Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Keywords
W have been successful with the development
and implementation of the cervical cancer/human
had all normal cervical cytology screenings. The
healthcare provider was suspicious as it did not
adenocarcinoma papillomavirus vaccine. Success has been noted appear to be a cervical polyp. Pathology returned
cervical cancer throughout the United States in the reduction in adenocarcinoma. The patient was immediately re-
human papillomavirus squamous cell cervical cancers, those that ac- ferred to the gynecologic oncology practice. Upon
count for approximately 75% to 80% of all cervi- arrival, a full pelvic exam was performed, and
cal cancers. However, the rate of adenocarcinoma the patient was sent for a chest, abdomen, and
Women’s Health has risen, notably in young women of reproductive pelvic CT scan and scheduled for a radical hys-
Paper Presentation age. terectomy. The CT scan revealed a sizable tumor
around her cervix with measureable nodes along
the iliac chain. She underwent surgery, recovered,
Case and began a traditional course of chemotherapy
M.L. is a 24-year-old female who telephoned her for cervical cancer: Paclitaxel and Carboplatin ev-
obstetrician complaining of break through bleed- ery 21 days for six courses. Premedication was
ing on her oral contraceptive pill. While many given with each course and patient was sent home
healthcare providers typically reassure their pa- with antiemetic therapy. The patient did well, com-
tients, this provider brought the patient in for an pleted chemotherapy, and was sent for complete
exam. On exam, the physician discovered a small pelvic radiation as she had residual lymph nodes.
mass protruding from the internal os of her cervix.
JOGNN
S92
C 2013 AWHONN, the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses http://jognn.awhonn.org
McKeever, A. CASE STUDIES
Proceedings of the 2013 AWHONN Convention
Keywords
P threatening cardiac condition of unknown eti-
ology that occurs in previously healthy women
chest x-ray revealing pulmonary edema and car-
diomegaly, the patient was transferred to a med-
peripartum cardiomyopathy during the peripartum period and up to 5 months ical intensive care unit at a tertiary care center.
multidisciplinary safety rounds postpartum. Because of the rarity of the disorder, On admission, the patient presented with tachy-
SBAR communication limited practical experience of most clinicians can cardia at 121 bpm, dyspnea with 36 breaths per
lead to delayed diagnosis resulting in higher rates minute, blood pressure 131/89, and SPO2 95% on
of complications and even death. Heightened sus- 2 L nasal cannula. During the obstetric consulta-
Childbearing picion of clinicians is imperative when patients tion, the patient was diagnosed with preeclamp-
sia and transferred to labor and delivery for
Paper Presentation present with signs and symptoms of heart failure,
and utilization of multidisciplinary collaboration is induction of labor and magnesium sulfate ad-
essential to improve clinical outcomes. ministration. During the course of induction, the
patient continued to rapidly decompensate de-
Case spite administration of Lasix, oxygen (O2 ), and
A 30-year-old multiparous female at 38-week ges- unremarkable lab findings with SPO2 of 85% on
tation, without significant medical history, pre- 15 L O2 , heart rate of 140, and respiratory rate
sented to a suburban emergency room with of 40 with bilateral course crackles and stridor.
Obstetric safety rounds were held including ma- days after delivery to be followed by outpatient
ternal fetal medicine, anesthesia, and obstetrics cardiology.
at which the nurse expressed concern regard-
ing the patient’s status and symptoms of car- Conclusion
diac failure. This led to escalation of care to It is essential for all clinicians to recognize early
include cardiology consults. Echocardiography symptoms of cardiac failure in the pregnant pa-
revealed left systolic dilated dysfunction and an tient. The establishment of multidisciplinary care
ejection fraction of 25% to 30%. The patient was and obstetric safety rounding is an essential el-
diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy, mag- ement to expediting treatment and care of these
nesium was discontinued, and additional Lasix patients. Nurses have a primary role in early as-
administered. The patient had a spontaneous sessment and participation in the multidisciplinary
vaginal delivery and was immediately transferred team approach to improving patient outcomes and
to a cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU). expediting care. The situation, background, as-
In the CVICU she responded to treatment with sessment, recommendation communication tool
BiPap, diuretics, nitrates, beta adrenergic block- enables the bedside nurse to properly commu-
ers, and ACE inhibitors. She was discharged 5 nicate patient status.
