Hospitalization
The following procedures and equipment are typical
during a hospital stay:
- Taking Vital Signs:
These include her temperature, blood pressure, pulse
(counting her heartbeats), and respirations (counting
her
breaths). A stethoscope is used to listen to her heart
and lungs. Her blood pressure is taken by wrapping a
cuff
around her arm.
- IV:
A tube placed in her vein for giving medicine or
fluids. It will be capped or have tubing connected to
it.
- ECG:
Also called a heart monitor, an electrocardiograph
(e-lec-tro-CAR-dee-o-graf), or EKG. The patches on her
chest are hooked up to a TV-type screen or a small portable
box (telemetry unit). This screen shows a tracing of each
heartbeat. Her heart will be watched for signs of injury
or damage resulting from her illness.
- Blood:
Usually taken from a vein in her hand or from the
bend in her elbow. Tests will be done on her blood.
- Medicines:
She may get medicines by shot, in her IV, or in
her rectum as a suppository.
- Monitoring the Baby's Heartbeat:
If it is late in her pregnancy, she will have a
loose-fitting belt strapped around her abdomen. The belt
secures a patch which is attached to a machine with a
TV-type
screen. This screen shows a tracing of the baby's heartbeat.
The baby's heartbeat may be monitored all the time during
the early part of her hospital stay. As she improves,
a
tracing may be taken several times a day.
- Urine Tests:
She will be asked to urinate in a container. Hospital
personnel will measure and test her urine to make sure
she are getting enough liquids. Do not throw away her urine
unless her nurses have given the okay.
- Other Tests:
She may have tests of her liver, kidney, pancreas,
and bowels to find reasons for the vomiting.
- Weight:
She will be weighed daily to see if there have been
any changes.
- Food:
Until her vomiting stops, she may not be given
any meals. Instead, she will receive food and vitamins
through her IV. She can slowly begin to drink and eat
small amounts
of food when her vomiting has stopped.
- Emotions:
It is very important that she relax and avoid stress.
Talking to her doctor or someone close to her may be helpful.
Updated on:
Aug. 09, 2006 |
