Maternal and Child Nursing - Comprehensive Review

A complete set of 130 vocabulary flashcards for maternal and child nursing review based on lecture notes.

Menarche

The first menstrual period, occurring at an average age of $12.4\, \text{years}$ with a normal average range of $9\text{--}17\, \text{years}$.

Normal Menstrual Cycle Length

The average duration of a menstrual cycle, lasting $28\, \text{days}$ on average with a normal variation between $23\, \text{days}$ and $35\, \text{days}$.

Average Menstrual Flow Duration

The typical length of menstrual bleeding, lasting $4\text{--}6\, \text{days}$ on average with a normal range of $2\text{--}9\, \text{days}$.

Average Menstrual Flow Volume

The typical total volume of blood loss during a normal menstrual cycle, ranging from $30\, \text{mL}$ to $80\, \text{mL}$.

Follicular Phase

The ovarian cycle phase spanning days $1\text{--}14$, characterized by menses (days $1\text{--}4$), FSH-stimulated maturation of a primary follicle into a Graafian follicle (days $4\text{--}5$), and ovulation on day $14$.

Luteal Phase

The ovarian cycle phase from days $14\text{--}28$ dominated by the corpus luteum; if fertilization does not occur, it degenerates into the corpus albicans after $8\text{--}10\, \text{days}$.

Corpus Luteum

An ovarian structure active during the luteal phase that secretes high levels of progesterone to maintain early pregnancy until $16\text{--}20\, \text{weeks}$ gestation if fertilization occurs.

Corpus Albicans

The degenerated, non-functional fibrous scar tissue formed when the corpus luteum breaks down after $8\text{--}10\, \text{days}$ without fertilization, leading to decreased progesterone and estrogen levels.

Proliferative Phase

The uterine cycle phase from days $5\text{--}14$ (also known as the estrogenic, follicular, or postmenstrual phase) where the endometrial lining rebuilds under estrogen influence.

Secretory Phase

The uterine cycle phase from days $14\text{--}28$ (also called progestational, luteal, or premenstrual phase) where the endometrium becomes vascular and nutrient-rich under progesterone influence.

Ischemic Phase

The uterine phase occurring on days $24\text{--}25$ marked by vascular constriction and endometrial degeneration in the absence of fertilization.

Mittelschmerz

A sign of ovulation characterized by unilateral lower pelvic pain experienced when an egg is released from the ovary.

Spinnbarkeit

The watery, thin, clear, and elastic quality of cervical mucus present during ovulation.

Goodell's Sign in Ovulation

The physiological softening of the vaginal portion of the cervical canal during the ovulatory phase.

Basal Body Temperature Change in Ovulation

A slight rise in baseline body temperature caused by the thermogenic effect of increased progesterone levels following ovulation.

Presumptive Signs of Pregnancy

Subjective symptoms reported by the pregnant woman, including breast changes, nausea/vomiting, amenorrhea, fatigue, urinary frequency, uterine enlargement, quickening, linea nigra, melasma, striae gravidarum, and palmar erythema.

Quickening

The initial maternal perception of fetal movement, categorized as a presumptive sign of pregnancy.

Linea Nigra

A dark hyperpigmented line extending down the midline of the abdomen, serving as a presumptive sign of pregnancy.

Melasma (Chloasma)

Brownish hyperpigmentation on the cheeks and forehead, commonly referred to as the mask of pregnancy.

Striae Gravidarum

Reddish or purplish stretch marks appearing on the abdomen and thighs during pregnancy.

Palmar Erythema

Reddening of the palms of the hands occurring as a subjective presumptive sign of pregnancy.

Probable Signs of Pregnancy

Objective clinical findings observed by an examiner, including Chadwick's sign, Goodell's sign, Hegar's sign, sonographic findings, Braxton Hicks contractions, palpation of fetal outline, ballottement, and positive pregnancy tests.

Chadwick's Sign

A bluish-purple discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and labia resulting from increased vascular congestion in pregnancy.

Hegar's Sign

The softening of the lower uterine segment or cervical isthmus observed as a probable sign of pregnancy.

Braxton Hicks Contractions

Painless, irregular, and episodic uterine contractions occurring throughout pregnancy without causing cervical dilatation.

