Nursing case study

This assignment intends to demonstrate the use of the Roper, Logan and Tierney model of nursing for assessment of a patient presenting with an ectopic pregnancy. The discussion begins with a definition of ectopic pregnancy. This will be followed with the introduction to the patient and an explanation of the model used to assess the patient. The assessment is based on pre-operative care. One particular identified need of the patient will be discussed in detail in relation to the care implemented. The care provided will be critiqued along with a critique of model of nursing.

Ectopic pregnancy, also known as an extra uterine pregnancy is a potentially life-threatening form of pregnancy. It occurs when the implantation of the zygote is outside the uterine cavity (Walker & Jones 2002). The commonest location is within the fallopian tubes (Abbott 2002). In the UK there are around eleven thousand cases per year resulting in four maternal deaths (DoH 1998).

An opened oviduct with an ectopic pregnancy at abo...

9-Week Human Embryo from Ectopic Pregnancy

English: removal of an ectopic pregnancy out of th...

Several predisposing factors increase the potential of an ectopic pregnancy occurring including: previous ectopic pregnancy, tubal damage as a result of abdominal surgery or an infection such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, smoking and with increased age. However, in most cases the cause is unknown (Tay et al 2000).

Stacy (actual name withheld to maintain confidentiality) the patient, is a twenty five year old female. She lives with her partner of five years. Stacy presented via the ultrasound scan department. The day prior to admission she had discovered that she was pregnant. The scan was requested by her general practitioner due to her previous history of an ectopic pregnancy four months prior. The scan confirmed that there was no evidence of an intra uterine gestation sac. Appearances suggested towards an extra uterine gestation sac adjacent to the right ovary containing an embryo of three millimetres...