What Should the Nurse Do?
Jinmei, a 28-year-old pregnant female at 36 weeks’ gestation, presents to the labor and delivery unit with complaints of abdominal discomfort and irregular contractions. She is a gravida 2, para 1, with a history of a vaginal delivery. Jinmei reports no significant medical history or complications during this pregnancy. Jinmei reports experiencing intermittent abdominal discomfort for the past few hours, which she describes as different from her previous pregnancy. She denies any vaginal bleeding, rupture of membranes, or significant changes in fetal movement. The discomfort is not relieved by rest. Jinmei expresses concerns about the well-being of her baby and requests a thorough evaluation. Jinmei's previous pregnancy resulted in a vaginal delivery without complications. She has not experienced any gestational diabetes, hypertension, or other significant medical issues. Her prenatal course during this pregnancy has been uneventful, with regular prenatal checkups and normal fetal ultrasound scans. Her vital signs are as follows: blood pressure: 120/78 mm Hg, heart rate: 88 bpm, respiratory rate: 18 breaths per minute, and temperature: 98.6° F (37° C).
1
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Jinmei describes the abdominal discomfort as different from her previous pregnancy. How would a nurse analyze this information, and what hypotheses might you generate regarding the possible causes of her discomfort?
2
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Jinmei requests a thorough evaluation. What solutions can a nurse offer to address her concerns and provide a comprehensive assessment of fetal well-being, and how might the nurse involve her in the decision-making process?
Mitchell, a 32-year-old expectant father, rushes his wife, Amber, to the labor and delivery unit. Amber is a 28-year-old pregnant female at 39 weeks’ gestation. Mitchell reports concerns about decreased fetal movement and a feeling that something is not right. Amber is experiencing intermittent contractions and has noted a change in the pattern of her baby's movements. Amber reports a decrease in fetal movement over the past few hours and is experiencing intermittent contractions. She describes the contractions as different from those she felt earlier in her pregnancy. Mitchell is visibly worried about his wife and unborn child, emphasizing the importance of addressing any potential issues promptly. Amber has had an uncomplicated pregnancy with regular prenatal checkups. There is no history of chronic illnesses, gestational diabetes, or hypertension. She has been diligent in monitoring fetal movements and adhering to recommended prenatal care. Her vital signs are as follows: blood pressure: 120/80 mm Hg, heart rate: 90 bpm, respiratory rate: 18 breaths per minute, temperature: 98.7° F (37.1° C).
3
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What hypotheses can be prioritized regarding the potential causes of decreased fetal movement and altered contractions, and how might these hypotheses influence the urgency and nature of nursing interventions?
4
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What immediate nursing interventions can be implemented to assess fetal well-being and address Mitchell and Amber's concerns about decreased fetal movement and altered contractions?