Keywords
common in the first 2 to 4 weeks postpartum. The scan, metabolic profile, thyroid stimulating hor- postpartum psychosis
incidence of postpartum psychosis is 1 to 2 per mone, rapid plasma regain, and 1:1 sitters were
1,000 women. Risk factors identified are history of ordered. Antiagitation medications were ordered.
bipolar illness or depression, family history of men- Results of above tests were normal. A multidisci- Childbearing
tal illness, sleep deprivation, stress, poor support plinary team of social work, psychiatry, nursing,
systems, and low self-esteem. Early diagnosis and obstetricians, and pastoral care worked to ad- Poster Presentation
treatment are crucial for obtaining a positive out- dress this patient’s symptoms and needs. Six days
come for both mother and infant. post cesarean, the patient was transferred to a pri-
vate inpatient psychiatric facility for 2 weeks. The
Case patient then was treated as an outpatient with reg-
A42-year-old G7P3 was admitted at 41 weeks ular office visits.
for a stat cesarean for fetal distress. A previous
history of depression and two other psychotic
episodes existed. The patient had a 9lb healthy Conclusion
infant daughter, who she was breast feeding. The Early identification and treatment of postpartum
husband stayed with his wife and daughter and psychosis is imperative for the well-being of the
other children visited. On day 3, the patient walked mother and to help establish her ability to care for
out of the bathroom with a blank stare, got into her infant and resume her normal activities. Early
bed and started a rocking movement, clutched and excellent nursing intervention and care were
blankets to her chest and sang church hymns in crucial in ensuing this patient’s return to a produc-
a loud voice. The patient would not respond to tive role as a wife and mother.
Keywords
P most significant cause of maternal death
worldwide. It occurs in 2% to 6% of women who
After intubation in the OR, the patient continued to
hemorrhage. The decision was made to proceed
postpartum hemorrhage deliver vaginally. It can occur early (<24 hours
with a hysterectomy. A massive transfusion proto-
massive transfusion protocol after birth) or late (>24 hours and <6 weeks af-
DIC col was initiated with the blood bank to facilitate
ter birth). The primary cause of early postpartum
Code White preparation and thawing of blood products. Dur-
hemorrhage is uterine atony, and it is typically de-
ing the surgical procedure, the patient developed
fined as >500 ml blood loss following vaginal de-
ventricular tachycardia, and a Code Blue was acti-
livery, >1,000 ml following cesarean, or a 10%
Childbearing vated. Additional interdisciplinary team members
decrease in hematocrit (HCT). Interventions for
from the emergency department, pharmacy, and
Poster Presentation postpartum hemorrhage include treating the un-
ICU responded. At this time, the patient’s HCT
derlying cause and managing the symptoms with
dropped to 21.9, fibrinogen <60, PT = 40, INR
medications, surgical interventions, placement of
= 4.15, and arterial blood gas pH 6.97. During the
uterine tamponade devices, and blood volume re-
surgical case, the patient received 11,440 ml fluid
placement. Improved outcomes are seen with co-
and 11 units PBRC, 7 units fresh frozen plasma,
ordinated team efforts and established hospital
3 units of platelets, 4 units cryoprecipitate. Her
processes.
DIC stabilized and her heart rhythm returned to
Case sinus tachycardia. She remained intubated and
A 45-year-old, G4P1 presented to labor and de- was transferred to ICU. The following day she was
livery in early labor at term. On admission her extubated and transferred to postpartum and she
HCT was 39.9. Her labor was augmented, and was discharged home on postoperative day 4. The
she progressed quickly and delivered vaginally. patient is now a spokesperson for the community
Following delivery of her placenta, she began blood bank.
to hemorrhage. The patient was treated in the
delivery room with fundal massage, Misoprostol,
Hemabate, placement of Foley catheter, and Bakri Conclusion
balloon. Anesthesia and a second obstetrician To efficiently manage massive postpartum hemor-
were consulted and a disseminated intravascular rhage, early treatment must be initiated, interdisci-
coagulation (DIC) panel and two units of packed plinary teams should be utilized, and in this case
red blood cells were ordered. The patient became our massive transfusion protocol was activated.
