A nurse is caring for a client following a vacuum-assisted birth. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following complications related to vacuum-assisted birth?
A.
Constipation
B.
Urinary urgency
C.
Cervical laceration
D.
Retained placenta
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is C. Cervical laceration.
Explanation:
Vacuum-assisted birth is a type of instrumental delivery used when a vaginal birth is expected but progress is not being made, or when there are concerns about the well-being of the baby or mother. This procedure involves the use of a vacuum cup applied to the baby’s head to assist with delivery. While it can be beneficial in certain situations, it also comes with potential risks and complications that the nurse needs to be aware of.
Cervical Laceration: The application of the vacuum extractor can increase the risk of cervical lacerations. During a vacuum-assisted delivery, the traction applied to the baby’s head can place significant stress on the cervix, which may lead to tearing. This is particularly a concern if the cervix is not fully dilated or if there is excessive pulling. Monitoring for signs of cervical lacerations is crucial, as these can lead to bleeding, infection, and complications in postpartum recovery.
Constipation, Urinary Urgency, and Retained Placenta: While these are all potential issues that can arise postpartum, they are less directly associated with vacuum-assisted delivery:
- Constipation: This is a common postpartum issue but is generally related to hormonal changes, decreased physical activity, and pain medication, rather than directly related to the vacuum-assisted delivery itself.
- Urinary Urgency: While urinary changes are common after childbirth, they are usually not directly related to the use of a vacuum extractor. Postpartum urinary urgency is more often related to bladder trauma, but vacuum extraction does not typically cause this.
- Retained Placenta: This is a complication where the placenta remains in the uterus after delivery, which can lead to hemorrhage and infection. While retained placenta is a serious condition, it is not a direct complication of vacuum-assisted delivery. It is more commonly associated with issues such as uterine atony or improper separation of the placenta.
Therefore, monitoring for cervical lacerations is particularly important in the context of vacuum-assisted deliveries due to the potential trauma that can be inflicted during the procedure.