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  • Biophysical Profile

    Criteria Normal (2) Abnormal (0) Breathing Movements At least 1 lasting 60 seconds in a 30-minute period 0 breathing movements Body Movements 3 movements in 30 minutes 2 or less in 30 minutes Muscle Tone 1 extension & flexion in 30 minutes Slow Heart Rate Reactivity 2 or more 15X15 in 20 minutes Less than…

  • Cirrhosis

    -late stage of scarring of the liver. Each time the liver is injured it tries to repair itself. In the process, scar tissue forms. As cirrhosis progresses, more and more scar tissue form, making it difficult for the liver to function. The scar tissue blocks the flow of blood through the liver and slows the…

  • Benzodiazepines

    A pharmacologic class that depresses the central nervous system by potentiating the effects of GABA GABA– the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It functions to reduce neuronal excitability by inhibiting nerve transmission. Uses Contraindications Patient Teaching Avoid alcohol while taking benzodiazepinesAvoid other CNS depressants unless prescribed to be taken together Avoid breastfeeding while…

  • Common Discomforts of Pregnancy

    Discomfort Round Ligament Pain Leg Cramps Edema in LE Dizziness Urinary Frequency Morning Sickness Cause Ligaments are stretched by enlarging uterus Pressure of uterus on blood vesselsImbalance of phosphorus & calcium Increased Fluid VolumeCongestion of the blood vessels of the lower extremities Compression of the IVCPostural Hypotension HormonesPressure of baby on bladder *HCG *Blood Sugar…

  • Calcium Channel Blockers

    *Block calcium influx into the heart and arteries *Decrease force of contraction, decrease heart rate decreases peripheral vascular resistance Very— Verapamil Nice— Nifedipine Drugs— Diltiazem Nursing Interventions Often the 1st choice medication for hypertension Side Effects Calcium Channel Blockers Mnemonic DizzinessImproves HTNPeople of colorIntense headacheNo grapefruit juiceEdema in lower extremities

  • Beta Blockers

    Block epinephrine which decreased the heart rate and contractility decrease rate of AV conductionBeta 1=heartBeta 2=lungs Nursing Interventions Side Effects Avoid abrupt cessation as it can cause rebound HTN Contraindicated in COPD & AsthmaDiabetes (Atenolol & Metoprolol and insulin levels) Examples: Atenolol & Labetalol

  • ACE inhibitors

    Angiotensin converting enzyme Angiotensin I → Angiotensin II Blocks aldosterone causing decrease in sodium and water retention Decreased vascular resistance Good Things They don’t increase cardiac output They don’t increase contractility They don’t increase heart rate Nursing Interventions Examples: Captopril Enalapril Benazepril Side Effects Mnemonic CoughAngioedema ProteinuriaTaste changes Other (HEADACHE) Potassium increasedRenal impairment Itch/rashLow BP/orthostatic hypotension

  • How to Measure Fundal Height

    Used to assess baby’s growth and development.   +/- 2 weeks variance Shouldn’t be completely flat Measuring too big Polyhydramnios (Too much Amniotic Fluid) Macrosomia (Big Baby) Multiples Measuring too small Oligohyrdramnios (Not Enough Amniotic Fluid) IUGR

  • Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

    Abdominal aortic aneurysm- an enlarged area in the aorta. The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body, so a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm can cause life-threatening bleeding. SymptomsAbdominal aortic aneurysms often grow slowly without noticeable symptoms, making them difficult to detect. Some aneurysms never rupture. Deep, constant pain in the belly area or side…

  • APGAR SCORE

    Activity (Muscle tone) Absent Flexed posture Active movement Pulse Absent Below 100 bpm Over 100 bpm Grimace Flaccid/Floppy Minimal response to stimulation Prompt response to stimulation Appearance (Color) Cyanosis/pallor Acrocyanosis Pink all over Respiration Absent Slow Vigorous Cry *APGAR scores are done at 1 minute of life and 5 minutes of life. *If the score…