Help with case study questions

OP, hey now... you gotta do your reading as these are so very basic questions... sorry but it is the only way. When you get on the floor, you are going to have to really know your stuff if you don't want to be pushed out of the way. Things in OB can go very very slow, or suddenly emergent with baby and mom's life on the line. You will be under the watchful eye of physician, RNs, and most importantly mom and dad. Time to step up.

If you think your reading doesn't ring true for you, you gotta get yourself an alternate book, but which ever way, its up to you.

Being a male in nursing, I feel that I have somewhat of a disadvantage as to how to relate to the OB aspect of things. Not to digress, I'm having a few problems with a few of my case study questions...

Hi. When I first read your question I was a little taken aback because of how you worded it (see above). I guess I could also say, being a female in nursing I feel that I have somewhat of a disadvantage as to how to relate to ....prostate problems, testicular cysts....(fill in the blank)

I do feel for you, being this is your first week in school! Yikes...But please don't take that kind of attitude. Throughout your career you will find that you may feel like you couldn't possibly "relate" to another because of xyz....

I think you are on the right track: go back to the simple basics; i.e. her back pain. What is important about her pain? When did it start, what was she doing when it started, does it radiate anywhere, the intensity of her pain (zero being no pain, 10 the worst pain ever...) is she having any type of discharge? And if so, what kind? You already know that she is 24 weeks, what would that imply to her unborn child (if the fetus was delievered now) Has she been able to have prenatal health care? Is she taking vitamins......?

I guess I would also recommend you read over the different texts regarding pre-term labor, the physiologic changes that occur, treatment for it etc.

Good luck!

athena

Being a male in nursing, I feel that I have somewhat of a disadvantage as to how to relate to the OB aspect of things.

I totally get you regarding being a dude in an OB rotation (shudder) but I don't see how gender relates to your case study questions.

My gender didn't relate to my case study, hence the 'not to digress' part.

I appreciate everyone's feedback. I especially appreciate athena55's words of encouragement. You all are correct to say that my gender should not be an excuse for anything. I meant to say this, "Being a male, it is more DIFFICULT to relate to the OB aspects than if I were a woman", which may not be a factual statement for all males, but it is indeed, how I feel.

Regarding the case study questions, I now understand what it was the questions were looking for.

Thank you all for your assistance.

The previous poster gave some good questions to ask...specifically regarding a discharge you want to ask if she had a gush of fluid or felt like she leaked urine. Also I would ask about pain or burning with urination, UTI is a major cause of preterm labor as is dehydration. I would ask what she had to drink that day. RN Dx would be : Anxiety, Risk for injury, risk for infection (kidney or broken water)

I dunno if this is the right place to hinge a grade and your career versus printed, published material worthy of references (and current). Just my opinion when students ask for work help (no offense )

Just to clarify, I wasn't asking for answers, I merely asking for assistance in the right direction. I figure that a good portion of this website has experienced nurses / students that may have been able to offer me assistance.

With those questions, I kind of came to a fork in the road and didn't even know where to start.

Thank you all again for your help.

Just to clarify, I wasn't asking for answers, I merely asking for assistance in the right direction. I figure that a good portion of this website has experienced nurses / students that may have been able to offer me assistance.

With those questions, I kind of came to a fork in the road and didn't even know where to start.

Thank you all again for your help.

I always recommend the library. These days, the internet has gobs of info on it, so the libe isn't quite the place to be, maybe.

I guess you could talk with other students, other women who've given birth, etc.

No experience in this area but good luck. Again, I vote for the library. Yes, I know you said you already have what you need for this time, but for the future, there should be lots of material at the library.