Ballottement

A diagnostic technique usable at $16\text{--}20\, \text{weeks}$ where a floating fetus is felt to rebound against the examiner's fingers during bimanual examination.

Positive Signs of Pregnancy

Definitive objective evidence confirming pregnancy, comprising sonographic visualization of fetal outline, fetal movement felt by an examiner, and audible fetal heart tones.

Fetal Heart Doppler Audible Timing

The point in gestation at $10\text{--}12\, \text{weeks}$ when fetal heart tones first become audible using an electronic Doppler device.

Nidation (Implantation)

The process wherein the blastocyst attaches to and embeds into the vascular endometrial lining of the uterus.

Ampulla

The expanded outer portion of the fallopian tube where sperm and egg normally meet for fertilization.

Maternal Cardiac Output Increase

The physiological elevation in maternal cardiac output during pregnancy, increasing by $25\%\text{--}50\%$.

Maternal Blood Volume Expansion

The physiological rise in total circulating blood volume from a non-pregnant level of $4000\, \text{mL}$ to $5250\, \text{mL}$ during pregnancy.

Peak Maternal Cardiac Output Period

The gestational window at $28\text{--}32\, \text{weeks}$ when maternal cardiac output reaches its maximum peak level.

Maternal Respiratory Changes

Physiological respiratory adaptations including nasopharyngeal congestion, a breathing rate of $18\text{--}20\, \text{bpm}$, and mild shortness of breath.

Maternal Diaphragmatic Displacement

The upward displacement of the diaphragm by $4\, \text{cm}$ due to the expanding uterus near term.

Maternal Oxygen Consumption Increase

The physiological increase in maternal oxygen uptake, elevating total oxygen consumption by $20\%$.

Uterine Weight Changes

An increase in uterine mass from $50\, \text{g}$ to $1000\, \text{g}$ caused by smooth muscle hyperplasia and hypertrophy.

Uterine Capacity at Term

The expansion of internal uterine volume from $2\, \text{mL}$ to $1000\, \text{mL}$, capable of holding a total mass of $4000\, \text{g}$ at term.

Fundal Height at 20-22 Weeks

The anatomical level where the uterine fundus reaches the umbilicus.

Fundal Height at 36 Weeks

The anatomical location where the uterine fundus reaches the highest level at the xiphoid process.

Operculum

A thick protective mucus plug formed within the cervical canal to prevent ascending vaginal infection into the uterus during pregnancy.

Vaginal pH in Pregnancy

An acidic vaginal environment measuring pH $4\text{--}5$ with thick white discharge that protects against ascending bacterial pathogens.

Colostrum

The precursor to breast milk, rich in antibodies, secreted by the mammary glands starting around the $16\text{th}\, \text{week}$ of gestation.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

A placental protein hormone detected in pregnancy tests that maintains progesterone production by the corpus luteum.

Relaxin

A placental protein hormone that relaxes pelvic ligaments and softens the cervix during labor.

Human Placental Lactogen (hPL)

A placental protein hormone that stimulates mammary gland growth and assists maternal metabolic adaptations.

Progesterone Function in Pregnancy

A placental steroid hormone that inhibits uterine contractility and maintains the structural integrity of the endometrium.

Estrogen Function in Pregnancy

A placental steroid hormone responsible for stimulating uterine hypertrophy and breast tissue growth.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Severe, intractable nausea and vomiting during pregnancy leading to dehydration, weight loss, and ketonuria.

Pyrosis Management

Interventions for heartburn including small frequent meals, sleeping on the left side with elevated torso, avoiding fried foods, and taking aluminum/magnesium hydroxide.

Supine Hypotension Syndrome

A condition caused by uterine compression of the inferior vena cava when lying flat, producing dizziness, faintness, and palpitations; managed by positioning on the left side.

Hemorrhoid Relief in Pregnancy

Management strategies including high-fiber diet, fluids, modified Sims or knee-chest positioning for $10\text{--}15\, \text{minutes}$, cold compresses, and manual reduction.

Pregnancy Lordosis Management

Relief of lower back pain by avoiding high-heeled shoes, maintaining posture with head high and pelvis straight, and resting with feet elevated.

