THEORIES RELATED TO MATERNAL AND CHILD NURSING,Reproductive system

Maternal Role Attainment Theory

A theory by Ramona Mercer that provides a framework for nurses to help mothers develop a strong maternal identity.

Adaptation Theory

Developed by Sister Calista Roy, this theory focuses on how individuals positively respond to environmental changes.

Casey’s Model of Nursing

A model developed by Anne Casey that emphasizes partnership between the nurse, child, and family.

Theory of Comfort

Developed by Katharine Kolcaba, this theory views comfort as an immediate outcome of nursing care, existing in three forms: relief, ease, and transcendence.

Uterus

A thick-walled muscular organ that hosts the developing fetus and produces vaginal and uterine secretions.

Oogenesis

The process of production and development of an ovum.

Infundibulum

The distal part of the fallopian tube, which is trumpet-shaped and helps guide the ovum into the tube.

Ampulla

The outer third of the fallopian tube, which is the site of fertilization.

Isthmus

The site of sterilization in the fallopian tube, where the tube is cut in a bilateral tubal ligation (BTL).

Interstitial

The most proximal part of the fallopian tube, located within the uterine wall, often a site for ectopic pregnancy.

Mons Pubis

A pad of fatty tissue over the symphysis pubis, covered by pubic hair at puberty.

Labia Majora

Large lips that extend from the symphysis pubis to the perineum.

Labia Minora

Small folds of skin inside the labia majora, lacking fatty tissue.

Clitoris

A pea-shaped erectile tissue that is sensitive and serves as a site of sexual arousal.

Fourchette

The area at the back of the labia minora that is sensitive and can be torn during delivery.

Vestibule

An almond-shaped area that contains various glands and openings related to the vagina.

Perineum

The muscular structure and space between the anus and the vulva.

Epididymis

Site for the maturation of sperm, comprising coiled tubules.

Vas Deferens

The conduit for spermatozoa from the epididymis.

Seminal Vesicles

Two pouch-like structures that secrete fluids which nourish sperm.

Bulbo-Urethral Gland (Cowper’s Gland)

Produces alkaline fluid to facilitate safe passage of spermatozoa.

Urethra (Male)

A tube leading from the bladder that carries both urine and semen.

Penis

The male organ for copulation, composed of erectile tissue.

Testes

Ovoid glands that produce sperm and testosterone, located in the scrotum.

Scrotum

Muscular pouch that supports the testes and serves as a cooling mechanism.

Menarche

The first menstrual period.

Dysmenorrhea

Painful menstruation.

Metrorrhagia

Bleeding between menstrual cycles.

Menorrhagia

Excessive menstrual bleeding.

Amenorrhea

Absence of menstruation.

Menopause

Cessation of menstruation, average onset at 51 years old.

Menstruation

The cyclical shedding of the endometrium.

Fertilization

The union of an ovum and spermatozoon, occurring in the ampulla of the fallopian tube.

Zygote

The fertilized ovum that begins development.

Morula

A mulberry-like ball of cells, typically free-floating for four days.

Blastocyst

An enlarging cell structure that forms a cavity and later develops into an embryo.

Decidua

The thickened endometrium during pregnancy, with different parts associated with the fetus and placenta.

Hegar’s Sign

Softening of the lower uterine segment, indicating pregnancy.

Ballotement

A physical exam maneuver that allows the examiner to feel fetal movement.

Chadwick’s Sign

Color change of the vagina from pink to violet during pregnancy.

Leukorrhea

Whitish vaginal discharge common in pregnancy.

Pathogenic Anemia

A condition, often related to iron deficiency anemia, resulting in a decreased number of red blood cells.

Shortness of Breath (SOB)

Common issue in pregnancy due to the growing uterus and increased oxygen demand.

Morning Sickness

Nausea and vomiting experienced during early pregnancy.

Constipation

Common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and decreased activity.

LORDOSIS

An exaggerated curve of the spine commonly seen in pregnant women.

Striae Gravidarum

Stretch marks that appear due to the stretching of the skin during pregnancy.

Full-term Pregnancy

A pregnancy lasting from 38 to 40 weeks.

Labor

The process involving uterine contractions that leads to childbirth.

Puerperium

The period following childbirth, covering the first six weeks postpartum.

Taking-In Phase

The initial phase post-delivery where the mother is passive and focused on her childbirth experience.

Letting Go Phase

The interdependent phase where the mother redefines her roles after childbirth.