THE ROLE OF THE NURSE IN OBSTETRIC EMERGENCIES

Abstract

Introduction: Obstetric emergencies refer to conditions that require immediate intervention due to the risk they pose to the lives of both the mother and fetus. Examples include eclampsia, hemorrhages, and uterine rupture, which demand urgent attention. Nurses are the primary professionals providing care for pregnant women, and it is crucial for them to be prepared to make precise, safe, and humane decisions, as the correct actions are essential for the outcome. Objective: To analyze nursing care in obstetric emergencies. Methodology: An integrative literature review was conducted. The search was carried out in databases such as LILACS, SCIELO, BDENF, and MEDLINE, using the Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS): "obstetric nursing," "obstetric emergencies," and "nursing care," combined with the Boolean operator AND. Inclusion criteria were articles published in Spanish, English, or Portuguese within the last five years, excluding theses and dissertations. After the search, abstracts were read and analyzed, and the data was organized in tables and discussed. Results and discussion: Pregnancy can involve complications that threaten the health of both the mother and fetus, such as pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. Care should be humanized, addressing both clinical manifestations and the patient’s well-being. Nurses play a key role in obstetric emergencies, performing triage, assessments, exams, and emergency care, including neonatal resuscitation. Effective communication with the multiprofessional team and continuous training are vital for ensuring quality care. Additionally, welcoming the pregnant woman and identifying risks are critical parts of the service. Conclusion: Nurses are essential in obstetric emergencies, helping to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Training in critical areas such as neonatal resuscitation and managing complications is crucial for ensuring the safety of both mother and baby.