Dystocia and Difficult Labor Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the primary difference between hypertonic and hypotonic labor dysfunction?

  • Hypertonic labor shows uncoordinated, painful, frequent contractions without cervical change, while hypotonic labor presents as weak, infrequent contractions. (correct)
  • Hypertonic labor requires immediate cesarean birth, while hypotonic labor can be managed with pain relief.
  • Hypertonic labor involves weak, infrequent contractions, while hypotonic labor is characterized by strong, regular contractions.
  • Hypertonic labor is managed with oxytocin augmentation, while hypotonic labor is treated with rest and hydration.

During a shoulder dystocia, which intervention should the nurse perform first?

  • Apply fundal pressure.
  • Administer oxygen to the mother.
  • Initiate the McRoberts maneuver. (correct)
  • Prepare for immediate cesarean section.

A patient with a history of obesity is at a higher risk for which of the following complications during labor and delivery?

  • Decreased risk of gestational diabetes.
  • Reduced likelihood of cesarean birth.
  • Increased risk of thromboembolism. (correct)
  • Lower incidence of postpartum complications.

What does a high Bishop score indicate when considering labor induction?

<p>The likelihood of successful induction is increased. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following findings would indicate tachysystole in a patient undergoing oxytocin induction?

<p>Contractions occurring more frequently than every 2 minutes or lasting longer than 90 seconds. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary risk associated with external cephalic version (ECV)?

<p>Placental abruption. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When performing an amniotomy, what is the most important nursing intervention after the membranes are ruptured?

<p>Assessing fetal heart rate. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is a contraindication for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)?

<p>A prior classical uterine incision. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid indicate?

<p>Potential fetal distress. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which intervention is most critical in the immediate management of a prolapsed umbilical cord?

<p>Elevating the presenting part off the cord. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the most likely cause of early postpartum hemorrhage (PPH)?

<p>Uterine atony. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient had a vaginal delivery 5 days ago. She calls the clinic complaining of heavy bleeding that started suddenly. What is the most likely cause?

<p>Retained placental fragments. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is included in the first-line management of uterine atony immediately after delivery?

<p>Fundal massage. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors increases a woman's risk for thromboembolic disorders in the postpartum period?

<p>Venous stasis. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A postpartum patient develops a fever, uterine tenderness, and foul-smelling lochia. Which condition is most likely the cause?

<p>Endometritis. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which assessment finding differentiates postpartum blues from postpartum depression (PPD)?

<p>Impaired ability to care for the infant. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A nurse is caring for a postpartum patient with a history of depression. Which intervention is the most important for preventing postpartum depression?

<p>Ensuring adequate social support and counseling. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of postpartum complications, what is the primary role of continuous fetal monitoring during labor?

<p>To detect any signs of fetal distress. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key nursing responsibility when caring for a patient undergoing induction of labor with oxytocin?

<p>Assessing fetal heart rate in conjunction with contractions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of nursing care is most important in promoting positive outcomes for women experiencing obstetric emergencies?

<p>Continuous fetal monitoring and early intervention. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Dystocia

Difficult labor arising from issues with the powers of labor, the passenger (fetus), or the passage (maternal pelvis).

Hypertonic labor

Uncoordinated, painful, and frequent contractions without cervical change

Hypotonic labor

Weak, infrequent uterine contractions

Shoulder dystocia

An obstetrical emergency where the anterior fetal shoulder impacts behind the maternal pubic bone after delivery of the head.

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McRoberts maneuver

Hyperflexion of the maternal legs to open up the pelvis

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Bishop score

Assesses cervical readiness for labor. Higher scores mean greater likelihood of successful induction.

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Induction of labor

Starting labor artificially.

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Augmentation of labor

Enhancing ineffective contractions.

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Version

Turning the fetus from one presentation to another.

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Tachysystole

Excessively frequent uterine contractions, potentially leading to fetal distress

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Amniotomy

Artificial rupture of membranes to induce or augment labor.

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Cesarean birth

Surgical delivery of the fetus through abdominal and uterine incisions.

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Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH)

Excessive bleeding after childbirth.

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Uterine atony

Failure of the uterus to contract adequately after delivery.

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Inversion

Turning inside out of the uterus after birth.

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Subinvolution

The uterus fails to return to its normal size after birth.

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Thromboembolic disorders

Superficial thrombophlebitis, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE)

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Endometritis

Infection of the uterine lining.

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Postpartum depression (PPD)

A mood disorder that can affect women after childbirth.

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Postpartum psychosis

A severe mental illness after childbirth with hallucinations and delusions.