Leg Cramp Relief Technique

Relieving acute gastrocnemius muscle spasms by extending the leg straight at the knee while dorsiflexing the foot.

Urinary Frequency Distribution

Increased urinary urgency occurring primarily in the 1st trimester and 3rd trimester due to direct pressure of the expanding uterus on the bladder.

Ambivalence in First Trimester

A normal psychological response in early pregnancy characterized by conflicting feelings of acceptance and rejection toward the pregnancy.

Narcissism and Introversion in Second Trimester

A psychological shift where maternal focus turns inward toward self-protection and emotional acceptance of the fetus.

Third Trimester Psychological Adaptation

The final maternal psychological phase centered on preparing for childbirth, organizing baby clothing, and arranging the nursery.

Urine Pregnancy Test Sensitivity Timing

Detection of hCG in maternal urine $10\text{--}14\, \text{days}$ following a missed menstrual period.

Blood Pregnancy Test Sensitivity Timing

Detection of hCG in maternal blood serum as early as $7\, \text{days}$ post-conception.

Progesterone Withdrawal Test

A diagnostic test evaluating ovarian-uterine axis function by administering oral contraceptive pills once or thrice daily.

Daily Fetal Movement Count (Kick Count)

A maternal self-assessment method tracking discrete fetal movements to evaluate fetal well-being in utero.

Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein (MSAFP)

A maternal blood screening tool evaluated between $15\text{--}20\, \text{weeks}$ to screen for neural tube defects and chromosomal anomalies.

Kleihauer-Betke Test

A blood test quantifying the presence of fetal red blood cells in maternal circulation to guide Rh immunoglobulin dosing.

Coombs Test

A serologic diagnostic test used to detect maternal antibodies against Rh-positive fetal blood cells.

Chorionic Villi Sampling (CVS)

An invasive prenatal diagnostic test aspirating chorionic villi tissue under ultrasound guidance for early chromosomal analysis.

Amniocentesis

An invasive diagnostic procedure obtaining amniotic fluid via transabdominal needle insertion under ultrasound guidance to evaluate fetal chromosomes and lung maturity.

Lecithin/Sphingomyelin (L/S) Ratio

A phospholipid ratio measured in amniotic fluid used to determine fetal pulmonary surfactant maturity.

Fetal Biophysical Profile (BPP)

A comprehensive diagnostic test evaluating five variables: fetal heart reactivity, fetal breathing movements, body movement, fetal tone, and amniotic fluid volume.

Prenatal Visit Schedule up to 28 Weeks

The recommended prenatal checkup frequency occurring every $4\, \text{weeks}$ from initial diagnosis through the $28\text{th}\, \text{week}$ of gestation.

Prenatal Visit Schedule from 28 to 36 Weeks

The prenatal visit routine occurring every $2\, \text{weeks}$ until the $36\text{th}\, \text{week}$, followed by weekly visits until delivery.

Gravida

An obstetrical term representing the total number of times a woman has been pregnant, regardless of outcome.

Para

The total number of pregnancies that have reached viability ($20\, \text{weeks}$), regardless of whether the infants were born alive or stillborn.

GTPAL System

An obstetrical summary shorthand standing for Gravida, Term births ($\ge 37\, \text{weeks}$), Preterm births ($<37\, \text{weeks}$), Abortions ($<20\, \text{weeks}$), and Living children.

Naegele's Rule Formula (Jan-Mar)

The EDD calculation for LMP dates in January through March: add $9\, \text{months}$ and add $7\, \text{days}$ to the first day of LMP.

Naegele's Rule Formula (Apr-Dec)

The EDD calculation for LMP dates in April through December: subtract $3\, \text{months}$, add $7\, \text{days}$ to the first day of LMP, and add $1\, \text{year}$.

McDonald's Rule Formula for AOG in Weeks

Calculating gestational age in weeks using fundal height: $\text{AOG in weeks} = \frac{\text{FH in cm} \times 8}{7}$.

McDonald's Rule Formula for AOG in Months

Calculating gestational age in months using fundal height: $\text{AOG in months} = \frac{\text{FH in cm} \times 2}{7}$.

