Question

6. Describe neural tube defects. How can they be prevented? 7. Explain the importance of prenatal care. List some important patient teachings that should be included. 8. Define: marginal placenta previa. 9. When looking at a chart the nurse notices that the patient is GBS+ What does this mean? How is this treated? How does this impact her care? What are the nursing considerations? What patient teaching should

Answer 1

6. Neural tube defects.

         * Neural tube defects are birth defects which occur in the

           brain and spinal cord result in opening in the spinal cord

           or brain remain from early stage of human development.

         * Neural tube defects are divided into two

                 * Open neural tube defects.

                             It occur due to exposing of brain and spinal cord at birth

                             by a defect in the vertebrae or skull.

                   * Examples

                            * Encephalocele.(Sac like protrusion of the brain and the membrane

                               that cover it by openings in the skull.)

                            * Anencephaly.( It is the absence of major portion of brain,skull and

                               scalp.)

                            * Iniencephaly.(It causes defect in occipital bone,incomplete closure

                             closure of cervical vertebrae and backward bending of head of cervical

                               spine)

                  * Close neural tube defect.

                            * If the spinal defect is covered by skin which is known as a closed tube

                              defect.

                   Examples

                           * Lipomeningocele.(In this condition spinal cord protrudes out of spinal

                             cord and forms a sac under the skin.)

                           * Lipomyelomeningocele.( It is the presence of mass under the skin which

                              attaches to the spinal cord and it slowly pull on the cord.)

    Prevention of neural tube defects.

                * Use of adequate amount of folic acid daily by pregnant women help

                   to prevent neural tube defects.

                * In the case of pregnant women folic acid 400mcg needed every day

                  to avoid neural tube problems.

7. Importance of prenatal care.

                  * Prenatal care help to reduce complications of both mother

                    and baby during pregnancy.

                  * It help in routine assessment of babys development.

                  * In prenatal care diagnostic tests will help to early identification of

                     abnormalities if occurs during pregnant period.

                  * It make delivery process become easy by following the advises from

                    health care providers.

Patient teaching during prenatal care.

                * Educate the patient about importance of maintain proper nutrition

                  for the benefit of both mother and baby.

                * Instruct the patient that mental and physical status of mother influence

                   the baby so maintain a positive attitude towards delivery.

                * Educate them about warning signs during pregnancy period like bleeding

                  flu symptoms,significant decline level in babies activity,severe vomitting etc

                  and seek emergency medical care if it occur.

8. Marginal placenta previa.

             * It is a health condition in which placenta is lying low in the pregnant womens

                utreus and its margin touching some degree over the internal os of cervix.

9. GBS+ means presence of Group B streptococcus in the patient body which is a

    bacteria cause various systemic infections.

   Treatment of GBS.

            * Antibiotic therapy is used to treat GBS.

            * Example ; Pencillin,Ampicillin,Amoxycillin.

      GBS impact on care.

            * Presence of GBS infection in the patient leads to

                       * Urinary tract infections.

                       * Pneumonia.(Infection in the lungs)

                       * Meningitis.(Infection in the fluid surrounding brain)

                       * Sepsis. (Infection in the blood).

Nursing considerations.

            * If the patient is GBS infected observe for complications and

              provide ventilatory support if needed.

            * Maintain a balance fluid and electrolyte level in the body.

            * Provide antibiotic treatment as per physicians order.

            * Maintain aseptic techniques when doing patient care or procedures.

            * Effective management of complications like shock and other systemic

               abnormalities.

    Patient teaching.

         * Educate the patient follow hygeineic practices to avoid bacterial infections.

         * Educate about the signs of bacterial infections like fever,breathing difficulties

            cyanosis,irritability etc and seek medical care if this type of signs and symptoms

            are present.

         * Instruct the patient to do not stop antibiotic therapy without the consent of physician.