Abortion: Health Impacts and Statistics

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Questions and Answers

Which term best describes a woman who has experienced three or more consecutive spontaneous abortions?

Failed pregnancy

Habitual abortion (correct)

Occasional abortion

Recurrent miscarriage

What is the recommended action if manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) is not available after 16 weeks of pregnancy?

Administer antibiotics and refer for higher medical management (correct)

Provide analgesics and monitor the patient for 48 hours

Perform an immediate cesarean section

Continue with MVA treatment despite its unavailability

Which treatment is administered every 6 hours for up to 48 hours to manage a septic condition in a patient following an abortion?

Gentamicin 5mg/kg body weight IV

Metronidazole 500mg IV

Ampicillin 2g IV (correct)

Paracetamol 2 tabs (1gm) thrice daily

In the context of managing a patient after a failed pregnancy with retention of products of conception, which of the following is NOT a recommended action?

Allow the patient to engage in physical activities Signup and view all the answers

What is the first course of action once a pregnancy is confirmed in a patient at risk for abortion?

Admission and bed confinement Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic symptom of a threatened abortion?

Closed cervix Signup and view all the answers

Which stage of abortion is described by heavy bleeding and progressive cervical dilation?

Inevitable abortion Signup and view all the answers

Which management step is NOT recommended for a threatened abortion?

Hormonal treatment Signup and view all the answers

What is typically performed if a pregnancy is less than 16 weeks in the case of an inevitable abortion?

Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions can develop from excessive blood loss during an abortion?

Anemia and shock Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common cause for spontaneous abortion?

Genetic abnormalities Signup and view all the answers

What classifies a late abortion?

Abortion between 12 and 24 weeks of gestation Signup and view all the answers

During septic abortion, what type of vaginal discharge can be expected?

Reddish brown/yellowish green and foul smelling Signup and view all the answers

What is characterized as therapeutic abortion?

Abortion performed for medical reasons by qualified practitioners Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason for therapeutic abortion?

Desire for family planning Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary risk factor associated with criminal abortions?

Severe complications such as infections Signup and view all the answers

What is septic abortion primarily a sequel of?

Criminally induced abortion Signup and view all the answers

What would NOT be a common sign or symptom of septic abortion?

Excessive fluid retention Signup and view all the answers

Which medication is commonly used for managing septic abortion?

Ampicillin Signup and view all the answers

Which management step is suggested if MVA is not available after 16 weeks in septic abortion cases?

Start antibiotics and refer immediately Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the classification of abortion is accurate?

Criminal abortions are illegal and unsafe Signup and view all the answers

What is a major consequence of criminal or unsafe abortion in certain regions?

Increased maternal mortality Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic distinguishes therapeutic abortion from criminal abortion?

Conducted for the mother's health by qualified practitioners Signup and view all the answers

What is a common sign of complete abortion?

Light bleeding Signup and view all the answers

Which management step is NOT appropriate for incomplete abortion if bleeding is heavy and pregnancy is less than 16 weeks?

Use ring forceps to remove products of conception Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a missed abortion from an incomplete abortion?

Closed cervix in missed abortion Signup and view all the answers

What is the appropriate management option for heavy bleeding in a pregnancy greater than 16 weeks?

Infuse oxytocin and monitor Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a sign of incomplete abortion?

Persistent heavy bleeding Signup and view all the answers

In case of heavy bleeding and pregnancy less than 16 weeks, what should be done if MVA is not available?

Perform curettage Signup and view all the answers

What is the most appropriate action if bleeding does not stop for a complete abortion?

Refer immediately for further evaluation Signup and view all the answers

Which medication is commonly administered for incomplete abortion management?

Cytotec (misoprostol) Signup and view all the answers

What vital sign should be routinely checked during the management of abortion?

Oxygen concentration Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinguishing feature of the signs and symptoms of a missed abortion?

Complete closure of the cervix Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common cause of bleeding in early pregnancy?

Abortion Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of pregnancies worldwide are estimated to be unplanned?

