The physical, psychological, and social implications of caring for the pregnant patient and newborn with cystic fibrosis.
Cystic fibrosis (CF) involves the exocrine glands and epithelial tissues of the pancreas, sweat glands, and mucus glands in the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive tracts. Significant pulmonary disease, poor nutritional status, and pulmonary hypertension are results of chronic infections. When the woman with CF becomes pregnant, her body may find it difficult to adjust to the normal physiological changes of pregnancy, with the pulmonary, cardiovascular, and nutritional status being particularly stressed. Both the mother and the fetus are at a significant risk for increased morbidity and mortality. The woman whose life and pregnancy are compromised by CF and/or the newborn who is diagnosed with CF offer the nurse an extremely challenging situation--one in which physical and psychological care are proportional in importance. As part of the healthcare team, which includes a perinatologist, a pulmonary medicine specialist, a neonatologist, an anesthesiologist, a geneticist, a dietitian, a respiratory therapist, a social worker, an ethicist, and perhaps a clergyman, the nurse helps to coordinate and carry out the care needed for a successful outcome.
Connors
Patricia M
PM
Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA. pconnors1@partners.org
Ulles
Monica M
MM
D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000451:nursing* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D015997:Neonatal Screening; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D018743:Perinatal Care; D016742:Preconception Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000451:nursing* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D011295:Prenatal Care; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000517:prevention & control