BP less than 140/90
HR less than 100
An elevated WBC is expected due to postpartum leukocytosis
Administered within 72 hours postpartum, this immune globulin prevents maternal sensitization to Rh-positive fetal cells but is also indicated during events like amniocentesis, abdominal trauma, or miscarriage.
What is RhoGAM
This surgical intervention involves placing purse-string sutures around the cervix to prevent premature dilation and is typically indicated after a previous pregnancy loss due to cervical insufficiency.
What is a cervical cerclage
A postpartum patient reports feeling faint and lightheaded when attempting to stand. Upon assessment, the nurse notes a blood pressure of 90/60 mmHg, a heart rate of 110 bpm, and a firm uterus. The nurse also observes that the lochia appears normal, with no signs of excessive bleeding. What is the most likely cause of the patient's symptoms, and what initial action should the nurse take?
What is orthostatic hypotension, and the initial action is to assist the patient to a sitting or semi-reclining position, ensuring safety and monitoring vital signs.
A pregnant patient with a congenital heart defect is being managed collaboratively by cardiology and obstetrics. Her plan of care includes stress reduction, rest periods, immunization updates, and regular monitoring for subtle signs of cardiac decompensation. Which reported symptom would require immediate provider notification, even in the absence of abnormal vital signs?
What is a new onset of nocturnal cough or shortness of breath
A pregnant patient at 34 weeks gestation presents with a blood pressure of 160/100 mmHg, along with mild edema in the lower extremities. She denies any visual disturbances or upper abdominal pain. Urinalysis shows no proteinuria. What is the most likely diagnosis? Why?
What is gestational hypertension
The key differentiating feature is the absence of proteinuria, which is typically present in preeclampsia.
A postpartum patient with a history of hypertension and preeclampsia is prescribed a medication to control uterine bleeding. However, the healthcare provider must avoid using this specific medication due to its potential to exacerbate the patient’s condition. What medication is contraindicated in this scenario, and why?
What is methylergonovine (Methergine)? It is contraindicated in patients with hypertension because it can cause vasoconstriction and worsen high blood pressure
In HELLP syndrome, a severe complication of preeclampsia, what does the "H" stand for, and what pathological process does it indicate is occurring in the body?
What is hemolysis
The destruction of red blood cells.
A condition that occurs when the uterus does not return to its normal size after childbirth, leading to prolonged vaginal bleeding and a soft, enlarged uterus. It can be caused by retained placental fragments or infection and may require medical intervention. What is the name of this condition, and what is a common treatment approach?
What is uterine subinvolution.
It is commonly treated with uterine massage, medication such as oxytocin, and sometimes surgical intervention to remove retained placental tissue
A substance found in the alveoli of mature fetuses that reduces surface tension and helps prevent alveolar collapse. It can be detected during amniocentesis as a marker of fetal lung maturity. What is this substance, and what is its role in fetal respiratory development?
What is surfactant
It plays a crucial role in reducing surface tension in the lungs, allowing for proper lung expansion and preventing alveolar collapse at birth.
A self-limiting condition seen in newborns, typically presenting with rapid breathing within hours of birth, often associated with delayed clearance of fetal lung fluid. It is more common in full-term or near-term infants and usually resolves within 72 hours without long-term complications.
What is Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn (TTN)