Intrapartum Complications Study Set- Questions and Correct Answers

Introduction -birth is usually free of major complications. -sometimes, complications make childbearing hazardous for the women or her baby. -the nurse's challenge is to i.d and manage complications promptly and to provide effective care for these mothers while supporting the entire family during this significant time in their lifes. learning objectives -explain abnormalities that may result in dysfunctional labor. -describe maternal and fetal risks associated with premature rupture of the membranes -analyze factors that increase a woman's risk for preterm labor -explain maternal and fetal problems that may occur if pregnancy persists beyond 42 weeks. -contrast the nurses management of intrapartum complication. dysfunctional labor -normal labor is characterized by progress. -dysfunctional labor is one that dose not result in normal progress of cervical effacement, dilation, and descent. -dystocia is a general term that describes any difficult labor or birth. -dysfunctional labor may result from problems with the powers of labor, the passenger, the passage, the psyche, or a combination of these. it is often prolonged but may be short and intense. dysfunctional labor continued -an operative deliver (vacuum extractor, forceps, or cesarean) may be needed if dysfunctional labor does not resolve or if fetal or maternal compromise occur. -signs that indicate the need for an operative birth include persistent nonreassuring FHR patterns, fetal acidosis, and meconium passage. -maternal exhaustion or infection may occur, especially during long labors. problems of the powers the powers of labor may not be adequate to expel the fetus because of ineffective contractions or ineffective maternal pushing efforts. -possible causes of ineffective contractions include: maternal fatigue maternal inactivity fluid and electrolyte imbalance hypoglycemia excessive analgesia or anesthesia problems of the powers continued -maternal catecholamines secreted in response to stress or pain -disproportion between the maternal pelvis and the fetal presenting part -uterine overdistention, such as with multiple gestation or hydramnios problems of the power continued 2 patterns of ineffective uterine contractions are hypotonic and hypertonic dysfunction -hypotonic dysfunction is more common than hypertonic dysfunction -characteristics and management of each are different, but the result of poor labor progress is the same if they persist.