JNCLEX-RM (Jordan) key terms

The time elapsed since the first day of the last menstrual period, expressed in completed weeks. It guides screening schedules, fetal viability decisions, and timing of interventions such as induction or antenatal corticosteroid administration.

The calculated expected birth date, commonly derived from the last menstrual period using Naegele's rule or from first-trimester ultrasound. It anchors appointment scheduling, growth assessment, and post-term surveillance.

The measurement of the embryo or fetus from head to rump on ultrasound, most accurate for dating between roughly 7 and 13 weeks. It provides the most reliable basis for assigning gestational age when performed early.

The distance in centimetres from the pubic symphysis to the top of the uterus, measured with a tape from about 20 weeks. It is plotted against gestational age to screen for growth restriction or excess liquor.

The handheld record in which Jordanian maternity services document visits, investigations, blood pressure, weight, and risk factors. The woman carries it between facilities so that any receiving midwife or physician can review her history.

The first comprehensive antenatal appointment, ideally in the first trimester. It establishes dating, takes a full history, arranges baseline investigations, and identifies risk factors that determine the schedule and place of care.

The structured process of identifying factors in history, examination, or investigations that predict complications and therefore change the recommended place or frequency of care. It is repeated at every contact because risk can change.

Whether a pregnant woman's red cells carry the D antigen. Rh-negative women need anti-D immunoglobulin after potentially sensitising events and in the third trimester to prevent haemolytic disease of the newborn.

An antibody preparation given intramuscularly to Rh-negative women to clear fetal Rh-positive red cells before the immune system mounts a response. Timing and dose depend on the bleed size and gestational age.

A maternal blood test that quantifies the volume of fetal red cells in the maternal circulation after a sensitising event. The result determines whether the standard anti-D dose must be increased.

Measurement of maternal haemoglobin at booking and again around 28 weeks to detect anaemia. Low values are treated with iron, because anaemia worsens tolerance of postpartum haemorrhage and increases transfusion need.

Glucose intolerance first recognised during pregnancy, diagnosed by oral glucose tolerance testing. It requires dietary advice, glucose monitoring, and often insulin, and increases risks of macrosomia, shoulder dystocia, and neonatal hypoglycaemia.

A pregnancy-specific disorder of new hypertension after 20 weeks plus proteinuria or other organ dysfunction. It can progress rapidly to eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, or placental abruption, so surveillance and timely birth are central.

The occurrence of generalised seizures in a woman with pre-eclampsia, without another identifiable cause. It is an obstetric emergency requiring airway protection, magnesium sulfate, blood pressure control, and planning for birth.

Haemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelets complicating pregnancy, often with right upper quadrant pain and malaise. It is a severe variant of pre-eclampsia needing urgent specialist review and usually delivery.

The drug of choice for preventing and treating eclamptic seizures and for fetal neuroprotection in preterm birth. Nurses and midwives must monitor respiratory rate, deep tendon reflexes, and urine output for toxicity.

The antidote given intravenously for magnesium sulfate toxicity, indicated by absent reflexes, respiratory depression, or oliguria. It must be immediately available wherever magnesium infusions are administered.

The period from the onset of regular painful contractions until the cervix reaches about 5 cm dilatation. Progress is variable, so prolonged latent phase is managed with support and reassurance rather than automatic intervention.

The phase from about 5 cm dilatation to full dilatation, when contractions become stronger and more regular. Slower than expected dilatation prompts review of position, hydration, analgesia, and fetal wellbeing.

A single-sheet graphic record of cervical dilatation, fetal head descent, contractions, and maternal and fetal observations plotted against time. It helps detect slow progress and prompts timely referral before obstructed labour develops.

The opening of the cervix measured in centimetres from 0 to 10, assessed by vaginal examination during labour. Serial measurements plotted over time show whether labour is progressing adequately.

Simultaneous electronic recording of fetal heart rate and uterine contractions. Interpretation uses baseline rate, variability, accelerations, and decelerations to classify the trace as normal, suspicious, or pathological and to guide action.

The fluctuation in fetal heart rate around the baseline, normally 5 to 25 beats per minute. Reduced variability may reflect fetal sleep, drugs such as opioids, or hypoxia and requires contextual assessment.

A gradual fall in fetal heart rate that begins after the peak of a contraction and returns after it ends. It suggests uteroplacental insufficiency and calls for maternal repositioning, stopping oxytocin, and urgent obstetric review.

Intermittent listening to the fetal heart with a hand-held Doppler or Pinard stethoscope, counted for a full minute after a contraction. It is the standard surveillance method in low-risk labour where continuous CTG is not indicated.

