Nursing Management During Labor and Birth

A set of 100 vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to nursing management during labor and birth.

Fetal Heart Rate

The number of heartbeats per minute of the fetus.

Accelerations

Temporary increases in the fetal heart rate, which can indicate fetal well-being.

Deceleration

A decrease in fetal heart rate, often requiring assessment and intervention.

Baseline Fetal Heart Rate

The average fetal heart rate over a specific period, typically between contractions.

Baseline Variability

The fluctuations in the baseline fetal heart rate.

Electronic Fetal Monitoring

A method of monitoring the heart rate of the fetus during labor.

Comfort Measures

Techniques used to alleviate pain and discomfort during labor.

Maternal Assessment

Evaluation of maternal health status, vital signs, and labor progression.

Fetal Assessment

Evaluation of the fetus's health during labor, including monitoring heart rate.

Amniotic Fluid Analysis

Testing of the amniotic fluid to assess fetal health.

Leopold Maneuvers

A series of abdominal palpations used to determine fetal position.

Intermittent Auscultation

Listening to fetal heart rate at intervals during labor.

High-Risk Patient

A pregnant woman with conditions that could complicate labor.

Low-Risk Patient

A pregnant woman with no identified complications.

Spiral Electrode

A device used for internal fetal heart rate monitoring.

Baseline Variability Categories

Classification of fetal heart rate variability into absent, minimal, moderate, and marked.

Category I Patterns

Normal fetal heart rate patterns that indicate well-being.

Category II Patterns

Indeterminate fetal heart rate patterns requiring further surveillance.

Category III Patterns

Abnormal fetal heart rate patterns that require intervention.

Sinusoidal Pattern

A smooth, undulating baseline fetal heart rate pattern.

Pain Management Techniques

Methods to alleviate pain during labor, both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic.

Hydrotherapy

Use of water in labor to provide comfort and pain relief.

Epidural Block

Regional anesthesia used during labor for pain relief.

Patient-Controlled Analgesia

A method allowing patients to self-administer pain medication.

General Anesthesia

Anesthesia used in emergency situations during labor.

Parity

The number of times a woman has given birth.

Gravida

The number of times a woman has been pregnant.

Membrane Status

Whether the amniotic sac is intact or ruptured.

Fetal Scalp Sampling

A procedure to collect blood to assess fetal well-being.

Coping Ability

The patient's ability to manage discomfort and stress during labor.

Estimated Date of Birth

A predicted date when labor is expected to begin.

Interventions During Labor

Actions taken to support the laboring patient and monitor progress.

Oxytocin

A hormone used to induce or augment labor.

Uterine Contractions

Rhythmic tightening of the uterus during labor.

Electronic Monitoring Objectives

To provide information on fetal oxygenation and detect changes.

Asynchronous Decelerations

Decelerations that do not occur in tandem with contractions.

Documenting Birth Statistics

Recording critical information regarding the labor and delivery process.

Immediate Newborn Care

Essential procedures performed on the newborn right after birth.

Apgar Score

A quick test performed on a newborn to assess their physical condition.

Lochia

Vaginal discharge following childbirth.

Parent-Newborn Attachment

The bonding process between the parents and the newborn post-delivery.

Postpartum Assessment

Evaluation of the mother's health following delivery.

Comfort Level

Measure of the patient’s comfort and pain management effectiveness.

Continuous Electronic Fetal Monitoring

Ongoing monitoring of the fetal heart rate throughout labor.

Intravenous Fluids

Fluids administered via vein to maintain hydration and support labor.

Cervical Dilation

The opening of the cervix during labor measured in centimeters.

Effacement

The thinning of the cervix before and during labor.

Perineal Trauma

Injuries to the perineum during childbirth.

Episiotomy

A surgical cut made in the perineum during labor to enlarge the vaginal opening.

Fetal Heart Rate Patterns

Changes in fetal heart rate that can signal fetal distress.

Nonpharmacologic Pain Relief

Pain management techniques not involving medications.

Therapeutic Touch

A technique involving the use of hands to promote healing.

Breathing Techniques

Methods to assist in relaxation and pain management during labor.

Assessment Frequency for Active Labor

Routine checks to evaluate maternal and fetal status during labor.

Rupture of Membranes

Breakage of the amniotic sac before or during labor.

Epidural Anesthesia

A regional anesthetic applied to the epidural space.

Second Stage of Labor

The stage of labor when the baby is delivered.

Third Stage of Labor

The stage of labor involving the delivery of the placenta.

Fourth Stage of Labor

The early postpartum period following the delivery of the placenta.

Assessment Protocols

Guidelines for evaluating maternal and fetal conditions during labor.

Visual Analogue Scale

A method for patients to rate their pain.

Pain Intensity Variation

The fluctuation in how pain is perceived by different individuals.

Analgesic Medications

Drugs used to relieve pain.

Fundal Height Measurement

Determining the size of the uterus during pregnancy.

Routine Laboratory Tests

Standard tests to assess maternal health during pregnancy.

Maternal Hypotension

Low blood pressure in a pregnant woman.

Fetal Monitoring Guidelines

Recommendations for monitoring fetal health during labor.

Vaginal Examination

Manual examination to assess cervical status.

Maternal Vital Signs

Measurement of blood pressure, pulse, and respiration in laboring women.

Pain Assessment Mandate

Requirement to assess pain levels in all labor patients.

Uterine Activity Monitoring

Observation of contractions to assess labor progress.

Electronic Fetal Monitoring Types

Can be external or internal based on monitoring method.

Patient Education During Labor

Providing the patient with information about labor processes.

Support for Partners

Emotional and practical assistance offered to the partner during labor.

Fetal Heart Rate Categories

Classification of fetal heart rate patterns into three categories for assessment.

Comfort Measures Variability

Diverse strategies to enhance comfort during labor.

Labor Risk Assessment

Evaluation of potential complications that could arise during labor.