symptomatic and was transferred to the operat- Coordination of care with the blood bank was crit-
ing room (OR). A Code White was called and an ical to receive the necessary blood products in a
interdisciplinary team of obstetricians, laboratory, timely manner.
ated. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan A stillborn female infant with multiple anoma-
and a surgical consult were ordered to rule out ap- lies, generalized edema, and ambiguous geni-
pendicitis. The MRI verified mild anasarca within talia was delivered weighing 3 pounds 2 ounces.
the abdomen and pelvis, but the appendix was Magnesium sulfate continued postpartum for 24
not adequately visualized. hours. The postpartum course was unremarkable,
and the patient was discharged 48 hours after
The 24-hour urine had nearly 5 grams of pro-
delivery.
tein. The patient became increasingly uncomfort-
able with bilateral 3+ pitting edema from her feet
through her thighs. Induction was recommended Conclusion
due to worsening maternal status, and the po- Careful evaluation is needed to differentiate be-
tential for other morbidities associated with Mir- tween preeclampsia and Mirror Syndrome be-
ror Syndrome. Fetal paracentesis of 600 ml was cause the maternal morbidity may be more
performed to facilitate vaginal breech delivery. extensive.
Keywords in combination with methadone use, preliminary placement and oxygen support. During week 3,
pregnancy positive blood cultures, and multiple social issues. she was stable enough for transfer to the inpatient
bacterial endocarditis An echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, and lab- antenatal unit for continuing treatment with antibi-
valvular vegetation
septic emboli
oratory studies were obtained. Consults to in- otics. The patient signed herself out of the hospital
fectious disease, cardiology, and maternal fetal on day 26 against medical advice.
medicine were placed and an antibiotic regime
The patient returned for induction of labor at
was initiated. Shortly after arrival, the patient’s res-
Childbearing piratory status significantly declined. The surgical
37-week gestation secondary to complex antena-
tal course and cholestasis of pregnancy. She de-
Poster Presentation critical care team was consulted and the patient
livered a live born female infant and had a bilateral
was taken for a computed tomography scan and
tubal ligation complicated by a wound infection af-
then transferred to the critical care unit. On day 3
ter discharge. The infant was discharged to home
of admission, she was transferred to the obstetric
as a well newborn.
high-risk area where her course was complicated
by further febrile episodes, septic pulmonary Conclusion
emboli, a right-sided pleural effusion requir- Infectious endocarditis rarely develops during
ing thoracentesis, and subsequently chest tube pregnancy. Treatment requires collaboration be-
placement, multiple antibiotics, blood transfu- tween many disciplines and careful consideration
sions, peripherally inserted central catheter line of the effects on the mother and fetus.
1960 by Dr. Sekel. Typically, intrauterine growth initial visit. A referral was made to the ear, nose, Frankie Parks, BSN, RNC,
restriction is first identified in utero with a subse- and throat (ENT) clinic due to a history of respira- Georgia Health Sciences
tory arrest during general anesthesia as a child Medical Center, Augusta, GA
quent diagnosis of dwarfism. Physical features as-
sociated with this syndrome are microcephaly and requiring a tracheostomy. Septal deviation was Keywords
unusual facial features, including large eyes, a noted with complete obstruction on the right. Her Seckel syndrome
narrow face, micrognathia, and a protruding nose cesarean under regional anesthesia was sched- multidisciplinary
similar to a bird’s beak. These physical features uled, and plans were made for an awake intuba- dwarfism
cause a significant anesthesia risk. Patients may tion if general anesthesia was required. She could
have varying degrees of mental retardation. open her mouth 0.5 cm preoperatively.
Childbearing
The patient presented to labor and delivery (L&D)
Case at 35 and 36 weeks to rule out labor. Nursing was Poster Presentation
The patient was a single 24-year-old G1P0 with unaware of this high-risk patient and was con-
Seckel syndrome. She lived with a family member cerned about plans for her delivery. After these
triage visits, a plan of care for delivery, includ- eratively then was transferred to the ENT unit on
ing obstetrics (OBs), ENT, and anesthesia, was day 2 after the tracheostomy was decannulated.
placed in her chart by maternal–fetal medicine. The mother and infant were discharged on post-
Unfortunately nursing was not included in de- operative day 3.
velopment of this plan and therefore no plans
were made for her postpartum care with a tra- Conclusion
cheostomy, a skill none of our staff was comfort- This is an example of the importance of hav-
able with. The patient arrived for a clinic visit at ing nursing representation when multidisciplinary
37 4/7 weeks gestation in active labor and was plans of care are being established for high-risk
sent to L&D. She gave birth in the adult operat- OB patients. Care planning for high-risk patients
ing room under general anesthesia with an awake should include potential complications of postpar-
tracheostomy prior to the cesarean. The patient tum care including possible ICU admission and
went to medical intensive care unit (ICU) postop- training for staff.
