Nursing care plan for abnormal uterine bleeding

Introduction

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) is a medical condition perceived as the excessive or prolonged bleeding from the uterus. It presents in form of irregular menstruation, prolonged uterine bleeding that can result in iron deficiency anemia, and heavy menstrual flow.

Assessment

The nursing assessment includes gathering of patient's health history, body parts examination and other appropriate diagnostic tests available. The nurse will verify patient’s complaints, obtain and review laboratory results, evaluate family dynamics and personal lifestyle that might be contributing and performing an adequate physical assessment.

Nursing Diagnosis

Based on the collected data, a nursing diagnosis can be made. It is an evident symptom of the disorder and provides information about the source of the problem. Nursing diagnosis includes:

• Risk for bleeding
• Ineffective tissue perfusion
• Extensive blood loss
• Ineffective health maintenance

Outcomes

The expected outcomes of AUB nursing care plan implies stabilizing bleeding pattern in the patient with possible corrective measure to avoid further bleeding amid abnormal uterine bleeding. It also implies maintaining sufficient oxygen carrying capacity in blood, thereby improving patient’s health status.

Interventions

The various interventions include:

• Administration of Iron supplement to overcome any iron deficiency anemia caused by the prolonged bleeding.
• Encourage dietary intake rich in iron and Vitamin C to maximize hematopoietic process and accelerate healing.
• To reduce symptoms like anemia, abdominal/ pelvic pain, nausea/ vomiting, should be given with antiemetic, analgesic medications and hormonal therapy for cyclic bleeding.
• Adequate rest and emotional support should be given to get relief from fatigue due to excessive blood loss.

Rationales

The rationales behind each nursing intervention are:

• Iron supplement is necessary to restore lost iron from heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Dietary supplementation helps to overcome the nutritional deficiency caused by long-term bleeding.
• Medication helps to relieve the patient from related symptoms of the disorder.
• Rest and emotional support helps to improve fatigue level caused by prolonged/severe bleeding.

Evaluation

In order to measure the effectiveness of the nursing care plan, it is evaluated at the end of its course. Evaluation includes:

1. Evaluate the patients timely recovery with decreased menstrual flow and restorations of lost iron supply.
2. Evaluate whether the patient has reduced discomfort and linked symptoms of the condition.
3. Evaluate the patient’s ability to cope up with the condition in a holistic manner.
4. Evaluate the practice of patient’s dietary supplement.

Conclusion

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding is a common yet critical disorder that needs the attention and apt medical care with the combination of medication, therapeutic, supportive and alternative approach for optimal health.

FAQs

• What is Abnormal Uterine Bleeding?
  Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) is a medical condition perceived as the excessive or prolonged bleeding from the uterus. It presents in form of irregular menstruation, prolonged uterine bleeding that can result in iron deficiency anemia, and heavy menstrual flow.
• What are the symptoms of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding?
  Common symptoms of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding are irregular menstrual cycles, heavy menstrual bleeding with large clots, prolonged menstrual periods, intermenstrual bleeding, pelvic pain and cramps.
• What are the treatments available?
  Treatment recommended are Iron Supplementation with dietary advice, Hormonal Therapy, Endometrial Ablation, Uterine artery embolization, Laparoscopic Surgery and Hysterectomy.
• What are the long-term risks if left untreated?
  Long-term Risks if left untreated are Low Hemoglobin, Iron Deficiency Anemia, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Premature Delivery and Decreased chance of pregnancy.
• What should I do if I am diagnosed with Abnormal Uterine Bleeding?
  If diagnosed with Abnormal Uterine Bleeding, you have to follow the treatment suggested by your healthcare provider such as medications, dietary alterations and other therapies as suggested.