The recommended frequency of listening to the fetal heart in uncomplicated labour, typically every 15 to 30 minutes in the first stage and every 5 minutes or after each contraction in the second stage.

The period from birth of the baby to expulsion of the placenta, managed actively with a prophylactic uterotonic, controlled cord traction, and assessment of blood loss. It reduces postpartum haemorrhage compared with expectant management.

A technique in active third-stage management in which the cord is kept under gentle tension while suprapubic counter-pressure stabilises the uterus, aiding placental delivery. It must be abandoned if resistance or undue pain occurs.

Blood loss of 500 mL or more after vaginal birth, or 1000 mL or more after caesarean, or any loss causing haemodynamic compromise. Uterine atony is the commonest cause and the first thing to treat.

Failure of the uterus to contract and retract after birth of the placenta, causing heavy bleeding from the placental site. Management includes uterine massage, uterotonics, bladder emptying, and escalation if bleeding continues.

A mechanical manoeuvre in which one hand compresses the uterus through the abdomen while the other compresses the anterior wall vaginally or intrauterine. It buys time while uterotonics and definitive treatment are arranged.

An antifibrinolytic drug given intravenously within three hours of postpartum haemorrhage onset to reduce death from bleeding. It is an adjunct to, not a substitute for, uterotonics and mechanical measures.

A synthetic uterotonic used for labour induction or augmentation and, at a lower dose, for prophylaxis in the third stage. High-alert practice requires accurate infusion preparation, pump use, and continuous fetal monitoring.

Excessive contraction frequency, duration, or resting tone during induced or augmented labour, often with fetal heart rate abnormalities. It requires stopping or reducing oxytocin, repositioning the woman, and urgent review.

A drug carrying heightened risk of serious harm when used in error, such as oxytocin, insulin, magnesium sulfate, or concentrated potassium. Independent double-checks and standard concentrations are expected safeguards.

A verification in which two qualified clinicians separately calculate and inspect a medication and its route before administration, without one simply confirming the other's conclusion. It is required for high-alert drugs in maternity care.

The newborn's ability to balance heat production and loss, which is limited by a large surface area and little insulating fat. Prompt drying, skin-to-skin contact, and hats prevent hypothermia and its metabolic consequences.

Placing the naked newborn prone on the mother's bare chest and covering both. It supports thermoregulation, breastfeeding initiation, and bonding, and is recommended immediately after birth for stable mother and baby.

Waiting at least one minute, or until pulsation stops, before clamping the umbilical cord in a stable newborn. It improves iron stores and transitional circulation while the baby remains warm and monitored.

Abnormally low blood glucose in the newborn, more likely in preterm, growth-restricted, or infants of diabetic mothers. Signs include jitteriness, poor feeding, and lethargy, and treatment is early feeding or intravenous glucose.

Cleaning hands with alcohol-based rub or soap and water at the World Health Organization's five moments. It is the single most effective measure for preventing maternal and neonatal healthcare-associated infection.

Routine infection-control practices applied to all patients regardless of diagnosis, including hand hygiene, gloves, gowns, sharps safety, and safe waste disposal. They are the baseline for every maternity contact.

A set of practices that keeps equipment and sterile fields free from microorganisms during invasive procedures such as catheterisation, cannulation, or perineal repair. Breaks in technique must be corrected before proceeding.

An accidental needlestick or cut from contaminated equipment, carrying risk of bloodborne virus transmission. Immediate washing, reporting, source assessment, and post-exposure prophylaxis within hours are required.

Short-course antiretroviral medication started as soon as possible, ideally within hours, after occupational exposure to HIV. It is combined with risk assessment, baseline testing, and follow-up serology.

A person's voluntary agreement after receiving and understanding information about a procedure's purpose, risks, alternatives, and consequences. In maternity care it is an ongoing conversation and can be withdrawn at any time.

The professional duty to keep a woman's health information private and share it only with those involved in her care or as required by law. It applies to records, conversations, and digital systems alike.

The midwife's responsibility for her own actions, decisions, and competence, including recognising limits and escalating when a situation exceeds her scope. It is judged against professional standards and the law.

The range of activities a midwife is educated, authorised, and competent to perform under national regulation. Working beyond it without supervision or referral is unsafe and may be unlawful.

The agreed route by which a midwife transfers responsibility for a woman or newborn to a physician or higher-level facility, with structured handover. Delay in referral is a recurring contributor to maternal deaths.

The requirement to record care accurately, legibly, contemporaneously, and objectively, including observations, advice given, and actions taken. Records are both a clinical tool and legal evidence.