[dawnprawn]

Have just started training as a mental health nurse and have been given a scenario to find infomation about. Have been trying all day to find out stuff on the internet.I need to know which members of staff would be involved in the care of a 24yr old pregnant woman who is in a road traffic accident.She is admitted to A&E,unconscious with glass embedded in her face.She has to have an operation to remove this.I know that nurses are involved but I dont know what the procedures are or what other staff would be involved.Would she still have a scan even though she is pregnant?How do you anaethetize someone who is unconscious and pregnant?Would an obstetrician be involved?If someone could help I would be really grateful.Thanks loads

[daisybaby]

You'll need to know how many weeks pregnant she is. If it's not known, a stat ultrasound is in order as soon as the pt. is stabilized. OB's often won't get involved unless the fetus is at least 20 weeks' gestation. They are not usually seen on the OB unit before then, either, since it's difficult to trace a fetus prior to 20 weeks.

As far as anesthesia goes, it's wise to avoid general when practical, although it may be necessary to dave the pt. As harsh as it may seem, the health of the mother comes before the fetus'.

If the pt is greater than 20 weeks, at the very least she'll need:

ED trauma staff (attendings, RNs, etc)
OR staff
Plastics (for the facial trauma)
Anesthesia
OB

And possibly:

Perinatology
L&D staff
NICU
Neuro (brain injury)
Ortho (head/neck injury)

There may be more that I'm just not thinking of, it's been a long day. But this should get you started

[dawnprawn]

Originally Posted by daisybaby

You'll need to know how many weeks pregnant she is. If it's not known, a stat ultrasound is in order as soon as the pt. is stabilized. OB's often won't get involved unless the fetus is at least 20 weeks' gestation. They are not usually seen on the OB unit before then, either, since it's difficult to trace a fetus prior to 20 weeks.

As far as anesthesia goes, it's wise to avoid general when practical, although it may be necessary to dave the pt. As harsh as it may seem, the health of the mother comes before the fetus'.

If the pt is greater than 20 weeks, at the very least she'll need:

ED trauma staff (attendings, RNs, etc)
OR staff
Plastics (for the facial trauma)
Anesthesia
OB

And possibly:

Perinatology
L&D staff
NICU
Neuro (brain injury)
Ortho (head/neck injury)

There may be more that I'm just not thinking of, it's been a long day. But this should get you started

Thankyou so much.This really is a big help as it gives me a framework to go on.Thanks again