Nursing Management of Labor & Birth at Risk

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the nursing management of labor and birth at risk.

Dystocia

Abnormal or difficult labor due to maternal or fetal factors.

Epidural/excessive analgesia

A risk factor for dystocia, as it may lead to ineffective pushing.

Protraction Disorder

Labor progressing but too slowly, with insufficient dilation or descent of the fetus.

Arrest Disorder

Complete cessation of labor progress, with no dilation or descent.

Precipitous Labor

Less than 3 hours from the start of contractions to delivery, posing trauma risks.

Shoulder Dystocia

An emergency where the baby's shoulder becomes stuck during delivery.

CPD (Cephalopelvic Dysproportion)

A condition where an infant's head is too large to fit through the mother's pelvis.

Hypertonic Uterine Dysfunction

A condition where the uterus does not relax between contractions, making labor ineffective.

Hypotonic Uterine Dysfunction

A condition where the uterus relaxes too much, resulting in weak contractions and slow dilation.

Tocolytics

Medications used to delay labor but will not prevent it.

Preterm Labor

Regular uterine contractions leading to cervical changes before 37 weeks.

Labor Induction

The process of stimulating contractions before labor begins.

Amnioinfusion

The introduction of sterile fluids into the uterus to reduce cord compression.

Oxytocin

A hormone administered to induce or augment labor.

VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)

A trial of labor after prior cesarean delivery, with risks of rupture.

Umbilical Cord Prolapse

A condition where the cord slips ahead of the presenting part, risking fetal oxygenation.

Uterine Rupture

An obstetric emergency marked by severe fetal distress and requires prompt intervention.

Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE)

A rare and serious condition where amniotic fluid enters the mother's circulation, causing respiratory and circulatory collapse.

Cervical Ripening

The process of softening of the cervix to facilitate dilation and effacement.