19.18 Learning Activities
Learning Activities
Miscarriage Case Study
Maria Lopez, a 32-year-old G2P1, presents to the emergency department at nine weeks’ gestation with complaints of vaginal spotting and mild cramping for the past two days. Maria reports that her symptoms began after lifting heavy boxes while moving into a new home. She denies passing any clots or experiencing severe pain. Her last menstrual period was nine weeks ago, and she has had no prenatal care for this pregnancy. Maria has a history of hypothyroidism, managed with levothyroxine, and a previous uncomplicated full-term delivery three years ago. On examination, her vital signs are stable, and a pelvic ultrasound reveals an intrauterine pregnancy with no fetal heartbeat. Laboratory results show a declining beta-hCG level. Maria is diagnosed with a missed miscarriage.
Questions:
- What are the priority nursing assessments for Maria upon her presentation to the emergency department?
- Based on the diagnosis of a missed miscarriage, what are the possible management options for Maria? Include medical, surgical, and expectant approaches.
- How can the nurse provide emotional support to Maria and her family during this difficult time?
- What patient education should be provided regarding signs and symptoms that require immediate medical attention following a miscarriage?
- How might Maria’s history of hypothyroidism impact her pregnancy, and what nursing interventions are appropriate to address this?
- What community resources or support groups could the nurse recommend to Maria for coping with her loss?
- HP High Risk Prenatal Care Glossary Cards by OpenRNÂ is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0 ↵
- HP High Blood Pressure Disorders in Pregnancy Match-Up by OpenRNÂ is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0 ↵
- HP Pregnancy Loss Question Set by OpenRNÂ is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0 ↵
