Psychosocial needs of the critically ill obstetric patient: the nurse's role.
A critically ill obstetric patient can present a challenging and rewarding experience for the nurse who is accustomed to caring for the typical intensive care unit patient. This patient population makes up a small percentage of the average daily census in adult critical care units across the country. The patient population accounts for less than 2% of admissions in the developed countries, and these patients experience a very low mortality rate. This article will describe those psychosocial needs and address the nurse's role in meeting the needs. A case study will be presented to provide specific points for focus.
Campbell
Patricia T
PT
Women's & Children's Services, Presbyterian Hospital, Charlotte, NC 28233, USA. ptcampbell@novanthealth.org
Rudisill
Pamela T
PT
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003422:Critical Care / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*; D016638:Critical Illness / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D017283:Neonatal Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000458:organization & administration; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology*; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D009773:Obstetric Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D018743:Perinatal Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support