Nurs340_Definitions_Ch26

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abortion

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Pregnancy that ends before the state's legal limit, usually 20 weeks, either spontaneously or electively. Fetal death (later than abortion) occurs at 20 weeks or more by National Center for Health Statistics criteria but varies by state laws. Miscarriage is a lay term for a spontaneous abortion and is frequently used by professionals.

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antiphospholipid antibodies

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Autoimmune antibodies directed against phospholipids in cell membranes, associated with recurrent spontaneous abortion, fetal loss, and severe preeclampsia.

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bicornuate (bicornate) uterus

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Malformed uterus having two horns.

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caudal regression syndrome

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Malformation that results when the sacrum, lumbar spine, and lower extremities fail to develop.

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cerclage

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Encircling of the cervix with suture to prevent recurrent spontaneous abortion caused by early cervical dilation.

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congestive heart failure

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Condition resulting from failure of the heart to maintain adequate circulation, characterized by weakness, dyspnea, and edema in body parts lower than the heart.

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culdocentesis

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Needle puncture through the upper posterior vaginal wall (cul-de-sac of Douglas) to aspirate blood or fluid from the pelvic cavity.

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diabetogenic

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Producing the effects of diabetes mellitus. Diabetogenic conditions include pregnancy.

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dilation and curettage (D&C)

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Stretching the cervical os to permit suctioning or scraping of the walls of the uterus. The procedure is performed in abortion (spontaneous or elective), to obtain samples of uterine lining tissue for laboratory examination, and during the postpartum period to remove retained fragments of placenta.

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dystocia

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Difficult or prolonged labor, often associated with abnormal uterine activity and cephalopelvic disproportion.

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erythroblastosis fetalis

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Agglutination and hemolysis of fetal erythrocytes caused by incompatibility between maternal and fetal blood. In most cases the fetus is Rh-positive and the mother is Rh-negative. Other maternal-fetal blood incompatibilities can produce similar effects.

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euglycemia

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Normal blood glucose level.

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gestational trophoblastic disease

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A spectrum of diseases that includes benign hydatidiform mole and gestational trophoblastic tumors, such as invasive moles and choriocarcinoma.

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gluconeogenesis

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Formation of glycogen by the liver from noncarbohydrate sources, such as amino acids or fatty acids.

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hydramnios

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Excess volume of amniotic fluid (more than 2000 mL at term). Also called polyhydramnios.

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hypovolemic shock

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Acute peripheral circulatory failure caused by loss of circulating blood volume.

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kernicterus

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Staining of brain tissue caused by accumulation of unconjugated bilirubin in the brain. Also called bilirubin encephalopathy.

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ketosis

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Accumulation of ketone bodies (metabolic products) in the blood; frequently associated with acidosis.

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laparoscopy

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Insertion of an illuminated tube (laparoscope) into the abdominal cavity to observe contents, locate bleeding, and perform surgical procedures.

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lipogenic substance

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Substance, such as insulin, that stimulates the production of fat.

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maceration

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Discoloration and softening of tissues and eventual disintegration of a fetus retained in the uterus after its death.

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Marfan syndrome

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A hereditary condition that involves weakness in connective tissue, bones, and muscles. The vascular system is affected, particularly the aorta.

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osmotic diuresis

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Secretion and passage of large amounts of urine as a result of increased osmotic pressure that can result from hyperglycemia.

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perinatologist

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A physician who specializes in the care of the mother, fetus, and infant during the perinatal period (from the 20th week of pregnancy to 4 weeks after childbirth). Often known as maternal-fetal medicine specialist.

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seroconversion

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Change in a blood test result from negative to positive, indicating the development of antibodies in response to infection or immunization.

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vacuum curettage (vacuum aspiration)

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Removal of the uterine contents by application of a vacuum through a hollow curette or cannula introduced into the uterus.

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vasoconstriction

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Narrowing of the lumen of blood vessels.