10 Maternal and Newborn Nursing Free Online FlashCards

How is pregnancy dated, and how long does it typically last?

Pregnancy is dated from the first day of the last menstrual period and typically lasts about 40 weeks.

When is gestational diabetes commonly screened for?

Gestational diabetes is commonly screened for at 24–28 weeks if it was not identified earlier.

What vaccine guidance is highlighted for pregnancy?

Tdap is recommended during each pregnancy. Certain live vaccines are generally avoided during pregnancy; follow current guidance and individual clinical advice.

How should urgent pregnancy warning signs be handled?

Warning signs include more than light spotting, leaking fluid, severe pain, severe headache or vision changes, fainting, breathing trouble, fever, or noticeably decreased fetal movement. Promptly notify the obstetric clinician or activate emergency response as appropriate.

What distinguishes true labor?

True labor generally produces regular contractions that become stronger and are accompanied by cervical change.

What marks the three stages of labor?

The first stage runs from labor onset to full cervical dilation; the second, from full dilation to birth; and the third, through delivery of the placenta.

What must nurses monitor during oxytocin administration?

With oxytocin, use prescribed infusion safeguards and closely monitor uterine activity and fetal response. Promptly report excessive contraction frequency or a nonreassuring fetal response.

What does a boggy uterus with heavy postpartum bleeding suggest, and what is the priority?

A soft or boggy uterus with heavy bleeding may indicate uterine atony and postpartum hemorrhage. Call for help, assess tone and bleeding, and follow the emergency protocol without delaying escalation.

What is the priority response to a postpartum severe headache with blurred vision?

A severe headache with blurred vision may signal an urgent hypertensive complication. Stay with the patient, assess vital signs and symptoms, notify the responsible clinician immediately, and prepare for ordered evaluation and treatment.

How can baby blues be distinguished from postpartum mood concerns needing urgent attention?

Baby blues are short-lived mood changes that often improve within one to two weeks. Persistent or worsening symptoms, inability to function, or thoughts of harm require prompt professional evaluation; thoughts of harm require immediate safety action.

What is the role of Apgar scoring after birth?

Apgar scoring documents the newborn’s condition at one and five minutes. It does not replace immediate assessment or delay resuscitation when needed.

What screenings are commonly included in newborn care?

Common newborn screening includes a heel-stick blood test, hearing screening, and pulse-oximetry screening for critical congenital heart defects. An abnormal screen requires follow-up; it does not confirm a diagnosis.