johj

I work in an OB unit and have questions regarding the out/pt Cytotec use. The OB/GYN's want to start this. The procedure would be that the pt. would have been recently assessed in the office to have this done. They need to be 38 weeks, other criteria also. The nurses would do an NST and once reactive give them cytotec either PO or lady partslly. They would be monitored for approx 4 hrs. They would get up and walk for a bit also. Then if they fit the discharge criteria, they can go home without being seen by a physician. We do not have residents at our facility. The physician would be called initally for the medication order though. I would like to hear your thoughts on this.

I have worked in a L & D for almost twenty years. I have yet to see a cut on the newborn from a C/S but I have seen red marks or bruises. If it is a difficult delivery of the baby, the OB/GYN's hands can scratch or bruise a part of the newborns body. But this is also rare. It usually goes away in a couple of days.

I manage an OB unit. The nurses there are expected to listen for one full minute when doing VS on newborns. That way they can assess for murmurs. I agree that closing your eyes can work, or tapping your finger. Tapping your finger is also a good practice to get into because when doing resuscitation, it is good to let others who are assisting count what the heartbeat is by looking at your finger. That helps them to know whether they need to continue or change their interventions. Good Luck!!!!