UTERINE RUPTURE

Disruption of the uterine wall any time beyond the 28th weeks of pregnancy

is called Rupture Uterus.

Dissolution in the continuity of the Uterine wall any time beyond 28th weeks of
pregnancy is called rupture of the Uterus. -It is an Obstetrical emergency.
-Incidence :- Widely varies from 1 in 2000 to 1-200 deliveries. -Types :-

-1) Complete rupture : All the three layers of the uterus are involved.
-2) Incomplete Rupture: Peritoneum remain intact.
UTERINE RUPTURE
A spontaneous or traumatic rupture of the uterus ie., the actual separation of
the uterine myometrium/ previous uterine scar, with rupture of membranes and
extrusion of the fetus or fetal parts into the peritoneal cavity. Dehiscence is
the partial separation of the old uterine scar; the fetus usually stays inside the
uterus and the bleeding is minimal when dehiscence occurs.
Ruptured uterus
RISK FACTORS:
Women who have had previous surgery on the uterus (upper muscular portion) Having
more than five full-term pregnancies Having an overdistended uterus (as with twins
or other multiples) Abnormal positions of the baby such as transverse lie.

Use of Pitocin (oxytocin) and other labor-induced medications (prostaglandin)

Rupture of the scar from a previous CS delivery/hysterectomy. Uterine/abdominal
trauma Uterine congenital anomaly Obstructed labor; maneuvers within the uterus
Interdelivery interval (time between deliveries)
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Women who have had previous surgery on the uterus (upper muscular portion) Having
more than five full-term pregnancies Having an overdistended uterus (as with twins
or other multiples) Abnormal positions of the baby such as transverse lie. Use of
Pitocin (oxytocin) and other labor-induced medications (prostaglandin) Rupture of
the scar from a previous CS delivery/hysterectomy. Uterine/abdominal trauma
Uterine congenital anomaly Obstructed labor; maneuvers within the uterus
Interdelivery interval (time between deliveries)

Pathologic retraction ring occurs, strong uterine contractions w/o cervical

dilatation

tearing sensation Complete rupture Incomplete rupture Rupturing of endometrium

and myometrium

Rupturing of endometrium, myometrium and perimetrium

Uterine contraction stops

Localized tenderness and persisting aching pain over the area of the uterine
segment Bleeding into the peritoneal cavity

Swelling of the abdomen: Retracted uterus Extrauterine fetus Hemorrhage from torn
uterine arteries Bleeding to the vagina Decreased blood volume

Decreased cardiac output Heart attempts to circulate remaining blood volume

Vasoconstriction of peripheral vessels, increased heart rate

Decreased venous return Decreased BP

Increases gas exchange to oxygenate better the decreased blood volume Increased
respiratory rate Uterine perfusion is decreased Fetal distress Decreased brain
perfusion Decreased kidney perfusion Decreased LOC (lethargy, coma)

Cold, clammy skin

Continued blood loss will continue to fall BP

Decreased urine output Renal failure Death of Mother and fetus

ASSESSMENT
Evaluate maternal vital signs; especially note an increase in rate and depth of
respirations, an increase in pulse , or a drop in BP indicating status change.
Observe for signs and symptoms of impending rupture (ie, lack of cervical
dilatation, tetanic uterine contractions, restlessness, anxiety, severe abdominal
pain, fetal bradycardia, or late or variable decelerations of the FHR). Assess
fetal status by continuous monitoring. Speak with family, and evaluate their
understanding of the situation.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
Clinical Manifestations Clinical manifestations depend on the type of rupture, with
the possibility that the clinical picture may develop over several hours.

Developing Rupture Abdominal pain and tenderness Uterine contractions will usually
continue but will diminish in intensity and tone. Bleeding into the abdominal
cavity and sometimes into the vagina. Vomiting Syncope; tachycardia; pallor
Significant change in FHR characteristics usually bradycardia (most significant
sign)
Violent Traumatic Rupture

Sudden sharp abdominal pain during or between contractions.

Abdominal tenderness
Uterine contractions may be absent, or may continue but be diminished in intensity
and cord bleeding vaginally, abdominally, or both Fetus easily palpated in the
abdominal with shoulder pain Tenses, acute abdominal with shoulder pain Signs of
shock

Chest pain from diaphragmatic irritation due to bleeding into the abdomen.
NURSING DIAGNOSIS AND INTERVENTIONS:
Deficient Fluid Volume related to active fluid loss from hemorrhage
Start or maintain an IV fluid as prescribed. Use a large gauge catheter when
starting the IV for blood and large quantities of fluid replacemnt.

Maintain CVP and arterial lines, as indicated for hemodynamic monitoring.

Maintain bed rest to decrease metabolic demands. Insert Foley catheter, and
moniter urine output hourly or as indicated. Obtain and administer blood products
as indicated.
Fear related to surgical outcome for fetus and mother
Give brief explanation to the woman and her support person before beginning a
procedure.

Answer questions that the family or woman may have.

Maintain a quiet and calm atmosphere to enhance relaxation. Remain with the woman
until anesthesia has been administered; offer support as needed. Keep the family
members aware of the situation while the woman is in surgery and allow time for
them to express feelings.
Ineffective Tissue Perfusion, Maternal Vital Organ and Fetal r/t Hypovolemia
Administer O2 using a face mask at 8-12 L/min or as ordered to provide high
oxygen concentration. Apply pulse oximeter, and monitor oxygen saturation as
indicated. Monitor ABG levels and serum electrolytes as indicated to assess
respiratory status, observing for hyperventilation and electrolyte imbalance.
Continually monitor maternal and fetal vital signs to assess pattern because
progressive changes may indicate profound shock.
Fear r/t Surgical Outcome for Fetus and Mother
Give a brief explanation to the woman and her support person before beginning the
procedure. Answer questions that the family and woman may have. Maintain a quiet
and calm atmosphere to enhance relaxation. Remain with the woman until anesthesia
has been administered; offer support as

needed.
Keep the family members aware of the situation while the woman is in surgery and
allow time for them to express feelings.
Risk for Infection related to surgical incision
Observe for localized signs of infection.

Cleanse incision or insertion sites daily and PRN with povidone iodine or other
appropriate solutions. Change dressings as needed or indicated. Encourage early
ambulation, deep breathing, coughing and position changes. Maintain adequate
hydration and provide. Provide perineal care.
MEDICAL MANAGEMENT:
Immediate stabilization of maternal hemodynamics and immediate caesarean delivery

Oxytocin is given to contract the uterus and the replacement .

After surgery, additional blood, and fluid replacement is continued along with
antibiotic theory.
SURGICAL MANAGEMENT:
Caesarean Section

Laparotomy
Hysterectomy
NURSING MANAGEMENT:
Continually evaluate maternal vital signs; especially note an increase in rate and
depth of respirations, an increase in pulse , or a drop in BP indicating status
change. Assess fetal status by continuous monitoring. Speak with family, and
evaluate their understanding of the situation. Anticipate the need for an
immediate caesarean birth to prevent rupture when symptoms are present. Provide
information to the support person and inform him or her about fetal outcome, the
extent of the surgery and the womans safety. Let the pt express her emotion
without feeing threatened.
Thanks for listening :]