8-5.
DISCOMFORTS RELATED TO THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
a. Dyspnea.
(1) Dyspnea is caused by the limited expansion of the diaphragm by the
enlarging uterus. It may be an increased sensitivity to or compensation for slight
acidosis ("breathing for two").
(2) Dyspnea may be very troublesome in the last weeks of pregnancy. The
patient may have difficulty sleeping.
(3)
Nursing interventions consist of advising the patient to:
(a) Sleep on additional pillows.
(b)
Maintain good posture.
(c)
Avoid overeating.
(d) Stop or decrease smoking.
(e) Limit activity before becoming dyspenic.
(f)
Decrease anxiety by concentrating on slow, deep breaths.
(4) Dyspnea of sudden onset in patients who are known to have heart
disease may be a sign of impending heart failure. The physician should be notified
immediately.
b. Nasal Stuffiness. Nasal stuffiness is caused by increased vascularization
due to the increase in hormone. It is not preventable; functioning of the nasal will return
to normal after delivery.
8-6.
DISCOMFORT RELATED TO THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
a. Leukorrhea.
(1) Leukorrhea is a white or yellowish mucous discharge from the cervical
canal or the vagina. It is caused by the hormonal stimulation of the cervix, which
becomes hypertrophic and hyperactive producing an abundant amount of mucous.
(2)
Leukorrhea is not preventable and the patient should not douche.
(3) Leukorrhea may lead to pruritis (severe itching), burning on urination,
foul odor from the discharge, or edema of the vulva.
MD0921
8-9