Page 164 - Critical Maternity & Newborn Health Nursing
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• Give the woman opportunities to discuss her birth experience.
• Encourage maternal/fetal attachment.
• Continue to closely monitor maternal status after delivery since
cardiac workload is great.
• Postpartum hemorrhage, infection, and thrombo-embolism can all
precipitate crises and must be prevented or immediately treated.
• Education and assistance in newborn care:
o A woman with grade I & II heart disease can breastfeed her infant.
o The nurse can assist the woman to a comfortable side- lying
position with her head moderately elevated or to a semi-Fowler’s
position.
Preparation for Discharge
• Realistic home care plans should be communicated with patients.
• Plan with the woman an activity schedule that is gradual,
progressive, and appropriate to her needs and home environment.
• Give appropriate information and counseling regarding sexual
relations and contraception.
Evaluative Outcome Criteria
• Anticipated outcomes of nursing care include the following:
o The woman participates in developing an appropriate health-care
regimen and follows it throughout her pregnancy.
o The woman clearly understands her condition and its possible
impact on pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartal period.
o The woman successfully delivers a healthy infant.
o The woman avoids congestive heart failure.
o The woman is comfortable caring for her newborn infant.
163 Table of Contents