Case
Melody Wireman, MSN, RNC, A 31-year-old multigravida presented via ambu- Conclusion
CNS, APN, BayHealth Medical
lance to labor and delivery at a community hospital Multiple interdisciplinary debriefings were held to
Center, Dover, DE
with spontaneous rupture of membranes of muddy gather information and to support staff involved
Robin Lynn Underwood, MSN, amniotic fluid at 8 cm dilatation. The patient was in the code. Nursing/physician leadership iden-
RNC, CNS, APN, Bayhealth flailing her arms and legs uncontrollably, compro- tified system/process issues from these debrief-
Medical Center, Dover, DE
mising the accuracy of maternal and fetal heart ings. Strategies were developed to reduce staffs’
Ruth Elizabeth (Sue) Haddad, rate assessments. Initial fetal heart tones were in frustration, tension, and feelings of chaos, includ-
MSN, RNC-OB, BayHealth the 50 seconds and the maternal pulses were ing reassignment of code team member respon-
Medical Center, Dover, DE palpated in the 70 seconds. The obstetrician sibilities, implementation of routine code drills that
Keywords was notified immediately. A male infant born via included staff from all shifts and all team member
neonatal codes spontaneous vaginal delivery was limp and cyan- departments, and the initiation of timed neona-
team effectiveness otic. The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) staff tal code box drills to increase code box familiar-
Poster Presentation was notified. Unique nursing challenges during ity. Staff assisted in developing a code checklist
this code included door-to-delivery time 13 min- that facilitated communication during and after a
utes, unassisted RN delivery, nightshift holiday neonatal code.
with limited staffing, patient presented alone, and
Staff felt more confident in their roles and re-
physician call-to-arrival-time 30 minutes with no
sponsibilities as code responders. Team members
in-house obstetric physician presence.
felt more effective, less stressed, and better pre-
The neonate required compressions, intubation, pared for the unexpected. Empowering staff and
multiple epinephrine doses, and fluid boluses dur- increasing knowledge does decrease frustration
ing the 23-minute code. The team was frustrated and tension during unanticipated and challenging
at their inability to locate emergent supplies in neonatal codes.
surgeon, but by this time, the disappointed mother surgeon. A frenulectomy was performed within
had given up hopes of breastfeeding and ceased 24 hours of the newborn’s birth. The mother breast-
her efforts. fed immediately after the bedside procedure and
continued successfully breastfeeding her son.
In contrast, with her second child, the mother’s
concerns were acknowledged by the maternity Conclusion
nurse who had gained knowledge of ankyloglos- Recognizing that a tight frenulum affects breast-
sia from the hospital-based lactation consultant. feeding allows nurses to collaborate for timely
The nurse instructed the mother on breast pump- breastfeeding interventions. Involving an interdis-
ing and ordered an early lactation consult. Upon ciplinary team can maximize breastfeeding suc-
confirming ankyloglossia with a digital exam, the cess. Nurses can ensure that all mothers reach
consultant collaborated with the nurse for early their breastfeeding goals by championing new-
intervention. This time, the pediatrician ordered borns whose ankyloglossia prevents them from
an immediate, in-hospital evaluation by an oral effectively nursing.
