Maternal and Child Health Nursing
Core concepts
Maternal-child questions cover pregnancy, labor and delivery, postpartum, newborn, and pediatric growth. Know prenatal danger signs (vaginal bleeding, severe headache with visual changes suggesting preeclampsia, decreased fetal movement, rupture of membranes before term). Understand labor stages, fetal monitoring (late decelerations suggest uteroplacental insufficiency; variable decelerations suggest cord compression), and postpartum hemorrhage (uterine atony is the most common cause; massage the fundus). Newborn priorities include airway, temperature regulation, and glucose. Pediatric concepts include growth milestones, dehydration signs (sunken fontanel, decreased wet diapers), and vaccine schedules at a general level.
Traps
Distinguish expected from dangerous findings. Mild edema and Braxton Hicks contractions are expected; severe headache, visual changes, or bleeding are not. Questions may ask what to do first for a newborn - always dry, warm, and stimulate breathing.
Rule of thumb
In pregnancy, bleeding, severe headache, visual changes, or decreased fetal movement warrant immediate reporting.
Worked example
A 34-week client reports a severe headache and blurred vision with BP 160/100. Priority: notify the provider immediately - these suggest preeclampsia and risk of seizure.