During your clinical practicum experiences, you may have encountered a pregnant patient with a specific pregnancy-related health condition. If not, select a maternal pregnancy-related condition that would impact risk.
Answer the following questions:
1. Define and describe the health condition. Include the health impact for the mother and fetus.
2. Discuss normal physiologic changes expected based on the patient's stage and weeks in pregnancy. Differentiate abnormal signs and symptoms that would be red flags during this stage related to the condition.
3. How will you incorporate health promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health into your plan of care for this patient?
4. What is the current evidence-based practice guideline that supports your care of the maternal health condition? Is there any emerging evidence applicable for future use?
5. As the Nurse Practitioner, how will you support the patient? In addition, how will you incorporate the engagement of her support system?
Sample Answer
Define and Describe the Health Condition
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a type of diabetes that is first diagnosed during pregnancy in women who have not previously had diabetes. It occurs when the body doesn't produce enough insulin or can't effectively use the insulin it does produce (insulin resistance) to meet the increased demands of pregnancy. This leads to elevated blood glucose levels. While GDM typically resolves after delivery, it significantly increases the mother's risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Health Impact for the Mother:
Increased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM): This is the most significant long-term risk for mothers with GDM, with up to 50% developing T2DM within 5-10 years post-delivery.
Preeclampsia: GDM increases the risk of developing this serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage.
Macrosomia: Delivering a large baby (birth weight > 4000g or 8 lbs 13 oz) due to excessive fetal growth. This can lead to difficult vaginal delivery, increased risk of C-section, perineal trauma, and postpartum hemorrhage.