The Journal of perinatal & neonatal nursing
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The number of women experiencing myocardial infarction (MI) in pregnancy is relatively negligible. However, the incidence of MI in pregnancy may be on the rise, and maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality is significant. While diagnosis may be difficult, perinatal nurses must be knowledgeable about the risk factors and various means of treatment for the woman and family experiencing this acute complication of pregnancy. ⋯ MI in pregnancy is rare, but can produce significant maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Challenges in diagnosis and treatment of MI in pregnancy are discussed.
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Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a rare and potentially lethal cardiac complication of pregnancy occurring in the final month of pregnancy through the first 5 months after birth. It is characterized by the development of congestive heart failure and left ventricular systolic dysfunction, in previously healthy women with no other identifiable cause for heart failure. ⋯ There is significant risk of reoccurrence in subsequent pregnancies. The purpose of this article is to review the pathophysiology, diagnosis, management, prognosis, and nursing implications of peripartum cardiomyopathy.
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J Perinat Neonatal Nurs · Jul 2006
ReviewNeonatal end-of-life care: a review of the research literature.
While advances in neonatal medicine have increased the possibility of sustaining life for many infants, more infants still die in the neonatal period (birth to 27 days of life) than those in any other time in childhood. Despite this statistic, there still remains much that is unknown about both the needs and the care of these critically ill babies. Palliative care is a viable option for many of these infants and their families. ⋯ To provide healthcare providers with an overview of palliative and end-of-life care for infants in the neonatal period, we conducted an integrative review of the current research literature. A total of 10 articles were selected for the review. Findings from these studies were summarized in 1 of 4 categories: practices of withdrawing or withholding life-sustaining treatment, pain management during ventilator withdrawal, parents and the decision-making process, and the dying process.
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J Perinat Neonatal Nurs · Apr 2006
Oxygen consumption monitoring by oxygen saturation measurements in mechanically ventilated premature neonates.
To assess oxygen consumption VO2) with arterial and venous oxygen saturation SaO2 and SvO2) from blood measurements for continuous monitoring of mechanically ventilated preterm neonates. ⋯ These findings warrant caution against interpreting VO2 from blood SvO2 and subsequent monitoring readings during mechanical ventilation for preterm neonates.