1-10. BATTERED PREGNANT WOMEN
a. The battered, pregnant woman often has medical, social, and psychological
needs that require special attention. An assault on a pregnant patient jeopardizes her
body as well as the fetus. The patient suffers extensive psychological trauma.
b. Nursing implications are listed below.
(1)
Assess the emotional needs of the patient and the significant support
person.
(2) Promote a trust relationship which will foster self-esteem and a positive
pregnancy experience.
(3)
Inform the patient and the spouse about counseling.
1-11. RhoGAM INCOMPATIBILITY
a. RhoGAM incompatibility occurs when the Rh-negative pregnant patient
carries an Rh-positive fetus. The patient's body reacts to the "foreign" fetus blood type.
The mother produces antibodies that in-turn causes destruction of the fetus red blood
cells (hemolysis). Hemolysis of the fetus red blood cells deprives the fetus of oxygen
(erythroblastosis fetalis).
b. The treatment for Rh incompatability is given below.
(1) RhoGAM (immune globulin) administered 72 hours following the birth
of an Rh-positive child will eliminate maternal isoimmunization. Refer to figure 1-2.
(2) An Rh-negative patient whose sex partner is Rh-positive, who aborts or
has an ectopic pregnancy, should receive RhoGAM . This is essential to prevent the
patient from developing Rh-positive antibodies.
c. Nursing implications are listed below.
(1) Follow the obstetrics (OB) practitioner's or physician's orders for
drawing of Rh antibody titer.
(2) Follow delivery room standing operating procedure (SOP) to obtain
cord blood sample to determine baby's blood type.
MD0922
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