NUR 338- Exam 1 study guide

Uterus

A small, pear-shaped organ in the pelvic cavity that weighs 70 g and can hold 10 mL, expanding during pregnancy.

Chadwick's sign

Bluish-purple color of the vagina and labia caused by hyperemia, indicating early pregnancy.

Goodell's sign

Softening of the cervix due to decreased collagen fibers in connective tissue during pregnancy.

Braxton Hicks

Irregular contractions of the uterus that occur throughout pregnancy.

Ectopic pregnancy

Implantation of the embryo outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube.

Placenta previa

Condition where the placenta implants in the lower uterus, leading to painless uterine bleeding.

Preeclampsia

Complication of pregnancy characterized by hypertension and possible proteinuria after 20 weeks gestation.

Lochia

Vaginal discharge occurring after childbirth, consisting of blood and mucosal tissue.

AF

Amniotic Fluid; surrounds and protects the fetus during pregnancy.

Neural tube defects

Congenital defects resulting from the incomplete closure of the neural tube during early fetal development.

Fundus

The upper portion of the uterus, which can be palpated to assess uterine involution postpartum.

Hypotension

Abnormally low blood pressure that can occur during pregnancy, especially with certain positions.

Visual changes

Potential signs of complications like preeclampsia, including disturbances in vision.

Tachycardia

Abnormally rapid heart rate, can be a sign of various conditions in pregnancy.

Kegel exercises

Exercises aimed at strengthening pelvic floor muscles, important for postpartum recovery.

Gestational diabetes

Diabetes that develops during pregnancy, characterized by high blood sugar levels.

Nifedipine

A medication used to prevent contractions and manage preterm labor.

Fetal heart rate

Normal heart rate for a fetus, typically ranges between 110-160 bpm.

Involution

The process of the uterus returning to its pre-pregnancy size and condition after childbirth.

Colostrum

The first milk produced after delivery, rich in nutrients and antibodies for the newborn.

Surfactant

A substance that reduces surface tension in the alveoli of the lungs, crucial for respiratory function, often administered to premature infants.

Tachypnea

Abnormally rapid breathing, which can indicate respiratory distress in a newborn.

D&C

Dilation and Curettage, a surgical procedure to remove tissue from the uterus.

Doppler Ultrasound

A test that uses sound waves to assess blood flow in the fetus, useful for detecting certain pregnancy complications.

APGAR score

A scoring system used to assess the health of newborns immediately after birth.

Hemoglobin synthesis

The process of producing hemoglobin, which is crucial for oxygen transport in the blood.

EFM

Electronic Fetal Monitoring, a technique used to monitor fetal heart rate and uterine contractions.

Amniocentesis

A procedure where amniotic fluid is sampled to assess fetal health and genetic conditions.

Obstetric care

Medical care provided to women during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period.

Risk factors

Characteristics or conditions that increase the likelihood of developing a disease or complication.

EDD

Estimated Due Date, the projected date when a pregnant individual is expected to give birth.

CMV

Cytomegalovirus; a common virus that can have serious effects on a fetus during pregnancy.