Patient Comfort Measures
Women with hyperemesis are very miserable and deserve to be
treated with great compassion. Extra measures taken to give
her comfort are beneficial both physically and psychologically.
- Make sure that intravenous fluids are warmed before administration to avoid discomfort
and calorie loss due to shivering.
- Offer warmed blankets and a bed (v. reclining chair).
- If multiple sticks are required for
an IV, use Lidocaine and utilize most skilled personnel to
avoid scarring.
Remember: Most HG patients require multiple admissions
for each pregnancy!
- Give antiemetics and vitamins PO,
IV or PR, avoid IM injections due to muscle atrophy and
discomfort.
- Minimize noise and odors, as well as interruptions to her
rest.
- Order a PT consult for education
on progressive exercise to minimize atrophy. Remember: This
patient will soon
have an infant(s) that
will require a lot of
lifting and care - atrophy will impair her significantly,
thus requiring more assistance!
- Keep stimuli to a minimum (light, noise, odors, interruptions)
and room temperature comfortable for patient.
- Daily weights
are not necessary for most patients during
an extended stay. Consider qod weights.
- Offer her the chance to express her feelings in an atmosphere
of compassion and empathy.
- Take her complaints seriously and do all you can to help
her cope with the misery, stress, and discomfort.
Updated on:
Aug. 09, 2006 |
