Precipitous labor occurs when the uterine contractions are so strong that the woman is able to give birth with just a few, rapidly occurring contractions. This kind of labor only lasts for not more than 3 hours. Because the contractions are so forceful, premature separation of the placenta may occur and the woman might feel overwhelmed with the speed of labor.
Nursing Care Plans
The nursing care for patients with precipitous labor revolves around promoting maternal and fetal well-being, prevention of complications, and providing a safe delivery.
Here are three (3) nursing care plans for precipitous labor:
Risk for Deficient Fluid Volume
Deficient Fluid Volume: It is defined as decreased intravascular, interstitial, and intracellular fluid.
Risk factors:
- Loss of fluids through normal routes
- Forceful contractions
- Premature separation of the placenta
Possibly evidenced by:
- Significant blood loss due to premature separation of placenta
- Decreased electrolyte level
Desired outcome:
- Patient will identify individual risk factors and appropriate interventions.
- Patient will demonstrate behaviors or lifestyle changes to prevent development of fluid volume deficit.
| Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
|---|---|
| Note client’s level of consciousness and mentation. | To evaluate ability to express needs. |
| Monitor intake and output balance. | To ensure accurate picture of fluid status. |
| Monitor vital signs. | To establish baseline data and note changes. |
| Encourage oral intake. | To aid in replacing fluid losses. |
| Provide supplemental fluids as indicated. | Fluids may be given in this manner if client is unable to take oral fluids. |
| Administer medications as indicated. | To restore and rule out any underlying conditions. |
| Review appropriate use of medications. | Those that have potential for causing and exacerbating the present condition. |
See Also
You may also like the following posts and care plans:
Maternal and Newborn Care Plans
Nursing care plans related to the care of the pregnant mother and her infant. See care plans for maternity and obstetric nursing:
- Abruptio Placenta| 3 Care Plan
- Cesarean Birth | 10 Care Plans
- Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate | 6 Care Plans
- Dysfunctional Labor (Dystocia) | 4 Care Plans
- Elective Termination | 6 Care Plans
- Gestational Diabetes Mellitus | 4 Care Plans
- Hyperbilirubinemia | 4 Care Plans
- Labor Stages, Induced and Augmented Labor | 36 Care Plans
- Neonatal Sepsis | 5 Care Plans
- Perinatal Loss | 5 Care Plans
- Placenta Previa | 3 Care Plans
- Postpartum Hemorrhage | 8 Care Plans
- Postpartum Thrombophlebitis | 4 Care Plans
- Prenatal Hemorrhage | 7 Care Plans
- Prenatal Substance Dependence/Abuse | 6 Care Plans
- Precipitous Labor | 3 Care Plans
- Pregnancy Induced Hypertension | 6 Care Plans
- Premature Dilation of the Cervix | 3 Care Plans
- Prenatal Infection | 3 Care Plans
- Preterm Labor | 6 Care Plans
- Puerperal Infection | 4 Care Plans
Further Reading
Recommended books and resources:
- Nursing Care Plans: Diagnoses, Interventions, and Outcomes
- Nurse's Pocket Guide: Diagnoses, Prioritized Interventions and Rationales
- Nursing Diagnoses 2015-17: Definitions and Classification
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V-TR)
- Manual of Psychiatric Nursing Care Planning
- Maternal Newborn Nursing Care Plans
- Delmar's Maternal-Infant Nursing Care Plans, 2nd Edition
- Maternal Newborn Nursing Care Plans
