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10 Cesarean Birth Nursing Care Plans

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By Gil Wayne, BSN, R.N.
10 Cesarean Birth Nursing Care Plans
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Cesarean birth, also termed as cesarean section, is the delivery of a neonate by surgical incision through the abdomen and uterus. This method can be done as elective surgery or as an emergency procedure when conditions impede a vaginal or normal delivery. Some women demand a Cesarean section with their first babies to avoid labor or the potential complexity of vaginal birth or to take advantage of the benefit of planned delivery.

Nursing Care Plans

Cesarean section is a procedure that is relatively harmless for the mother and baby. However, it is a major surgery and has risks. It also has a lengthy recovery period than vaginal birth. Some women may have difficulty attempting a vaginal birth later. Yet, many women are able to have a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Hence, it is essential for mothers to work with health care providers to make the best decision for herself and the baby.

Here are ten (10) nursing diagnosis and nursing care plans for cesarean birth: 

  1. Deficient Knowledge
  2. Anxiety
  3. Risk for Situational Low Self-Esteem
  4. Powerlessness
  5. Risk for Acute Pain
  6. Risk for Infection
  7. Risk for Impaired Fetal Gas Exchange
  8. Risk for Maternal Injury
  9. Risk for Decreased Cardiac Output
  10. Sensory/Perceptual Alterations

1. Deficient Knowledge

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Deficient Knowledge

Nursing Diagnosis

May be related to

  • Lack of information
  • Unfamiliarity with condition
  • Misinterpretation

Possibly evidenced by

  • Demand for information
  • Narrative misconception
  • False behaviors

Desired Outcomes

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  • Patient verbalizes understanding of indications for cesarean birth.
  • Patient recognizes this as an alternative childbirth procedure to achieve the best result possible in the end.
Nursing Interventions Rationale
Appraise knowledge toward the procedure. Most patients fail to retain the information instilled during childbirth classes. Therefore, patients have difficulty to remember or understand the details during the entire process.
Check on the level of stress and weather procedure was planned or not. Defines patient’s or couple’s readiness to incorporate information.
Give accurate information in easy-to-understand terms and clarify misconceptions. Stress of the situation can affect the patient’s ability to understand information required to make informed decisions.
Encourage couple to ask questions and verbalize their understanding on the matter. This provides an opportunity to assess and evaluate patient’s or couple’s understanding of the situation.
Review indications necessitating alternative birth method. Cesarean birth should be viewed as an alternative and not an abnormal situation to enhance the maternal and fetal safety and well-being.
Explain preoperative procedures in advance, and present rationale as appropriate. Explanation of the logical reasons why a particular choice was made is vital in preparation for the procedure.
Educate patient postoperatively; including demonstration of leg exercises, proper coughing and deep breathing techniques, splinting, and abdominal tightening exercises. Provides routine to prevent complications associated with venous stasis and hypostatic pneumonia, and to lessen stress on the operative site. Abdominal tightening reduces distress associated with gas formation and abdominal distension.
Further stress anticipated sensations during delivery and recovery period. Having knowledge about the possible outcomes helps prevent unnecessary anxiety.
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1. Deficient Knowledge

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Gil Wayne, BSN, R.N.
Gil Wayne graduated in 2008 with a bachelor of science in nursing. He earned his license to practice as a registered nurse during the same year. His drive for educating people stemmed from working as a community health nurse. He conducted first aid training and health seminars and workshops for teachers, community members, and local groups. Wanting to reach a bigger audience in teaching, he is now a writer and contributor for Nurseslabs since 2012 while working part-time as a nurse instructor. His goal is to expand his horizon in nursing-related topics. He wants to guide the next generation of nurses to achieve their goals and empower the nursing profession.

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