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  • Hematologic Changes in Pregnancy

    Lab Not Pregnant Pregnant RBC 4.2-5.4 million/mm3 5-6.25 million/mm3 Hgb 12-16 gram/dL >11gram/dL Hct 37%-47% >33% WBC 5000-10000 mm3 5000-15000mm3 Plasma volume increases 50% during pregnancy

  • Betamethasone

    A glucocorticoid To enhance fetal lung maturity and surfactant production Betamethasone causes the release of surfactant Decreased severity of respiratory distress syndrome, intracranial hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis and death Used for premature infants A single dose cuts the death rate of such babies by up to 40% First dose of antenatal corticosteroids should be administered even…

  • Epiglottis

    When the epiglottis swells, blocking the flow of air into the lungs. Causes: burns from hot liquids, infections, swallowing a foreign object, using crack. The most common cause of epiglottis is infection with Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) Can occur at any age Droplet transmission Symptoms in Children ▪ Fever▪ Severe sore throat▪ Stridor▪ Difficult and painful swallowing▪ Anxious, restless behavior▪ Difficulty…

  • Immune System Made Easy

    Protects us from disease Innate Response (acts right away at text site of infection, ARMY) Our 1st type of barriers SkinMucosa of the GI & GU Stomach acidLactic acid (vagina) Lysozyme (sweat and tears) 2nd barrier —Macrophages Get the innate immune response goingUse phagocytosis to destroy pathogensThey release cytokines*The Paul Revere of the body which causes inflammation Dendritic cells…

  • Seizure Precautions

    Prior to Seizure Assessed patient’s seizure history and knowledge of precipitating factors; asked patient to describe frequency, presence and type of aura (warning sensation), and body parts affectedAssessed medication historyInspected patient’s environment for potential safety hazards if seizureoccurred; kept bed low and side rails up, pad rails, have oral suction andoxygen equipment ready for usePlace patient in…

  • Tocolytics

    Class of medications used to stop premature labor.They suppress uterine muscle contractions and their use is intended to reduce fetal morbidity and mortality associated with preterm birth. This usually provides enough time to receive a course of steroids. Tocolytics are considered for women in preterm labor between 24and 34 weeks of gestation age. Tocolysis is not intended…

  • Oxytocin (Pitocin)

    Synthetic oxytocin Uses: Has vasopressor and diuretic effects Oxytocin is released into the bloodstream in intermittently, which allows the uterus to rest between contractions (intervals). Pitocin is administered continuously, which can cause the uterus to become hyperstimulated. Pitocin is administered under a physician’s supervision. Pitocin is only to be used when there is a medical…

  • Postpartum Assessment

    Breasts: How are your breast feeling? Uncover 1 at a time checking for redness, pain, swelling, temperature. Note color and texture. Assess nipple everted, inverted or flat. Any bruising, cracks, bleeding.Uterus: Fundus proper hand placement. Firm, boggy, firm with massage. Where is it located U/U. Midline, left right.Bowel: Last BM, bowel sounds, last time eaten,…

  • ISBAR

     Introduction Identify yourself (name, job and location) Example: “Hello, I’m Andrea I am the nurse taking care of your patient William Jones in Room 502.” Situation Patient’s age and gender, their current status (are they stable yes or no), why are you calling?“I am calling because…”“I have noticed a recent change…” “I have received lab results…”Example: “Mr.…

  • FDA Pregnancy Risk Categories

    Category A No demonstrated risk to fetus in any trimester Category B No adverse effects in animals, no human studies available Category C Only prescribed after risk to fetus is considered Category D Definite fetal risks Category X Absolute fetal anomalies