What This Document Is
This is a final care plan developed for a 32-year-old Hispanic female, Carla Hernandez, currently at 39 weeks and 7 days gestation (G2P1(L1)). The care plan focuses on a critical obstetric emergency: umbilical cord prolapse, which occurred during active labor following artificial rupture of membranes. It outlines the immediate assessment findings, diagnostic tests, and prioritized interventions required to manage this potentially fatal complication for both mother and fetus.
Why This Document Matters
This care plan is essential for nurses, nursing students, and other healthcare professionals involved in labor and delivery. It provides a focused, real-world example of how to respond to a time-sensitive emergency situation. Understanding the rapid assessment and intervention protocols detailed here is crucial for improving patient outcomes in cases of umbilical cord prolapse. It’s particularly relevant for those studying obstetrical nursing or preparing for clinical rotations in labor and delivery units.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This care plan represents a snapshot in time for a single patient. It does not encompass all possible variations of umbilical cord prolapse or alternative management strategies. It is intended as a guide for immediate action and does not replace comprehensive clinical judgment or adherence to institutional protocols. Further, it doesn’t cover long-term postpartum care.
What This Document Provides
The full care plan includes: a detailed patient background (age, ethnicity, gestational history), a clear description of the presenting problem (umbilical cord prolapse with supporting clinical findings – verbalization, FHR monitoring, visualization), a prioritized list of nursing interventions (including pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches like Trendelenburg positioning and oxygen administration), relevant diagnostic test results (ultrasound findings), vital sign monitoring parameters, and a medication profile for Terbutaline (classification, safe dosage, purpose, and potential side effects). It also includes a situational assessment (SBAR) summary for effective communication with the healthcare team. This preview does *not* include the full medication administration record, detailed ultrasound images, or a complete list of potential complications.
