THE ROLE OF THE NURSE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF OBSTETRIC EMERGENCIES

Abstract

Introduction: Maternal and neonatal mortality still represents a serious public health challenge in Brazil and worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), thousands of maternal deaths occur annually, many of which are preventable with timely and qualified care. In Brazil, even with advances in the Unified Health System (SUS) and policies focused on women's health, the rates remain above the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets. In this context, nurses play a strategic role in the management of obstetric emergencies and urgencies, assisting in the early recognition of risks, clinical decision-making, and implementation of immediate actions. Their role is essential to prevent complications and reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, ensuring safe and humane care. Objective: Considering the relevance of this scenario, this study aims to analyze the role of nurses in the management of obstetric emergencies and urgencies, highlighting their contribution to maternal and neonatal safety. Methodology: This study is an integrative literature review, a method that allows for the systematic and comprehensive gathering, analysis, and synthesis of research results on a specific topic. The objective was to analyze the role of nurses in the management of obstetric urgencies and emergencies, seeking to understand the practices, challenges, and contributions of nursing in these critical situations. The research followed the methodological steps proposed by Souza, Silva, and Carvalho (2010), encompassing the definition of the theme, formulation of the guiding question, establishment of inclusion and exclusion criteria, data collection, and analysis of results. Qualitative studies published in Portuguese between 2019 and 2024, available in full, and related to the role of nurses in critical obstetric contexts were included. Searches were conducted in the LILACS, SciELO, PubMed, and CINAHL databases, using the descriptors "Nursing," "Urgency," "Emergency," and "Obstetrics," according to the DECS. The selected articles were organized and analyzed using thematic categorization, which allowed for the identification of patterns, gaps, and relevant contributions to professional practice. Finally, the results were critically discussed to understand nursing practices and identify ways to improve emergency obstetric care. Results and discussion: The study demonstrated that nurses' role in obstetric emergencies and urgencies is essential for reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality and improving the quality of care. Emergencies such as postpartum hemorrhage, preeclampsia, preterm labor, and placental abruption require rapid response, the use of clinical protocols, and ongoing training. Nurses' roles range from providing a humane welcome to administering medication, monitoring vital signs, and coordinating with the multidisciplinary team. Professional qualifications, the use of evidence-based protocols, and public obstetric care policies reinforce their autonomy and competence. Thus, valuing and training obstetric nurses contributes to safe, effective, and woman-centered care, ensuring the life and dignity of pregnant women and newborns. Conclusion: Maternal and neonatal mortality remains a significant public health challenge, especially in developing countries like Brazil, despite advances in the Unified Health System (SUS) and policies focused on women's health. This integrative review highlights that nurses play a strategic role in obstetric emergencies and emergencies, helping to identify risks early and implement prompt and effective interventions. Situations such as postpartum hemorrhage, preeclampsia, and preterm labor require ongoing training and mastery of clinical protocols. Professional practice, supported by Ministry of Health guidelines, contributes to reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality and promotes humane, evidence-based care, reinforcing the importance of valuing and qualifying obstetric nurses.