Cesarean Section Overview
A Caesarean section, (also called C-section, Caesarian section, Cesarean section, Caesar, etc.) is a surgical procedure in which one or more incisions are made through a mother's abdomen (laparotomy) and uterus (hysterotomy) to deliver one or more babies, or, rarely, to remove a dead fetus.
A late-term abortion using Caesarean section procedures is termed a hysterotomy abortion and is very rarely performed. The first modern Caesarean section was performed by German gynecologist Ferdinand Adolf Kehrer in 1881. (Wikipedia.org)
A Caesarean section is usually performed when a vaginal delivery would put the baby's or mother's life or health at risk; although in recent times it has been also performed upon request for childbirths that could otherwise have been natural. In recent years the rate has risen to a record level of 46% in China and to levels of 25% and above in many Asian and European countries, Latin America, and the United States.
Cesarean birth is an alternative to vaginal birth only when the safety of the mother and/or fetus is compromised.
Currently, cesarean birth is used most often as a prophylactic measure, to alleviate problems of birth such as cephalopelvic disproportion or failure to progress in labor.
Here is a sample of nursing care plan for cesarean section patient.
Nursing Care Plan for Cesarean Section | Nursing Priorities;
Nursing Priorities | Nursing Care Plan for Cesarean Section
- Promote maternal/fetal well-being.
- Provide client/couple with necessary information.
- Support client’s/couple’s desires to participate actively in birth experience.
- Prepare client for surgical procedure.
- Prevent complications.
Nursing Care Plan for Cesarean Section | Nursing Diagnosis for Cesarean Section
Nursing Care Plan for Cesarean Section | Nursing Diagnosis for Cesarean Section; Desired Outcomes
Nursing Diagnosis for Cesarean Section:
- Knowledge deficit [Learning Need], regarding surgical procedure, expectations, postoperative regimen
May Be Related To:
- Lack of exposure/unfamiliarity with information, misinterpretation
Possibly Evidenced By:
- Request for information, statement of misconception, exaggerated behaviors
Desired Outcomes/Evaluation Criteria | Nursing Care Plan for Cesarean Section
Client Will:
- Verbalize understanding of indications for cesarean birth.
- Recognize this as an alternative childbirth method to obtain healthiest outcome possible.
Nursing Care Plan for Cesarean Section | Nursing Interventions for Cesarean Section
Nursing Care Plan for Cesarean Section | Nursing Interventions for Cesarean Section and Rationale;
Nursing Interventions for Cesarean Sections and Rationale
- Assess learning needs. Rationale: This birth method is discussed in prepared childbirth classes, but many clients fail to retain the information because it has no personal significance at the time. Clients having a repeat cesarean delivery may not clearly remember or understand the details of their previous delivery. Note: Some facilities provide cesarean preparation classes for those undergoing planned procedure.
- Note stress level and whether procedure was planned or unplanned. Rationale: Identifies client’s/couple’s readiness to incorporate information.
- Provide accurate information in simple terms, clarify misconceptions. Encourage couple to ask questions and verbalize their understanding. Rationale: Stress of the situation can interfere with client’s ability to take in/comprehend information needed to make informed decisions. Provides an opportunity to evaluate client’s/couple’s understanding of situation. Note: Native Americans may fear procedure based on history of unwanted sterilization associated with consent for surgery.
- Review indications necessitating alternative birth method. Rationale: Currently approximately one in five or six deliveries is a cesarean birth; and although one of CDC’s goals for Healthy America 2000 is to reduce the rate to 15% or less, the procedure should be viewed as an alternative, not an abnormal situation, to enhance maternal/fetal safety and well-being.
- Describe preoperative procedures in advance, and provide rationale as appropriate. Rationale: Information allows client to anticipate events and understand reasons for interventions/actions.
- Provide postoperative teaching; including demonstration of leg exercises, coughing/deep breathing; splinting technique; and abdominal tightening exercises. Rationale: Provides techniques to prevent complications related to venous stasis and hypostatic pneumonia, and to decrease stress on operative site. Abdominal tightening decreases discomfort associated with gas formation and abdominal distension.
- Discuss anticipated sensations during delivery and recovery period. Rationale: Knowing what to expect and what is “normal” helps prevent unnecessary concern.
This is a sample of Maternity Nursing: Nursing Care Plan for Cesarean Section.