38% Signup and view all the answers

At what gestational age is pregnancy usually terminated?

6-12 weeks Signup and view all the answers

Which maternal condition is NOT associated with abortion?

Hypertension Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary symptom indicating the occurrence of an abortion?

Vaginal bleeding Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following fetal conditions is a recognized cause of abortion?

Chromosomal abnormalities Signup and view all the answers

How much does abortion contribute to maternal mortality?

29% of cases Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a social condition leading to abortion?

Unmet family needs Signup and view all the answers

What role does quality post-abortion care play in maternal health?

Reduces maternal mortality Signup and view all the answers

What maternal health issue is related to exposure to teratogenic chemicals?

Fetal maldevelopment Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Abortion

Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy before 24 weeks of gestation.
It's a common cause of bleeding in early pregnancy and a significant contributor to maternal deaths worldwide.
Globally, roughly 35 abortions per 1000 women of childbearing age occur annually. Rates vary greatly across countries, from as low as 10 per 1000 to as high as 80 per 1000.
Approximately 38% of pregnancies worldwide are unplanned, and 22% result in abortions. In developing countries, including Nigeria, an estimated 36% of pregnancies are unplanned, leading to 20% ending in abortion.
In Nigeria, about 40% of maternal deaths are attributed to complications from abortion.
The proportion of pregnancies ended by abortion is highest at the start and end of a woman's childbearing years.
Abortion contributes significantly to maternal mortality (29%) and morbidity (eg., reproductive health infections and infertility).
Quality post-abortion care and counseling are crucial for reducing complications and improving outcomes.

Causes of Abortion (Maternal)

Maternal illnesses (malaria, anemia, diarrhea, dysentery, tuberculosis, pyelonephritis, hepatitis, diabetes, etc.)
Hormonal imbalances
Uterine malformations (e.g., bicornuate uterus)
Uterine infections (e.g., endometritis)
Submucous fibroids
Cervical incompetence
Exposure to harmful chemicals
Emotional distress or extremes of emotion
Violence
Physical exertion

Causes of Abortion (Fetal)

Gross fetal malformation/maldevelopment
Chromosomal abnormalities
Teenage pregnancy or unwanted pregnancy
Unmet family needs
Rape

Signs and Symptoms of Abortion

Missed periods, followed by vaginal bleeding (ranging from slight to profuse).
Pain, particularly lower abdominal or back pain.
Rupture of membranes with expulsion of products of conception.

Types of Abortion

Threatened abortion: Bleeding and cramping, but the pregnancy may continue.
Inevitable abortion: Heavy bleeding and/or cervical dilation; the pregnancy cannot be saved.
Incomplete abortion: Products of conception are not fully expelled.
Complete abortion: Products of conception are fully expelled.
Missed abortion: The fetus dies, but the body does not expel it.
Septic abortion: Infection is present, a serious complication.

Management of Abortion

Management of threatened abortion: Advising the patient to avoid strenuous activity and refrain from intercourse. Monitoring for signs of progression.
Management of inevitable abortion: Medical management (drugs to induce labor) or surgical intervention (e.g., D&C) depending on gestational age and other factors.
Management of incomplete abortion: Surgical intervention (e.g., D&C) to remove the retained products of conception. Antibiotics may be necessary to treat infection
Management of missed abortion: Surgical intervention to remove the retained products of conception.
Management of induced abortion: Methods that intentionally terminate a pregnancy.

Nursing Management of a Patient with Abortion

Thorough history-taking, including details of the last menstrual period.
Assessing vital signs and the patient's overall condition.
Providing emotional support and education.
Monitoring for complications like excessive bleeding, pain, or infection.
Providing appropriate and safe care for the patient, including antibiotics, fluids and other supportive care as needed

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Description

This quiz explores the critical aspects of abortion, including its definition, prevalence, and health implications. It highlights global statistics, particularly focusing on maternal mortality and morbidity associated with abortion. Understanding these dynamics is essential for comprehensive reproductive health education.