Labor and Delivery Nursing: A Guide to Evidence-Based Practice

The clinically oriented guide to nursing care during childbirth is distinguished by its strong focus on evidence-based practice as well as its engaging style and user-friendly format. It reviews the nursing process from admission to delivery focusing on proper surveillance and care, comprehensive data acquisition, interpretation, and teamwork. The second edition continues to help labor and delivery nurses make wise decisions in the delivery room, optimizing both maternal and fetal outcomes. It clearly explains the stages and phases of labor, delivery, and pain assessment and management—all supported by proven research. This text provides authoritative guidance on intervention options, creating patient-centered care plans, and improving communication with other members of the obstetrics team. New to the Second Edition:: Proper analysis of the partograph to facilitate appropriate patient interventions Updated information about clinical pelvimetry New information on psyche, including the religious, spiritual, and cultural dimensions of care Setting priorities in triage and care related to postpartum hemorrhage Identification of myths related to childbirth Individualized patient care related to fetal distress and nonreassuring fetal status Oxytocin infusion and its relationship to permanent Erb's palsy and autism Updated information on technology, including connectivity between smart IV pumps and the EMR How to distinguish functional from mechanical dystocia and intervene to enhance fetal and maternal safety Key Features:: Applies to nursing care of childbearing clients world-wide Focuses on evidence-based practices Written in engaging, easy-to-understand style for new nurses, seasoned practitioners, and nurses seeking certification Enhances effective decision-making to optimize patient care and outcomes Replete with informative references, relevant graphics, and review questions Incorporates research to clearly explain concepts and best practices Provides orientation fundamentals, checklists, and log charts