Help with case study questions

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Specializes in Board Certified.

Hey all, I recently started my 4th block of my 5 block program and this semester we're doing our OB/Peds rotations. 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...

As far as what the case study is about, it really has no background information other than you're working with a young female woman who is 24 weeks ga. She has presented with lower back pain and Braxton Hicks contractions.

The first question I'm having a problem with is:

List at least 5 questions the nurse needs to ask the patient about her back pain to begin to assess the necessity of coming to the clinic at this time.

While this question may seem simple, I feel like it's trying to relate her back pain to the possibility to her having a pre-term labor. I mean, I could ask the basics, but are there any specific questions that I might want to ask her to r/o the possibility of pre-term labor? Is there something I should be thinking about?

Next ?

If the nurse suspects pre-term labor, what should she advise the patient to do?

Besides the obvious answer of running to the hospital to prepare for birth, is there something else the nurse should advise?

Next ?

Identify 2 nursing diagnoses that apply to the patient by this time.

Being my first week in school, I don't really know any specific OB nursing diagnoses. The only ones I can think of are:

At risk for dehydration r/t (???????) A/E/B Braxton Hicks contractions, and patient's lack of thirst.

And....

Well, I really can't think of one because NO subjective information is given about the patient. Basically, we've been given the case study questions and told to use our book or other resources to answer the questions...

Any help is appreciated, thanks much!

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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.

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Specializes in critical care: trauma/oncology/burns.
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

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.
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.
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Specializes in Board Certified.
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.

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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)

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Specializes in Addictions, Acute Psychiatry.

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 :o)

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Specializes in Board Certified.

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.

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Specializes in Board Certified.

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.

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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.

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