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Study Notes

  • Dystocia is difficult labor resulting from issues with the powers of labor, the passenger (fetus), or the passage (maternal pelvis).
  • Dysfunctional labor patterns are categorized as either hypertonic or hypotonic uterine activity.
  • Hypertonic labor involves uncoordinated, painful, and frequent contractions without cervical change.
  • Management of hypertonic labor includes rest, hydration, and pain relief.
  • Hypotonic labor is characterized by weak, infrequent contractions.
  • Hypotonic labor may require oxytocin augmentation; cesarean birth may be necessary if augmentation fails.
  • Fetal size (macrosomia), malpresentation (breech, transverse lie), and malposition (occiput posterior) can lead to complications
  • Shoulder dystocia is an obstetrical emergency where the anterior fetal shoulder impacts behind the maternal pubic bone after delivery of the head.
  • McRoberts maneuver (hyperflexion of maternal legs) and suprapubic pressure are interventions for shoulder dystocia.
  • Pelvic structure abnormalities or soft tissue obstructions like a full bladder can cause passage problems.
  • Maternal obesity increases the risks of gestational diabetes, hypertension, thromboembolism, infection, dysfunctional labor, cesarean birth, and postpartum complications.
  • Induction of labor artificially starts labor; augmentation enhances ineffective contractions.
  • Bishop score assesses cervical readiness for labor; higher scores indicate a greater likelihood of successful induction.
  • Mechanical methods of labor induction use balloon catheters or laminaria to dilate the cervix.
  • Chemical methods use prostaglandins (misoprostol, dinoprostone) to ripen the cervix.
  • Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions and requires monitoring to prevent complications.
  • Tachysystole (excessively frequent contractions) is a potential adverse effect of oxytocin and can lead to fetal distress.
  • Nursing care during induction includes monitoring maternal and fetal responses to interventions.
  • Version involves turning the fetus from one presentation to another, like external cephalic version (ECV) for breech presentation.
  • ECV presents risks such as placental abruption, umbilical cord entanglement, and fetal distress.
  • Amniotomy (artificial rupture of membranes) can induce or augment labor; risks include infection and cord prolapse.
  • Forceps-assisted birth and vacuum-assisted birth facilitate vaginal delivery when progress is slow or fetal distress occurs.
  • These methods carry risks of maternal lacerations, hematomas, and fetal injuries.
  • Cesarean birth involves surgical delivery of the fetus through an incision in the abdomen and uterus.
  • Indications for cesarean birth include fetal distress, malpresentation, placental abnormalities, and previous cesarean birth.
  • Maternal risks of cesarean birth include infection, hemorrhage, thromboembolism, and complications from anesthesia.
  • Fetal risks of cesarean birth are prematurity (if gestational age is inaccurate) and injury during surgery.
  • Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is an option for some women with a prior cesarean delivery.
  • VBAC carries a risk of uterine rupture, which is a life-threatening complication.
  • Meconium-stained amniotic fluid can indicate fetal distress and may lead to meconium aspiration syndrome in the newborn.
  • Shoulder dystocia can cause birth injuries like brachial plexus injury (Erb's palsy) and clavicle fracture in the newborn.
  • Prolapsed umbilical cord occurs when the cord precedes the fetus, compromising fetal oxygenation.
  • Management of prolapsed cord includes elevating the presenting part to relieve pressure on the cord and immediate cesarean delivery.
  • Rupture of the uterus is rare but catastrophic, often associated with VBAC or previous uterine surgery.
  • Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) occurs when amniotic fluid enters the maternal circulation, causing cardiorespiratory collapse.
  • Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a life-threatening complication involving abnormal blood clotting and hemorrhage.
  • Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is excessive bleeding after childbirth, often caused by uterine atony (failure of the uterus to contract).
  • PPH can be in the antepartum period.
  • Early PPH happens within 24 hours of birth; late PPH is more than 24 hours after birth, up to 6 weeks postpartum.
  • Uterine atony means the uterus fails to contract adequately after delivery.
  • Risk factors for uterine atony include overdistended uterus, multiple gestation, hydramnios, grandmultiparity, prolonged or rapid labor, use of oxytocin, and magnesium sulfate.
  • Management of uterine atony includes fundal massage, medications (oxytocin, misoprostol, methylergonovine, carboprost tromethamine), and bimanual compression.
  • Lacerations of the genital tract can cause significant bleeding after birth.
  • Retained placental fragments can lead to late PPH.
  • Hematomas can form in the vulva, vagina, or retroperitoneal space after delivery.
  • Inversion indicates the uterus is turned inside out after birth.
  • Subinvolution means the uterus does not return to its normal size after birth.
  • Thromboembolic disorders include superficial thrombophlebitis, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE).
  • Risk factors for thromboembolism include hypercoagulability of pregnancy, venous stasis, and vessel injury during childbirth.
  • Postpartum infections include endometritis (infection of the uterine lining), wound infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and mastitis (breast infection).
  • Endometritis is often associated with cesarean birth and prolonged rupture of membranes.
  • Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mood disorder that can affect women after childbirth.
  • Risk factors for PPD include history of depression, stressful life events, and lack of social support.
  • Postpartum psychosis is a severe mental illness that can occur after childbirth, characterized by hallucinations and delusions.
  • Postpartum depression or psychosis can impact parental attachment.
  • Nurses play a crucial role in assessing, preventing, and managing complications during labor and birth.
  • Continuous fetal monitoring helps detect fetal distress and guide interventions.
  • Early identification and prompt treatment of complications can improve maternal and fetal outcomes.
  • Emotional support and education are essential components of nursing care for women experiencing complications.
  • Collaboration with the healthcare team ensures comprehensive and coordinated care.
  • Documentation of assessments, interventions, and patient responses is critical for legal and quality assurance purposes.
  • Adherence to safety protocols and evidence-based practices minimizes risks and promotes positive outcomes.
  • Cultural sensitivity and individualized care are essential to meet the unique needs of each woman and her family.
  • Nurses advocate for the rights and well-being of women and their newborns.
  • Continuing education and professional development enhance nurses' knowledge and skills in managing obstetric emergencies.

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