Case Study: Active Labor: Susan Wong
Read the following case study and answer the reflective questions. Please provide evidence-based rationales for your answers.
CASE STUDY: Active Labor: Susan Wong
Mrs. Wong, a first-time mother, is admitted to the birthing suite in early labor after spontaneous rupture of membranes at home. She is at 38 weeks of gestation with a history of abnormal alpha-fetoprotein levels at 16 weeks of pregnancy.
She was scheduled for ultrasonography to visualize the fetus to rule out an open spinal defect or Down syndrome, but never followed through. Mrs. Wong and her husband disagreed about what to do (keep or terminate the pregnancy) if the ultrasonography indicated a spinal problem, so they felt they did not want this information.
Reflective Questions
1. As the nurse, what priority data would you collect from this couple to help define relevant interventions to meet their needs?
2. How can you help this couple if they experience a negative outcome in the birthing suite? What are your personal views on terminating or continuing a pregnancy with a risk of a potential anomaly? What factors may influence your views?
3. With the influence of the recent Human Genome Project and the possibility of predicting open spinal defects earlier in pregnancy, how will maternity care change in the future?
Case Study: Active Labor: Susan Wong
Reflective Questions
As the nurse, what priority data would you collect from this couple to help define relevant interventions to meet their needs?
As the nurse, it is essential to collect priority data from Mrs. Wong and her husband to ensure appropriate interventions are provided. The following data should be collected:
Current physical condition: Assess Mrs. Wong's vital signs, uterine contractions, pain level, and any signs of distress or complications.
Medical history: Obtain information about any pre-existing medical conditions, previous pregnancies, and any relevant obstetric history.
Psychosocial history: Inquire about Mrs. Wong's emotional well-being, her support system, and any concerns or fears she may have about labor and delivery.
Preferences and birth plan: Discuss the couple's preferences for pain management, labor interventions, and their desired birth experience.
Communication style: Understand how the couple prefers to receive information and make decisions together.
Collecting this information will help tailor interventions and support strategies specifically to meet the couple's needs during labor and delivery.
How can you help this couple if they experience a negative outcome in the birthing suite? What are your personal views on terminating or continuing a pregnancy with a risk of a potential anomaly? What factors may influence your views?
If the couple experiences a negative outcome in the birthing suite, such as a potential anomaly, it is crucial to provide emotional support, empathy, and open communication. Here are some ways to help:
Empathy and active listening: Offer a non-judgmental and supportive environment where the couple can express their emotions, fears, and concerns.
Provide information: Offer clear and accurate information about the situation, potential outcomes, available options, and support resources.
Respect autonomy and preferences: Respect the couple's wishes regarding their pregnancy and birth decisions. Help them understand their options and provide support regardless of their choice.
Collaboration with the healthcare team: Facilitate communication between the couple and other healthcare professionals involved in their care to ensure comprehensive support.
Personal views on terminating or continuing a pregnancy with a risk of potential anomaly may vary among individuals based on their values, beliefs, and personal experiences. As a nurse, it is essential to maintain professional neutrality and provide unbiased support. Factors that may influence personal views include religious beliefs, cultural background, personal experiences with disabilities, and individual interpretations of ethical principles.
With the influence of the recent Human Genome Project and the possibility of predicting open spinal defects earlier in pregnancy, how will maternity care change in the future?
The influence of the Human Genome Project and advancements in prenatal genetic testing will likely lead to significant changes in maternity care. Here are some potential changes:
Improved prenatal screening: With advances in technology, prenatal screening for genetic abnormalities will become more accurate, allowing healthcare providers to identify potential anomalies earlier in pregnancy.
Informed decision-making: Expectant parents will have access to more comprehensive information about potential genetic conditions, empowering them to make informed decisions about their pregnancies.
Personalized care plans: Healthcare providers will be able to develop tailored care plans for expectant parents based on their individual risk profiles, allowing for early interventions or specialized support when necessary.
Ethical considerations: As prenatal testing becomes more advanced, ethical considerations surrounding selective terminations may arise. Healthcare professionals will need to navigate these discussions while respecting patient autonomy and ensuring non-biased support.
Overall, maternity care will become more personalized and focused on early detection and intervention, enhancing the ability to provide appropriate care for expectant parents facing potential anomalies.