Preterm labor, also called premature labor, is the onset of rhythmic uterine contractions that produce cervical change after fetal viability but before fetal maturity. It usually occurs between the 20th and 37th weeks of gestation.
Nursing Care Plans
Management involves suppression of preterm labor when tests show immature fetal pulmonary development, cervical dilation is less than 4 cm and the absence of factors that contraindicate continuation of pregnancy.
The nurse should monitor closely for signs of fetal or maternal distress, and provide comprehensive supportive care for patients with preterm labor.
Here are six (6) nursing care plans and nursing diagnosis for preterm labor:
- Anxiety
- Activity Intolerance
- Risk for Poisoning
- Risk for [Fetal] Injury
- Acute Pain
- Deficient Knowledge
Acute Pain
Nursing Diagnosis
- Acute Pain
May be related to
- Muscle contraction (uterine contractions)
- Effect of medications
Possibly evidenced by
- Reports of pain or discomfort
- Muscle tension
- Narrowed focus
Desired Outcomes
- Patient will report discomfort is minimized or controlled.
- Patient will use relaxation techniques, effectively.
- Patient will appear relaxed and will rest appropriately.
Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
---|---|
Expedite the admission process and initiate bedrest for client, using lateral recumbent position. | Side-lying position improves uterine blood flow and may decrease uterine irritability. |
Teach relaxation techniques (e.g., deep breathing exercises, visualization, guided imagery, soft music). | Help client refocus, attention decreases muscle tension, reduces perception of discomfort and promotes sense of control. |
Using nursing comfort measures such as changes of linen and position, back rubs, and therapeutic touch. | Relieves muscle tension and fatigue. |
Encourage routine inspection of mucous membranes for ulceration or reaction to chewing of nifedipine, if used. | Nifedipine may be irritating to the oral cavity in which case it should be swallowed whole. |
Monitor maternal and fetal vital signs. | Reflects effectiveness of interventions. |
Administer analgesics, as indicated. | Mild analgesics decreases muscle tension and discomfort. |
See Also
You may also like the following posts and care plans:
- Nursing Care Plan: The Ultimate Guide and Database – the ultimate database of nursing care plans for different diseases and conditions! Get the complete list!
- Nursing Diagnosis: The Complete Guide and List – archive of different nursing diagnoses with their definition, related factors, goals and nursing interventions with rationale.
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 Palate and Cleft Lip | 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