Final answer:
Shoulder dystocia is an emergency requiring immediate action to prevent harm to the baby or mother. Measures include repositioning the mother, applying pressure or performing episiotomy, and potentially resorting to a Caesarian section if necessary. The goal is to safely complete the delivery while considering the risks of other complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nursing Action for Shoulder Dystocia
Shoulder dystocia is a specific type of dystocia where the baby's shoulder gets stuck behind the mother's pelvic bone during delivery. It is an obstetric emergency that requires immediate attention to prevent injury to the baby or mother. When this occurs, there are specific maneuvers that can be employed by the healthcare provider to safely deliver the baby.
During the second stage of labor, where the baby is expelled from the uterus, if shoulder dystocia occurs, the birthing team may apply gentle pressure to the mother's lower abdomen or reposition the mother to help free the baby's shoulder. In some cases, the healthcare provider may perform a procedure known as episiotomy to widen the birth canal. If these interventions are not successful, a Caesarian section might be necessary for a safe delivery. Post-surgical complications for the mother are possible, and therefore Caesarian section is typically considered after other methods have been exhausted.
Synthetic oxytocin, known as Pitocin, may be administered to augment labor if labor should stop before stage two is reached, as longer labor can increase the risk of complications including dystocia. But in the case of shoulder dystocia, quick and decisive action is crucial to reduce risks to both the mother and the baby.