Emergency Preparedness in Obstetrics: The Role of Nurses in Managing Unforeseen Complications

Jenifer Scroggins

doi:10.35841/AAICCN-8.1.247

Commentary - Journal of Intensive and Critical Care Nursing (2025) Volume 8, Issue 1

Emergency Preparedness in Obstetrics: The Role of Nurses in Managing Unforeseen Complications

Jenifer Scroggins ^*

School of Nursing, Columbia University, USA

*Corresponding Author:: Jenifer Scroggins
School of Nursing, Columbia University, USA
E-mail: j.scro@cumc.columbia.edu

Received: 02-Feb -2025, Manuscript No. AAICCN-25-161349; Editor assigned: 03-Feb-2025, PreQC No. AAICCN-25-161349 (PQ); Reviewed:16-Feb-2025, QC No. AAICCN-25-161349; Revised:22-Feb-2025, Manuscript No. AAICCN-25-161349 (R); Published:28-Feb-2025, DOI:10.35841/AAICCN-8.1.247

Citation: Scroggins J. Emergency preparedness in obstetrics: The role of nurses in managing unforeseen complications. J Intensive Crit Care Nurs. 2025;8(1):247

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Introduction

Obstetrics involves the care of women during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period, with a focus on ensuring both maternal and fetal health. While most pregnancies are uneventful, unforeseen complications can arise that require immediate and expert intervention. In these critical situations, obstetric nurses play a crucial role in managing and responding to emergencies, ensuring that both the mother and the baby receive timely, high-quality care. Emergency preparedness is key in handling obstetric emergencies, and nurses, as frontline healthcare providers, are integral in these efforts. This article explores the role of nurses in emergency preparedness within obstetrics, focusing on their responsibilities in managing unforeseen complications [1].

Emergency preparedness in obstetrics refers to the proactive planning and training that healthcare professionals undergo to effectively respond to unexpected complications that may arise during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), maternal and newborn emergencies contribute significantly to global morbidity and mortality rates, particularly in low-resource settings. Complications such as hemorrhage, preeclampsia, shoulder dystocia, and umbilical cord prolapse can rapidly escalate into life-threatening situations. The ability to identify, assess, and respond to these emergencies quickly is essential for saving lives and improving outcomes for both the mother and the baby [2].

Effective emergency preparedness reduces the likelihood of adverse outcomes and ensures that healthcare teams are well-equipped to manage complications efficiently. Obstetric nurses are often the first to identify and manage these complications, providing critical support to the mother, ensuring the safety of the baby, and collaborating with the multidisciplinary team for advanced interventions [3].

Postpartum hemorrhage is one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide, characterized by excessive bleeding after childbirth. Obstetric nurses must be trained to recognize the early signs of PPH, such as excessive vaginal bleeding, low blood pressure, and tachycardia, which indicate a drop in blood volume. Once identified, nurses promptly initiate interventions, such as administering uterotonics (e.g., oxytocin), massaging the uterus, and positioning the patient to maximize blood flow. In more severe cases, the nurse works closely with the obstetrician to prepare for surgical interventions or blood transfusions, ensuring that the mother receives optimal care [4].

Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder that can develop during pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage. If untreated, preeclampsia can progress to eclampsia, a more severe form of the condition, marked by seizures. Nurses are essential in monitoring blood pressure, assessing symptoms such as headache, vision changes, and proteinuria, and promptly notifying the medical team if preeclampsia or eclampsia is suspected. Nurses also administer medications as prescribed, such as magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures, and prepare for emergency delivery if necessary. Their role in early detection and timely intervention can prevent maternal and fetal complications [5].

Shoulder dystocia occurs when the baby's shoulder becomes stuck behind the mother's pubic bone during delivery, potentially compromising the baby’s oxygen supply and causing nerve damage. Obstetric nurses play a key role in managing this obstetric emergency by recognizing the signs of shoulder dystocia and immediately notifying the obstetrician. They assist in performing maneuvers such as the McRoberts maneuver (flexing the mother’s legs to her abdomen) or applying suprapubic pressure to help release the baby’s shoulder. Nurses also prepare for resuscitation of the newborn if necessary, ensuring a swift and coordinated response to this time-sensitive situation [6].

Umbilical cord prolapse occurs when the umbilical cord slips ahead of the baby in the birth canal, leading to cord compression, which can cause fetal distress. The nurse’s primary role is to recognize the signs of cord prolapse—such as abnormal fetal heart rate patterns—and act immediately by relieving pressure on the cord. This may involve repositioning the mother to a knee-chest position or performing a manual procedure to keep the cord elevated off the fetus. The nurse also assists in preparing for an emergency cesarean section if vaginal delivery is no longer safe [7].

Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare but life-threatening emergency that occurs when amniotic fluid enters the maternal bloodstream, causing an allergic-like reaction. Symptoms include sudden hypotension, respiratory distress, and cardiac arrest. Nurses must respond quickly to support the patient by maintaining airway management, administering oxygen, and preparing for advanced life support measures. Nurses are also essential in ensuring that the multidisciplinary team is ready to provide intensive care, including resuscitation, blood transfusions, and emergency delivery if necessary [8].

Simulation-based training is an effective method to prepare obstetric nurses for emergencies. High-fidelity mannequins and simulated scenarios replicate real-life obstetric emergencies, allowing nurses to practice critical decision-making and hands-on interventions. Simulation training enhances teamwork and communication, ensuring that nurses are equipped to act swiftly and confidently when emergencies arise [9].

Obstetric units must conduct regular drills to simulate emergency situations and practice proper protocols. Drills allow nurses to familiarize themselves with updated guidelines, refine their skills, and identify potential gaps in their knowledge. Continuous education and access to the latest evidence-based practices help nurses stay informed about advancements in obstetric emergency care [10].

Conclusion

In obstetric care, emergencies can arise unexpectedly, and the role of nurses in managing unforeseen complications is crucial to ensuring the health and safety of both mothers and babies. From recognizing signs of complications to implementing timely interventions, obstetric nurses are essential in managing emergencies such as postpartum hemorrhage, preeclampsia, shoulder dystocia, and umbilical cord prolapse. Their preparedness, expertise, and collaborative approach can significantly improve outcomes in high-risk situations. As healthcare advances, ongoing training, simulation-based learning, and adherence to updated protocols will continue to prepare nurses to effectively manage obstetric emergencies, ultimately saving lives and ensuring the best possible care for all patients.