Essay On Hyperemesis Gravidarum

864 Words2 Pages

Hyperemesis Gravidarum Brooke Larsen City College at Montana State University Billings Hyperemesis Gravidarum Nausea and vomiting are especially common during early pregnancy, particularly within the first trimester. Most women experience nausea and vomiting, commonly referred to as “morning sickness”, which is often attributed to the mother’s reaction to the spike in pregnancy hormones. Although feeling ill is considered normal within the first few months of pregnancy, there are instances of nausea and vomiting that continue on to the second and third trimesters and are then considered more severe. When dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, weight loss, acidosis, or even hepatic and renal damage occur as a result of the hyperemesis, it is then determined to be hyperemesis gravidarum. “Hyperemesis gravidarum is a relatively rare coniditon, occurring in about 0.3% to 2% of all pregnancies” (Davidson, London, &Ladewig, 2012). It is described as a condition in which nausea and vomiting are so severe that they affect both the mother’s nutritional and hydration status. It is still unknown what specifically causes hyperemesis gravidarum, but it is suggested that the levels of hCG and other pregnancy hormones play a role. Signs and symptoms that the illness is in fact hyperemesis gravidarum, and not just “morning sickness”, include not being able to keep any food down, lightheadedness or fainting, electrolyte imbalances, weight loss, and dehydration. According to Davidson, London, and Ladwig, “The diagnostic criteria for hyperemesis include a history of intractable vomiting in the first half of pregnancy, dehydration, ketonuria, and a weight loss of 5% of prepregnancy weight” (Davidson, London, & Ladewig, ... ... middle of paper ... ...electrolytes. Rationale: These laboratory test results have been shown to be fair indicators of malnutrition. Ackley and Ladwig p. 576 2. Compromised family coping related to shift in health status of family member. Intervention: Serve as an advocate, mentor, and role model for caregiving. Rationale: Therapeutic use of self by the nurse and concrete task definition and assignment reinforce positive coping strategies and allow caregivers to feel less guilty when tasks are delegated to multiple caregivers. Ackley and Ladwig p. 286 3. Risk for electrolyte imbalance related to dehydration. Intervention: Teach client and family members the warning signs of dehydration, Rationale: Early signs of dehydration include thirst and cessation of perspiration, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting, lightheadedness, and orthostatic hypotension. Ackley and Ladwig p. 345

Open Document