Maternal and Child Nursing

• Manifestations of Abruptio Placenta include uterine irritability with frequent low-intensity contractions, uterine tenderness that may be localized to the site of the abruption, aching and dull abdominal and low back pain, painful vaginal bleeding, and a high uterine resting tone identified by the use of an intrauterine pressure catheter. Additional signs include non reassuring fetal heart rate patterns, signs of hypovolemic shock, and fetal death.
• On inspection of the perineum, if the umbilical cord is noted, the nurse immediately places the client in the Trendelenburg position while gently holding the presenting part upward to relieve cord compression.
• The anterior fontanel is a diamond-shaped area where the frontal and parietals bones meet. It closes between 12 and 18 months of age.
• Clinical manifestations of a Candida infection include pain; itching; and a thick, white vaginal discharge.
• Endometritis is a common cause of postpartum infection. The presence of fever of 38° C (100.4 F) or more on 2 successive days of the first 10 postpartum days (not counting the first 24 hours after birth) is indicative of a

  postpartum infection.
• The postterm infant exhibits dry, peeling, cracked, almost leather-like skin over the body, which is called desquamation. The preterm infant exhibits smooth soles without creases, lanugo covering the entire body, and thick vernix covering the body.
• Postpartum Depression

  1. Mood swings, depression
  2. Usually peaks on 5th day, if lasts longer than 10 days, notify primary care provider
  3. Related to hormonal changes and fatigue, if continues, must seek professional help
• Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR): A condition that occurs when the fetus does not grow as rapidly as expected during pregnancy. This may result from placental insufficiency, maternal malnutrition, chronic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, alcohol use, drug abuse, or other factors.
• Premature rupture of membranes (PROM): Occurs when the amniotic sac breaks open prior to labor starting. PROM can be caused by premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, trauma, or infection.