NCP Perinatal Loss

Perinatal loss may occur anytime during gestation or the neonatal period. Usually when pregnancy culminates in the death of a fetus or neonate, the loss is both unexpected and devastating for the client/couple. The loss of a child that is wanted can be as traumatic (or even more traumatic) as the loss of a close adult family member or friend. This plan of care focuses on the emotional needs of the postpartal client who must cope with the death of a child.
(To be used in conjunction with routine postpartal plans of care).

CLIENT ASSESSMENT DATA BASE

Circulation
History of essential hypertension, vascular disease

Ego Integrity

Emotionally labile; anxiety, fear, shock, disbelief, depression

Elimination

Chronic nephritis

Food/Fluid

Poor maternal nutritional status

Safety

Exposure to toxic/teratogenic agents
History of traumatic event(s)
Presence of pelvic inflammatory disease, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or exposure to contagious diseases, such as rubella, cytomegalovirus, active herpes
Premature rupture of membranes
Abnormalities of placenta/cord noted at delivery
ABO incompatibility

Sexuality

Bicornate or septate uterus, uterine fibroid tumors (leiomyoma), or other abnormalities of the maternal reproductive organs
Occurrence of traumatic delivery; intrapartal complications

Teaching/Learning

May report medication, drug (including alcohol) use or abuse
Family history of genetic conditions

DIAGNOSTIC STUDIES

(Refer to CP: Genetic Counseling.)

NURSING PRIORITIES

1. Facilitate the grieving process.
2. Provide information regarding events surrounding the loss and future implications.

DISCHARGE GOALS

1. Supports identified and in place
2. Plans made for disposition of infant’s body
3. Demonstrated progress in dealing with grief at own pace