Question

A woman is 28-weeks pregnant and develops a UTI. The maternity nurse will monitor the client for a. uterine contractions b. hypertension c. a white, cheesy vaginal discharge d. varicose veins

Short answer

The maternity nurse will monitor the client for uterine contractions.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Scenario

A urinary tract infection (UTI) during pregnancy can lead to complications if not properly managed. It's important to understand the typical consequences of a UTI during pregnancy to identify the most relevant signs to monitor.

Identify Common Complications of UTI in Pregnancy

UTIs in pregnancy can lead to risks such as preterm labor and infections of the kidney (pyelonephritis). Uterine contractions are a sign of preterm labor and therefore would be a relevant concern for a pregnant woman with a UTI.

Eliminate Unrelated Options

While hypertension can occur during pregnancy, it is not specifically related to UTIs. A white, cheesy vaginal discharge is more indicative of a yeast infection, and varicose veins are a common condition during pregnancy but not related to UTIs or their complications.

Conclusion

The maternity nurse should monitor the client for uterine contractions as UTIs can increase the risk of preterm labor.

Key concepts

Preterm Labor

Preterm labor refers to the onset of labor before 37 completed weeks of gestation. It's a significant concern during pregnancy as it can lead to premature birth, which may result in a range of complications for the newborn.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) can increase the risk of preterm labor due to the infection triggering inflammatory responses in the body that may stimulate uterine contractions. It is vital for maternity nurses to recognize the signs of preterm labor, which include regular contractions, pressure in the pelvic area, low back pain, bleeding, and changes in vaginal discharge.

Timely detection and management of UTI symptoms can potentially prevent preterm labor by adequately treating the infection before it causes uterine irritability or contractions.

Urinary Tract Infection Management

Management of a urinary tract infection (UTI) during pregnancy is crucial to avoid complications for both the mother and the fetus. The basic approach includes a urine culture to identify the infecting organism, followed by a course of antibiotics that are safe to use during pregnancy.

Pregnant women are more susceptible to UTIs due to physiological changes, such as the expansion of the urinary tract, which can slow the flow of urine and make it easier for bacteria to ascend.

• Avoid delay in treatment
• Monitor symptoms closely
• Encourage proper hydration
• Promote frequent urination to flush out bacteria
• Suggest appropriate hygiene practices

Clear communication about the importance of completing antibiotic courses and the recognition of symptoms are essential aspects of UTI management in maternity nursing.

Maternity Nursing

Maternity nursing focuses on providing care to women and their newborns during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the postpartum period. This branch of nursing requires specific knowledge and skills to ensure the health and safety of both mother and child.

In the context of managing UTIs in pregnancy, maternity nurses play an integral role. Their duties include educating expectant mothers on preventive measures against UTIs, assessing for signs of infection or preterm labor, administering prescribed medications, and closely monitoring fetal well-being.

Key Responsibilities in Maternity Nursing

• Conduct routine examinations
• Provide prenatal education
• Monitor maternal and fetal health
• Support during labor and delivery
• Offer postpartum care and support

Effective maternity nursing ensures a safe and nurturing environment for both mother and baby throughout the entire journey of pregnancy and beyond.