Component Task: Pre and Post-Operative Management of the Mother (Caesarean Section): Immediate Care

This is the care rendered by the midwife to a client before and after an emergency or a planned caesarean section.

Aims

·         Prevent complications in pregnancy

·         Prevent maternal and neonatal morbidity/mortality

Requirements

·         Operation bed

·         Vital signs tray

·         Wound dressing tray

·         Disposable gloves

·         Sterile gloves

·         Intravenous cannula

·         Intravenous fluids

·         Prescribed Medications

·         Antiseptic Lotion

·         Patient’ s Records

·         Suction apparatus

·         Drip stand

Steps

1.        Assess patient’s condition: Blood pressure, respiration, pulse, colour, level of consciousness, inspect wound for bleeding and check IV infusion

2.      Receive patient in a comfortable bed, nurse in lateral position unto fully conscious and keep airway clear

3.      Monitor pulse, respiration and blood pressure ¼ hourly then ½ hourly then hourly until fully conscious (depending on patient’s condition) and temperature every 4 hours

4.      Inspect wound ½ hourly for bleeding for 24 hours and lochia drainage from vagina ½ hourly for 24 hours

5.      Monitor intake and output and record

6.      Encourage her to eat nutritious diet of her choice

7.       Change dressing and remove stitches according to doctor’s directives

8.      Encourage early ambulation by 1st and 2nd day post operations

9.      Encourage exclusive breastfeeding

10.    Encourage warm sitz baths

11.      Counsel on personal hygiene (Bed bath, vulval toileting, perineal care, frequent hand hygiene, rest and sleep, bowel and bladder movement)

12.    Observe infection prevention measures according to IPC guidelines

13.    Administer medications as per chart

14.    Counsel mother before discharge

15.    Record all observations, procedures and progress in Maternal and Child Health Record Book (Manual/Electronic)