Premature rupture of the fetal membranes. An update for advanced practice nurses.
Advanced practice nurses in obstetric settings are frequently required to diagnose premature rupture of fetal membranes; co-management of care with physicians is becoming more common in many health care facilities. Therefore, Advanced practice nurses must have an in-depth understanding of this potentially severe obstetric complication. This article presents a review of the current literature focusing on the epidemiology, physiology, pathophysiology, prevention measures, subjective and objective assessment, diagnostic tests, and management of premature rupture of membranes. Psychosocial aspects of this event, often upsetting for the family, are also discussed.
High Risk Obstetrics of Knoxville, University of Tennessee Medical Center, 1924 Alcoa Highway, U-22, Knoxville, Tennessee 37920, USA. Bweitzbw@mc.utmck.edu
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D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012307:Risk Factors