Introduction
Based on the situation and the circumstances, the nurse should receive additional information about fetal activity, sensations in the lower abdomen and genitals, the degree of the urge to urinate and defecate, and the presence of other existing diseases (for example, diabetes). Moreover, it is also required to clarify details about lifestyle, professional activity, nutrition, the emotional situation at home, and the last visit to a medical institution. To one degree or another, all these aspects determine the risks and consequences for the pregnant woman.
Nursing Intervention
One of the most appropriate nursing interventions in this situation is accelerating the hospitalization process. Thus, in this case, the client must observe bed rest, being “under the wing” of experienced professionals and specialists in the healthcare system. The client is recommended to use a lateral recumbent position to improve uterine blood flow and reduce uterine irritability in a medical facility.
Screening Tests
To define and determine the risk for preterm labor, the client should undergo several current screening tests. They include ultrasonographic cervical length assessment, fetal fibronectin (fFN) test, serum proteomics, analysis of genetic contribution, as well as the use of maternal serum, amniotic fluid, and cervicovaginal fluid inflammatory biomarkers (Glover & Manuck, 2018). Each indicated method, approach, and strategy are designed for competent, effective, correct, and, most importantly, safe examination of the woman and to determine the chance of preterm birth (PTB).
Conclusion
As practice shows, the nurse needs to order medications such as magnesium sulfate (4-6 g intravenously over 20 minutes), calcium channel antagonists (4-6 g over 15 to 30 minutes), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (200 mg to 400 mg every 4 hours as needed), and beta-adrenergic receptor agonists (5 mg three times a day) in case of premature labor. In this situation, the priorities for the healthcare specialist in the post-administration assessment are the initial examination of the patient’s pain level, continuous analysis, and evaluation of side effects, as well as active interaction with the attending physician about changes in the client’s conditions (Ernstmeyer & Christman, 2021). Potential side effects from taking medications include irregular heartbeat, chest pain, pulmonary edema, intensive care unit transfer, respiratory or cardiac arrests, and death. Consequently, the expected treatment results suggest an increase in the chances of having a healthy child with a minor share of complications or complete absence.
References
Glover, A. V., & Manuck, T. A. (2018). Screening for spontaneous preterm birth and resultant therapies to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality: A review.Seminars in Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, 23(2), 126–132.
Ernstmeyer, K., & Christman, E. (2021). Nursing skills. WI Technical Colleges Open Press.