The following is a description of important pre-abortion procedures to be conducted by a licensed health care provider. Sources for the information are also included.
Physician Counseling
Laboratory Testing
Ultrasound
Glossary
Sources
Pregnancy Test
Blood type
Ultrasound detects difference in tissue density by directing high-frequency sound waves into tissue and measuring the reflected echoes from the internal structures. The result is an image of the fetus and intrauterine environment. Real time imaging offers the benefit of being able to visualize fetal breathing, tone, movement, urination and heart activity. A targeted ultrasound scan offers a detailed study of fetal anatomy. Ultrasound is a valuable tool for assessing fetal age and growth, and ectopic pregnancy.
Anemia: Reduced number of red blood cells or hemoglobin.
Ectopic pregnancy: Implantation of the fertilized ovum outside of its normal place in the uterine cavity. Locations include the abdomen, uterine (fallopian) tubes, and ovaries.
Fetal anatomy: The organs and structures inside the body of the fetus.
Gestational age: In fetal development, the number of completed weeks counting from the first day of the last normal menstrual period or as determined by ultrasound.
Hematocrit: A blood test to measure the volume of red blood cells.
Hemoglobin: A blood test to measure the ability of the red blood cells to carry oxygen to vital organs.
High frequency sound waves: Sound that has a higher frequency than humans can hear. The sound waves bounce off an object and produce an echo that can be seen on a screen.
Intrauterine environment: Refers to the placenta, amniotic sac and fluids surrounding the fetus.
Medical history: Information that details any medical concerns, illnesses, surgeries, etc. that have occurred prior to this event.
Psychosocial history: Information that details psychological or social events in your life.
Real time imaging: This type of ultrasound provides pictures of the fetus in motion.
Rh factor: A protein or marker on a red blood cell. If it is present, you are Rh +. If it is not present, you are Rh -.
Rhesus immunoglobulin: Solution of blood protein that contains Rh antibodies. This prevents sensitization of Rh-negative women who have been exposed to Rh positive red blood cells.
Medfusion: Connecting Physicians and Patients Online
Ingalls and Salerno's Maternal and Child Health Nursing, Ninth Edition
Julie C. Novak, DNSc, RN, CPNP; Betty L. Broom, PhD, RN
Mosby, Inc. 1999
Clinical Policy Guidelines 2002
National Guideline Clearinghouse
www.guideline.gov
Maternal-Infant Nursing Care, Third Edition
Elizabeth Jean Dickason, RN, MA, Med; Bonnie Lang Silverman, RNC, MS, NNP; Judith A. Kaplan, RN, ACCE, PhD
Mosby, Inc. 1999
Maternity Nursing, Fifth Edition
Deitra Leonard Lowdermilk, RNC, PhD, FAAN; Shannon E. Perry, RN PhD, FAAN; Irene M. Bobak, RN PhD, FAAN
Mosby, Inc. 1999
