Female Reproductive Anatomy & Physiology
What are the three layers of the uterus and their functions?
Endometrium: sheds during menstruation; site of implantation
Myometrium: smooth muscle; contracts during labor and controls bleeding
Perimetrium: outer protective layer
What is the nurse’s role in genomics during pregnancy?
Assess family history, identify genetic risks, educate patients, and refer for genetic counseling.
What are the classic symptoms of ectopic pregnancy?
Unilateral abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, amenorrhea, shoulder pain, and Cullen’s sign.
What does a boggy uterus indicate postpartum?
Uterine atony and increased risk of hemorrhage.
What is colostrum and why is it important?
Thick yellow “first milk” rich in antibodies and protein.
Which uterine layer is responsible for ligating blood vessels after birth?
The myometrium.
List four risk factors for genetic anomalies.
Advanced maternal age
Family history of genetic disorders
Previous pregnancy with anomalies
Environmental exposures
How is an ectopic pregnancy treated if the patient is stable and the mass is <3 cm?
Methotrexate.
What is the most common cause of postpartum infection?
Endometritis.
When does mature breast milk typically come in?
3–7 days postpartum
What is menarche and at what age does it typically occur?
Menarche is the first menstrual period, typically around age 13.
At what gestational age is Group B Streptococcus (GBS) screening performed?
36–37 weeks gestation.
What is gestational trophoblastic disease and a key sign?
Abnormal placental growth; very high hCG levels with no fetal heart tones.
Which postpartum findings suggest infection and require provider notification?
Fever, foul-smelling lochia, uterine tenderness, pelvic pain.
How does milk supply increase?
Through frequent milk removal (supply and demand).
When is ovulation relative to menstruation?
Ovulation occurs about 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period.
What fetal heart rate range is considered normal?
110–160 beats per minute.
Differentiate placenta previa from placental abruption.
Placenta previa: painless bright red bleeding
Placental abruption: painful bleeding with a rigid uterus
What assessment tool is used to evaluate perineal healing?
REEDA (Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, Approximation)
What are two nursing interventions that promote parent-infant bonding?
Encouraging skin-to-skin contact and supporting early feeding.
What hormonal change causes menstruation to occur?
Withdrawal of estrogen and progesterone when fertilization does not occur.
What does a reactive non-stress test (NST) indicate?
An intact central nervous system and adequate oxygenation.
What is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity?
Calcium gluconate.
Why are postpartum patients at increased risk for blood clots?
Clotting factors remain elevated for up to 12 weeks postpartum.
What phase of maternal role adaptation is characterized by dependence and focus on self?
The taking-in phase.