Brenda Patton’s case is an outstanding demonstration of the key dangers of Group B streptococcal (GBS), which is one of the major causes of morbidity among infants. The simulated experience invoked feelings, such as concern and fear as well as confidence. The former two emotions are the result of the severity and seriousness of the given bacterial invasion. One of the most successful actions can be identified as edema check, where no pitting was found.
The main reason is the fact that edema assessment is critical under the provided circumstances. Moreover, this observation must be repeated at a gestational age of 35-37 weeks, as recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and the same recommendations suggest a study of the discharge of the rectum for the presence of GBS (Silbert-Flagg & Pillitteri, 2017). Another highly beneficial steps revolve around palpating the uterus for contractions to outline whether or not the abnormalities exist. In the case of the communicative aspect, supporting and calming the patient was a substantial improvement for the progression of the process. Taking into account the data of the study, it becomes obvious that the complex mandatory examination of pregnant women must include a microbiological study for the presence of group B streptococci in the vagina and urine of women.
Scenario Analysis
Group B streptococcus is a highly dangerous infection that can lead to several complications. These might include sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis, which are life-threatening if left untreated (Silbert-Flagg & Pillitteri, 2017). Because streptococcal infection in newborns is considered as one of the main causes of severe perinatal complications, in Western Europe and the United States, pregnant women are required to undergo preventive treatment in the absence of laboratory-excluded streptococcal infection. The introduction of screening for GBS into the pregnancy management program and the use of rapid tests in the maternity hospital will reduce the frequency of intrapartum transmission of the pathogen and improve perinatal outcomes.
The priority teaching for Brenda Patton should include the indications of early signs of GBS. The patient should be able to observe and pinpoint the main symptoms of late-onset Group B streptococcus infection to eliminate the risk of mortality and morbidity. It is important to note that Brenda needs to consider and factors in the processes, such as poor feeding, irritability, and fever (Silbert-Flagg & Pillitteri, 2017). The situation is based on the notion of the patient having GBS, which is not problematic for the mother but can be deadly for the infant. In the case of her background, she is a mother with no major health concerns besides the Group B streptococcal infection in the vaginal canal. The assessment reveals that she is experiencing a minor or beginning phase of the contractions with no indications of severe pain. The recommendation revolves around providing an antibiotics treatment, where the patient will specifically receive penicillin or ampicillin as the key eradicator of GBS.
The plausible nursing actions are necessary to ensure proper quality improvement and enhanced safety. Thus, when GBS is detected in the urogenital tract of pregnant women, the risks of developing premature birth, asphyxia of newborns, and intrauterine streptococcal infection are significantly increased. In etiology, this also applies to the risk of developing postpartum complications in the mother. If GBS is detected in urine in any amount, the appointment of antibacterial drugs is justified, as well as with the simultaneous detection of these microorganisms in urine and vaginal discharge in significant concentration. With a long anhydrous interval, with the development of other complications, it is necessary to prescribe antibacterial drugs in childbirth.
Concluding Questions
The case mostly illustrates a correct series of actions conducted by a medical specialist. However, one might consider a more thorough assessment of IV, where attention should be paid to the critical characteristics. The main reason is that there is a higher chance of dismissing or failing to observe the key signs of complications. Based on the analysis, it is clear that the complex mandatory examination of pregnant women must include a microbiological study for the presence of group B streptococci in the vagina, urine, rectal mucosa. If GBS is detected in the urogenital tract of pregnant women, it is necessary to carry out antibiotic therapy to prevent complications of pregnancy, childbirth, and intrauterine infection of the fetus.
Moreover, with the simultaneous detection of group B streptococci and ureaplasma, it is more effective to prescribe the recommended drugs that act on both microorganisms. At present, the study of pathogenicity islands in clinical strains of GBS carrying known pathogenicity genes continues (Silbert-Flagg & Pillitteri, 2017). In addition, it may be necessary to understand their relationship to the clinical manifestations of the disease. This is important for elucidating the factors of the formation of the virulent phenotype of streptococci and the pathogenesis of streptococcal diseases. Therefore, simulation offers an invaluable experience that can be easily transferred to a real-world setting. For example, one might apply the acquired knowledge to bring structure to the overall assessments. In addition, it highlights the communicative aspect of patient interaction, where calming is done at the end of the evaluation.
Reference
Silbert-Flagg, J., & Pillitteri, A. (2017). Maternal and child health nursing: Care of the childbearing and childrearing family (8th ed.). LWW.