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Going with the Flow

Complications in Pregnancy

By Emma K. Roberts, Giuliana DiMarco, Nitish Mittal, Hannah Olvera, Breanna N. Harris

Going with the Flow


 

Abstract

In this interrupted case study, students assume the role of a first-year medical resident starting their OB-GYN rotation with “Dr. Peera.” When a patient is rushed to the ER with back pain, vaginal discharge, and severe abdominal cramps, Dr. Peera and her team determine that the patient is pregnant and likely experiencing preterm labor. Students review basic facts of pregnancy, fetal development, and physiological regulation of labor and delivery. They then use this information to discuss how to medically treat preterm labor. Once preterm labor is confirmed, students research the appropriate use of glucocorticoids and tocolytics in patient management. Finally, they are asked to consider the difficulties of treating pregnant women as drugs that impact the mother can also impact the fetus. This case study is ideally suited for a human anatomy and physiology course for undergraduates pursuing a career in the medical field, but it is also appropriate for a nursing course, and possibly in a human development or comparative physiology course.

   

Date Posted

03/28/2022

Overview

Objectives

  • Define terms and stages associated with pregnancy and development in utero.
  • Explain the role of hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, oxytocin, and prostaglandins in labor.
  • Describe premature labor and list some of the signs and symptoms.
  • Describe common drugs used in the treatment of preterm labor.
  • Construct a diagram of normal mother-fetal blood flow.
  • Examine the potential of indomethacin to cause detrimental side effects to the fetus (e.g., premature closure of the ductus arteriosus).

Keywords

Labor; delivery; pregnancy; hormones; ductus arteriosus; fetal development; tocolytic; circulation

  

Subject Headings

Biology (General)
Medicine (General)
Nursing
Physiology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Interrupted, Directed, Discussion

 

 

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