Pregnancy Complications - 3

Hyperemesis Gravidarum

It is an intractable vomiting in pregnancy with resultant weight loss and dehydration

Nursing Care
  • Assess vital signs
  • Observe for signs of dehydration
  • Review electrolytes
  • Access IV site as ordered
  • Record fetal heart tones
  • Record intake and output
  • Record daily weight
  • Check urine for ketones
  • Administer antiemetics as orderedPreterm Labor

Preterm Labor


It is an onset of regular labor before the 37th completed week of gestation.

Clinical Findings
  • Rhythmic lower abdominal cramping
  • Complaints of backache
  • Increased vaginal discharge
  • Downward pelvic pressure
  • Leaking of amniotic fluid
  • Vaginal spotting
  • Cervical effacement/dilation
  • Shortening cervical length
Nursing Care
  1. Determine gestational age
  2. Assess uterine tone
  3. Auscultate fetal heart tones and apply EFM
  4. Obtain vaginal/urine cultures
  5. Assess for leaking amniotic fluid: Ferning - Microscopically, amniotic fluid will resemble the leaves of a fern plant, and Nitrazine paper - Due to the alkaline nature of amniotic.
  6. fluid, the nitrazine paper will change from yellow to blue
  7. Perform vaginal exam to determine dilation and effacement of the cervix
  8. Position side-lying
  9. Initiate IV fluids as ordered
  10. Administer corticosteroid to mother:  Accelerates maturity of fetal lungs AND Most benefit 24 hours after administered
  11. Initiate tocolytic therapy


No comments: