NUR 102 Unit 16: Care of the Client Requiring Intrapartal Care

These flashcards cover key concepts and definitions from Unit 16, focusing on intrapartal care, labor processes, and relevant nursing considerations.

Intrapartum Care

Care provided during the process of labor and delivery.

Four Ps of Labor

The four essential components of labor: Passageway, Passenger, Powers, Psyche.

Effacement

The process by which the cervix thins out and shortens in preparation for delivery.

Dilation

The process by which the cervix opens to allow passage of the fetus, measured in centimeters.

Fetal Presentation

The part of the fetus that enters the pelvic inlet first, which can be head (cephalic), feet or buttocks (breech), or shoulder.

Bloody Show

A discharge that occurs when the mucus plug is dislodged, indicating labor may begin soon.

Amniotic Sac

Membranes that protect the fetus during pregnancy, which may rupture during labor.

True Labor

Labor characterized by regular contractions, cervical effacement and dilation, and progression toward delivery.

False Labor

Irregular contractions that do not result in cervical changes, often referred to as Braxton-Hicks contractions.

First Stage of Labor

The stage of labor that begins with the onset of true labor and ends with full cervical dilation at 10 cm.

Station

The relationship of the presenting part of the fetus to the ischial spines of the pelvis, indicating how far down it has descended.

Epidural

A form of anesthesia administered during labor that alleviates pain in the lower body.

Seizure

A brief episode of abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which may manifest as convulsions.

Anticipatory Signs of Labor

Signs that labor is approaching, including Braxton-Hicks contractions, increased vaginal discharge, and bloody show.

Placenta Previa

A condition where the placenta is attached lower in the uterus and may cover the cervical opening.

Placental Abruption

Early separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, which can lead to severe complications.