Study Guide Maternal/Newborn Exam 2
Urinary Frequency: When does it happen in pregnancy and why? PAGE 227 Increased urinary
frequency is an early symptom of pregnancy in women. It's caused by an increase pressure and
of the hormones progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin. The urges tend to reduce
in the second trimester.
Rubella: When do they check for immunity and when do they give the immunization and
why? PAGE 297 They check before or during pregnancy, if indicated, avoid conception for
4 weeks, never during pregnancy, after pregnancy if indicated give immediately
postpartum if susceptible to rubella – This is a live vaccine
Hydatidiform mole: characteristics/signs/symptoms PAGE 378 – a condition in which a
proliferation of trophoblastic cells results in the formation of a placenta characterized by
hydropic (fluid filled) grape-like clusters. A common sign is vaginal bleeding, often brownish
(prune juice appearance) but sometimes bright red. Looks like, acts like, but not pregnancy.
Nonstress test: how is the test performed (positioning of mother), for how many minutes,
how are the results charted? PAGE 422 – widely accepted method of evaluating fetus status.
PAGE 425 19-1 – Best position is semi fowlers with a towel under the right hip (after she voids),
test will be between 20 minutes up to 40 minutes if the fetus is sleeping. Mom marks strip each
time she feels movement of fetus. Instructions include NO SMOKING – Please eat. Desired
result should be reactive
Contraction Stress Test: What is it for? How is the test performed? How are the results
interpreted? PAGE 426-427 – Evaluating the respiratory function (oxygen and carbon dioxide
exchange) of the placenta. It enables the healthcare team to identify the fetus at risk for
intrauterine asphyxia by observing the response of the FHR to the stress of uterine
contractions (spontaneous or induced) – Semi fowler position, after voiding by mom, place
ultrasound conductor over the FHR for 15-20 minutes during contractions – Should only be
done in a place where tocolytic medications are available. Interpretation will be Negative,
Positive, Equivocal- Suspicious, Equivocal-hypersystolic, or Unsatisfactory. Desired outcome
will be NEGATIVE (stress)
Folic Acid: what is the nutritional aspect on the fetus? SLIDE 68 UNIT 4 Folic acid is vital for
making red blood cells, as well as: the synthesis and repair of DNA and RNA. PAGE 351 If low,
it could cause neural tube defects. Spina Bifida for example
Nutrition during pregnancy: calcium, vitamin D, Vit E, Iron – PAGE 328 – important one is IRON
– double this – do not have to increase calcium – take prenatal vitamin
• Calcium – Involved in the mineralization of fetal bones and teeth, energy and
cell production, and acid-based buffering. Adequate intake for mom 19 years
and older is 1000 mg/day
, • Vitamin D – best known for its role in the absorption of calcium and
phosphorus in skeletal development. Should have minimum intake of 5 mcg per
day
• Vitamin E – an antioxidant – Takes on oxygen thus preventing other nutrients
from undergoing chemical changes. Essential nutrient for the synthesis of
nucleic acids required in the formation of red blood cells in the bone marrow.
• Iron – Helps prevent anemia; iron
Preeclampsia vs severe preeclampsia : Signs and symptoms, nutrition during this time.
• ECLAMPSIA – PAGE 385 - characterized by convulsion or coma, may occur before
the onset of labor, during labor, or early in the postpartum period.
• Preeclampsia – Page 381 - Syndrome that effect both mother and baby that is
clinically defined as a decrease in blood pressure after 20 weeks gestation
accompanied by proteinuria in a previously normotensive woman.
o Increasing edema, headaches, epigastric pain, visual disturbances,
decreasing urinary output, nausea, vomiting, bleeding gums, hyperactive
reflexes, disorientation, generalized complaints of not feeling well.
o Diet – Increase protein intake, decreased sodium, increase fluids
• Severe Preeclampsia –
o BP of higher than 160/110 on 2 or more occasions,
o proteinuria 5 g/L or higher in 24 hours
o Oliguria: urine output of less than 500 ml in 24 hours
o Cerebral or visual disturbance
o Pulmonary edema or cyanosis
o Epigastric or RUQ pain
o Impaired liver function
o Thrombocytopenia
o Fetal Growth restriction
o Symptoms may present severe headache or one that persists despite
analgesic therapy, blurred vision or scotomata (spots before the eyes)
Exercise during pregnancy? PAGE 292 – YES, keep exercise the same as prepregnancy
Feelings the mother may have during pregnancy and how would you (the nurse) respond? -
Quickening: What is it? PAGE 257/231 Fetal movements felt by the mother or perception of
life – may give some indication that the fetus is nearing 20 weeks of gestation. When does
it occur for primigravida Usually 18 – 20 weeks or multigravida 16-weeks?