Bartholomew's Rule

A diagnostic guideline determining Age of Gestation (AOG) based on anatomical landmarks reached by the uterine fundus.

Leopold's Maneuvers

A systematic four-step abdominal palpation routine performed around $32\, \text{weeks}$ to determine fetal presentation, position, lie, and attitude.

First Leopold Maneuver (Fundal Grip)

Palpation of the fundus to identify fetal presentation (breech feels soft/globular; head feels hard, round, and ballotable).

Second Leopold Maneuver (Umbilical Grip)

Palpation of the lateral uterine walls to locate the smooth fetal back for FHT auscultation versus irregular small parts.

Third Leopold Maneuver (Pawlik's Grip)

Palpation above the symphysis pubis using thumb and fingers to grasp the presenting part and assess pelvic engagement.

Fourth Leopold Maneuver (Pelvic Grip)

Deep palpation facing the mother's feet (performed only in cephalic presentation) to evaluate fetal attitude and head flexion.

Normal Fetal Heart Rate Range

The normal baseline fetal heart rate measuring $120\text{--}160\, \text{bpm}$.

Fetal Development at 4 Weeks

Milestone where embryo measures $0.75\, \text{cm}$ and $400\, \text{mg}$, spinal cord fuses, rudimentary heart appears, and limb buds form.

Fetal Development at 8 Weeks

Milestone at $2\, \text{months}$ where embryo measures $2.5\, \text{cm}$ ($1\, \text{in}$) and $20\, \text{g}$, heart valves beat, and organogenesis completes.

Organogenesis Completion

The crucial developmental milestone completed by the end of the $8\text{th}\, \text{gestational week}$ when all major body organs are formed.

Fetal Development at 12 Weeks

End of 1st trimester ($7\text{--}8\, \text{cm}$, $45\, \text{g}$) where bone ossification begins, urine is secreted, nail beds form, and FHT is audible via Doppler.

Fetal Development at 16 Weeks

Milestone at $4\, \text{months}$ ($10\text{--}17\, \text{cm}$, $55\text{--}120\, \text{g}$) where sex is identifiable on ultrasound, lanugo forms, and FHT is audible with a stethoscope.

Fetal Development at 20 Weeks

Milestone at $5\, \text{months}$ ($25\, \text{cm}$, $223\, \text{g}$) where quickening is felt by the mother, and vernix caseosa, meconium, and brown fat form.

Brown Fat

Specialized adipose tissue formed at $20\, \text{weeks}$ gestation located over the scapulae, neck, and kidneys that assists newborn thermogenesis.

Fetal Development at 24 Weeks

Milestone at $6\, \text{months}$ ($28\text{--}36\, \text{cm}$, $550\, \text{g}$) marked by active pulmonary surfactant production, eyebrow/eyelash definition, and response to acoustic stimuli.

Fetal Development at 28 Weeks

Milestone at $7\, \text{months}$ ($35\text{--}38\, \text{cm}$, $1200\, \text{g}$) characterized by maturing lung alveoli and testicular descent into the scrotal sac.

Fetal Development at 32 Weeks

Milestone at $8\, \text{months}$ ($38\text{--}43\, \text{cm}$, $1600\, \text{g}$) marked by subcutaneous fat deposition, fingernails reaching fingertips, and Moro reflex development.

Moro Reflex Timeline

A primitive reflex developing between $28\text{--}32\, \text{weeks}$ gestation that normally disappears between $3\text{--}6\, \text{months}$ post-birth.

Fetal Development at 36 Weeks

Milestone at $9\, \text{months}$ ($42\text{--}48\, \text{cm}$, $1800\text{--}2700\, \text{g}$) where 1-2 sole creases appear, lanugo diminishes, and most fetuses turn vertex.

Vernix Caseosa

A white, cream cheese-like substance fully covering the fetus by $40\, \text{weeks}$ that protects skin and acts as a lubricant in utero.

True Labor Contractions

Contractions that become regular and predictable, originate in the lower back radiating to abdomen, increase in intensity/duration, and cause cervical dilatation.

False Labor Contractions

Irregular contractions localized to the abdomen/groin that decrease with ambulation or rest and produce no cervical change.