Obstetric Nursing (Normal) Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering normal obstetric nursing, including anatomy, menstrual cycles, fetal development, labor, and postpartum care.

Oogenesis

The process of formation of the egg cell in the ovaries.

Ampulla

The portion of the fallopian tube that is the most common site of fertilization.

Isthmus (Fallopian Tube)

The portion of the tube that is cut or scaled during a Bilateral Tubal Ligation ($BTL$).

Interstitial

The part of the fallopian tube that connects to the uterus; it is considered the most dangerous site for an ectopic pregnancy.

Endometrium

The inner layer of the uterus where placenta implantation occurs and which sheds during menstruation.

Myometrium

The middle, muscular layer of the uterus.

Menarche

The first occurrence of menstruation, occurring at an average age of $12$ years (range $9-17$ years).

Menorrhagia

A menstrual condition characterized by losing more than $80\,mL$ of blood in each period.

Metrorrhagia

Bleeding that occurs in between regular menstrual periods.

Amenorrhea

The absence of menstruation; classified as primary (no menses since puberty) or secondary (menses stopped, often due to pregnancy).

Spinnbarkeit

The stretchability of cervical mucus; a positive sign occurs when mucus is clear, watery, elastic, thin, and stretchy, indicating high estrogen and fertility.

Mittelschmerz

One-sided abdominal pain experienced during ovulation.

Basal Body Temperature ($BBT$)

A sign of ovulation where temperature decreases before ovulation due to low progesterone and increases after ovulation due to high progesterone.

Age of Viability

The stage of fetal development reached at $20-24$ weeks of pregnancy, or when the fetus weighs more than $500\,g$.

Fertilization

The union of the ovum and sperm, also known as impregnation, conception, or fecundation; typically occurs in the ampulla.

Schultze Mechanism

The fetal side of the placenta which is smooth and shiny and attached to the umbilical cord.

Duncan Mechanism

The maternal side of the placenta which is rough, dark red, and divided into $15-20$ cotyledons.

Wharton’s Jelly

The white, gelatinous protective covering of the umbilical cord.

Oligohydramnios

An amniotic fluid volume of less than $300\,mL$, which may indicate fetal kidney damage.

Polyhydramnios

An amniotic fluid volume of more than $2000\,mL$, often associated with fetal swallowing problems such as esophageal atresia.

L/S Ratio (Lecithin–Sphingomyelin)

An analysis of amniotic fluid where a ratio of $2:1$ indicates fetal lung maturity.

Quickening

Fetal movement felt by the mother; typically occurs at $18-20$ weeks for primigravida and $16-20$ weeks for multigravida.

Chadwick’s Sign

A bluish or purplish discoloration of the vaginal wall caused by increased vascularity during pregnancy.

Goodell’s Sign

The softening of the cervix, characterized as feeling like an earlobe.

Hegar’s Sign

The softening of the lower uterine segment occurring at approximately $6$ weeks of gestation.

Ballottement

The bouncing of the fetus felt by the examiner upon palpation, occurring around the $20th$ week.

Supine Hypotension Syndrome

Also known as Vena Cava Syndrome; low blood pressure caused by the heavy uterus compressing the inferior vena cava ($IVC$) when the mother lies flat.

Lordosis

Also called the 'Pride of Pregnancy'; the inward curvature of the spine that often leads to backaches during the $2nd$ and $3rd$ trimesters.

Taking-In Phase

The initial postpartum phase where the mother is focused on herself, passive, and dependent on the nurse.

Taking-Hold Phase

The postpartum phase where the mother becomes interested and engaged in maternal tasks and is receptive to health teaching.

Lochia Rubra

Red, blood-tinged postpartum vaginal discharge occurring during the first $1-3$ days.

Lochia Serosa

Pinkish or brown postpartum vaginal discharge occurring from day $4$ to day $10$.

Lochia Alba

Whitish or yellowish postpartum vaginal discharge occurring from day $10$ to day $14$, and up to $6$ weeks.

Conduction

Heat loss in the newborn through direct contact with a cold surface, such as a cold weighing scale.

Convection

Heat loss to air circulating around the newborn, such as from fans or open windows.

Evaporation

Heat loss occurring when liquid turns into vapor, specifically when the newborn is wet with amniotic fluid immediately after birth.

Radiation

Heat loss through indirect contact with nearby cold objects, such as cold walls or windows.