Magnesium Sulfate: side effects, expected outcome, toxicity, antidote – PAGE 386 –
• Treatment of choice for seizures and preeclampsia CNS depressant action
Urinary Frequency: When does it happen in pregnancy and why? PAGE 227 Increased urinary
frequency is an early symptom of pregnancy in women. It's caused by an increase pressure and
of the hormones progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin. The urges tend to reduce
in the second trimester.
Rubella: When do they check for immunity and when do they give the immunization and
why? PAGE 297 They check before or during pregnancy, if indicated, avoid conception for
4 weeks, never during pregnancy, after pregnancy if indicated give immediately
postpartum if susceptible to rubella – This is a live vaccine
Hydatidiform mole: characteristics/signs/symptoms PAGE 378 – a condition in which a
proliferation of trophoblastic cells results in the formation of a placenta characterized by
hydropic (fluid filled) grape-like clusters. A common sign is vaginal bleeding, often brownish
(prune juice appearance) but sometimes bright red. Looks like, acts like, but not pregnancy.
Nonstress test: how is the test performed (positioning of mother), for how many minutes,
how are the results charted? PAGE 422 – widely accepted method of evaluating fetus status.
PAGE 425 19-1 – Best position is semi fowlers with a towel under the right hip (after she voids),
test will be between 20 minutes up to 40 minutes if the fetus is sleeping. Mom marks strip each
time she feels movement of fetus. Instructions include NO SMOKING – Please eat. Desired
result should be reactive
Contraction Stress Test: What is it for? How is the test performed? How are the results
interpreted? PAGE 426-427 – Evaluating the respiratory function (oxygen and carbon dioxide
exchange) of the placenta. It enables the healthcare team to identify the fetus at risk for
intrauterine asphyxia by observing the response of the FHR to the stress of uterine
contractions (spontaneous or induced) – Semi fowler position, after voiding by mom, place
ultrasound conductor over the FHR for 15-20 minutes during contractions – Should only be
done in a place where tocolytic medications are available. Interpretation will be Negative,
Positive, Equivocal- Suspicious, Equivocal-hypersystolic, or Unsatisfactory. Desired outcome
will be NEGATIVE (stress)
Folic Acid: what is the nutritional aspect on the fetus? SLIDE 68 UNIT 4 Folic acid is vital for
making red blood cells, as well as: the synthesis and repair of DNA and RNA. PAGE 351 If low,
it could cause neural tube defects. Spina Bifida for example
Nutrition during pregnancy: calcium, vitamin D, Vit E, Iron – PAGE 328 – important one is IRON
– double this – do not have to increase calcium – take prenatal vitamin
• Calcium – Involved in the mineralization of fetal bones and teeth, energy and
cell production, and acid-based buffering. Adequate intake for mom 19 years
and older is 1000 mg/day
, • Vitamin D – best known for its role in the absorption of calcium and
phosphorus in skeletal development. Should have minimum intake of 5 mcg per
day
• Vitamin E – an antioxidant – Takes on oxygen thus preventing other nutrients
from undergoing chemical changes. Essential nutrient for the synthesis of
nucleic acids required in the formation of red blood cells in the bone marrow.
• Iron – Helps prevent anemia; iron
Preeclampsia vs severe preeclampsia : Signs and symptoms, nutrition during this time.
• ECLAMPSIA – PAGE 385 - characterized by convulsion or coma, may occur before
the onset of labor, during labor, or early in the postpartum period.
• Preeclampsia – Page 381 - Syndrome that effect both mother and baby that is
clinically defined as a decrease in blood pressure after 20 weeks gestation
accompanied by proteinuria in a previously normotensive woman.
o Increasing edema, headaches, epigastric pain, visual disturbances,
decreasing urinary output, nausea, vomiting, bleeding gums, hyperactive
reflexes, disorientation, generalized complaints of not feeling well.
o Diet – Increase protein intake, decreased sodium, increase fluids
• Severe Preeclampsia –
o BP of higher than 160/110 on 2 or more occasions,
o proteinuria 5 g/L or higher in 24 hours
o Oliguria: urine output of less than 500 ml in 24 hours
o Cerebral or visual disturbance
o Pulmonary edema or cyanosis
o Epigastric or RUQ pain
o Impaired liver function
o Thrombocytopenia
o Fetal Growth restriction
o Symptoms may present severe headache or one that persists despite
analgesic therapy, blurred vision or scotomata (spots before the eyes)
Exercise during pregnancy? PAGE 292 – YES, keep exercise the same as prepregnancy
Feelings the mother may have during pregnancy and how would you (the nurse) respond? -
Quickening: What is it? PAGE 257/231 Fetal movements felt by the mother or perception of
life – may give some indication that the fetus is nearing 20 weeks of gestation. When does
it occur for primigravida Usually 18 – 20 weeks or multigravida 16-weeks?
Magnesium Sulfate: side effects, expected outcome, toxicity, antidote – PAGE 386 –
• Treatment of choice for seizures and preeclampsia CNS depressant action