Keywords
Infants remaining skin-to-skin during the first 1 to spoon feed the infant, and 35 ml of colostrum was breastfeeding
2 hours of life achieve self-latch, self-regulate successfully expressed and spoon fed to the in- hand expression
blood glucose levels, and have longer breast- fant. The repeat blood glucose was 52. The pedia- spoon feeding
hypoglycemia
feeding relationships. Recent literature and Joint trician was notified of the results using the mother’s
safe passage
Commission recommendations indicate that one expressed breast milk. The infant remained on the
formula feed affects the infant. However, current hypoglycemia management guideline, but did not
hospital guidelines continue to support the use of require formula supplementation or IV glucose.
formula and intravenous (IV) glucose to correct Mother and infant were able to exclusively breast- Newborn Care
infant hypoglycemia. feed for the duration of their hospital stay. This suc- Poster Presentation
cessful scenario of treating infant hypoglycemia
Case with the mother’s expressed milk was well received
As an experienced L&D and trained breastfeed- by my hospital’s neonatology and lactation depart-
ing support nurse, I assisted a new mother ments, as well as hospital management, thus gen-
facing such a challenge. A 28-year-old primi- erating new teaching projects surrounding hand
gravida delivered vaginally at 39 3/7 weeks. Labor expression and spoon feeding.
was complicated by prolonged rupture of mem-
branes and chorioamnionitis. The infant weighed
4,110 grams (9 no. 1oz) and was classified large Conclusion
for gestational age (LGA). The mother intended As nurses, we must strive for excellence in the
to exclusively breastfeed; a successful latch was care of the exclusively breastfeeding mother–
noted. Current hospital guideline requires blood infant dyad realizing that current practices and
glucose to be performed between 1 and 2 hours hospital guidelines must be updated to align with
of life on LGA and sick infants. Initial blood glu- recent research and Joint Commission recommen-
cose results were 34, with immediate repeat of dations. By utilizing current evidence surrounding
28. Per hospital guideline, blood glucose levels a mother’s expressed breast milk, we can ensure
less than 36 require physician notification, infant successful breastfeeding for the long term as well
feeding of 10 ml/kg of formula, and administra- as increase the mother’s confidence that she can
tion of IV glucose. Upon notification, the pediatri- provide for her infant’s needs.
milk. These mothers seek to give meaning to their gave her son drops of breast milk, prior to his
loss experience and to honor their children. Infor- death.
mation regarding this option should be provided
with knowledgeable guidance. Not all mothers will Conclusion
qualify, and disappointment can be abated if they In difficult loss situations, mothers should still have
are counseled properly. Mothers who have not information about the use of breast milk. Maternity
started to pump must be educated on the commit- and NICU nurses should be familiar with all op-
ment and possibility of stress interfering with milk tions and refrain from making judgments for these
production. Ultimately, praise for offering a selfless families. Lactation consultants can be supportive
act enhances their emotional healing, regardless team members who can assist with the care of
of the outcome. these special patients. Educating the mother who
elects not to use her breast milk should include en-
An example case involving an infant in the neona- gorgement management and the normal process
tal intensive care unit (NICU) involves the phys- of breast involution so she does not encounter un-
ical and emotional comfort of a mother who expected changes alone.
fails to close, and according to the Centers for pregnancy when they receive the diagnosis. Susan Duffy, BSN, RNC-OB,
Hunterdon Medical Center,
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) may affect There are women for whom this is not an option Flemington, NJ
as many as one in 4,000 pregnancies per year. because of their religious beliefs. The Catholic
Keywords Church is one faith group that does not endorse birth to perform extreme unction, recovery in her
anencephaly termination and supports carrying the fetus as patient room with her other children and parents
bereavement close to term as possible without endangering the present to share Will’s brief life, and for memories
cultural sensitivity
mother. and mementos to be made of their time together.
Catholic
Case
K.P. came to us for care during her 4th pregnancy.
Professional Issues Conclusion
She found out she was carrying an anencephalic
Some staff were distressed by the additional dan-
child. Her previous children were all delivered via
Poster Presentation ger they felt the mother was exposing herself to,
cesarean at our hospital, and her physician had
but others were glad to help support this family at
urged her to terminate this pregnancy to spare
this difficult time. We worked with K.P. to arrange
her the possible dangers of another cesarean. She
to fulfill her desires. K.P. has been able to move on
was unwilling to do this because of her faith and
from this experience with the help of counseling,
was praying for a miracle for this child or at least
her faith community, and the feeling that she did
that his life would be honored no matter how short.
the right thing by Will. We learned so much and re-
She approached me about her wishes for Will’s vitalized our Bereavement Committee after caring
brief life, including having her priest present at the for the P family.