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Option Ultrasound Directors

This area is for Pregnancy Resource Centers wanting to get started in the OUP program or needing information pertinent to the program.

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Knowledge Base for First Trimester Nursing

by Sanctity of Human Life Dept

This list is intended to benefit all staff/volunteer nurses in our setting. It does not include the added knowledge one needs to perform limited ultrasound exams. As this model has developed, we are learning that many aspects of our patient care are unique to our setting. Except in a fertility clinic, most obstetrical nursing is focused on the second and third trimesters. Because we are focused on caring for patients in the decision-making phase of pregnancy (often first trimester), we need to become specialists in the aspects of nursing that will be of greatest benefit to our patients.

In many ways we are developing a new specialty that we call a "First Trimester Nursing Specialty." Listed below is a rudimentary list of topics nurses should consider in a pregnancy help clinic.

Note: This list is intended to benefit all staff/volunteer nurses in our setting. It does not include the added knowledge one needs to perform limited ultrasound exams.,

Female Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology

A. Normal/abnormal physiology

B. Pregnancy physiology

Menstrual cycle
a. Ovulation
b. Conception and implantation
c. Causes for amenorrhea (besides pregnancy)
HCG levels
a. Normal levels
b. Abnormal levels and possible causes
Ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage
a. Signs/symptoms
b. Assessment and instructions for patient
Rh factor- Rh negative
a. What it is
b. Why it is a risk factor in abortion or miscarriage
c. Explanation/instructions for patient
Screening tests
a. Knowledge of screening tests such as Triple Screen
b. Explanation to patient of what risk factors mean
c. Ability to resource patient to accurate/unbiased interpretation

Contraception

Birth control pills

Causes for failure
Action of drug
a. Effect of certain antibiotics on efficacy
b. Effect of long term use on menstrual cycle

Depo-provera and Norplant

Effect on menstrual cycle
Side effects
Concerns if pregnant on depo or norplant

Emergency contraceptives-morning after pill

Action of pill prior to and after ovulation
Handling of phone calls for ECP

Other contraceptives

Understand action/failure rate

Understand clinic policy regarding birth control and single women

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Know signs/symptoms

STDs and testing related to abortion/future reproductive health

STDs and ectopic pregnancy risk

Abortion Techniques Which techniques are currently done in your area

How to assess for laminaria removal

Pregnancy Testing Understand action and accuracy of pregnancy test

Know reasons for incorrect results

Assess for accuracy of test result/need for retest

Medical Risk Management Utilize trained nurses for phone triage

Have charting guidelines and train all staff/volunteers in charting procedures

Maintain phone log for medical advice given

Follow assessment tools to determine abortion vulnerability-

refer women who are not your focus.

Community Resources Know the system and agencies in your area

Know people for referrals

Medical specialists who are life affirming
Churches with counseling/support group programs
Physicians who are life affirming for prenatal care

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