Hyperemesis gravidarum and the role of the infusion nurse

Anne M Lamondy1

  • 1Intravenous Therapy Department, Day Kimball Hospital, Putnam, CT, USA. alamondy@tree.commnet.edu

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a potentially serious complication of pregnancy that can result in severe maternal malnutrition, affects the normal growth and development of the fetus, can precipitate preterm birth, and in extreme cases, causes fetal death. The article uses a case study to review the disease process and outline the benefits of a team approach to the care of the pregnant woman and her unborn child. Treatment interventions, from dietary modifications to total parenteral nutrition, are reviewed, with a focus on the effects that normal pregnancy physiology has on infusion device selection and the total parenteral nutrition formula prescribed.

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