Paramedic Recert EMS Care | 23-MCIT-F3-4116 | OB Emergencies starts with the introduction to the topic.

The chapter discusses OB emergencies, considering that a child delivery is an universally significant event and across cultures there is a shared concern about potentially adverse outcomes. This course delves into the various aspects regarding the changes during pregnancy, assessments and how to handle complications.

The lessons covered are

• Lesson 1: Pregnant Patient: Physiological Changes and Assessment.
• Lesson 2: Complications Of Pregnancy Part 1.
• Lesson 3: Complications Of Pregnancy Part 2.
• Lesson 4: Complications Of Pregnancy Part 3.
• Lesson 5: Complications Of Pregnancy Part 4. And,
• Lesson 6: Neonatal Resuscitation.

Excerpt from  Paramedic Recert EMS Care | 23-MCIT-F3-4116 | OB Emergencies

If the patient has severe hypertension (systolic blood pressure >160 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure >110 mmHg) that lasts more than 15 minutes with other signs or symptoms of preeclampsia, the goal is to reduce the mean arterial pressure by 20% to 25%. The following treatments may be implemented:

Labetalol 20 mg IV over 2 minutes

May repeat every 10 minutes twice if severe symptomatic hypertension persists. The goal is to reduce mean arterial pressure by 20% to 25%. Heart rate must be greater than 60 beats/min prior to administration.

and

Magnesium sulfate 4 g IV (20% solution) over 20 minutes. Followed by 1 g/h IV infusion if possible. 

Observe the patient for signs of hypermagnesemia,  such as hypotension, followed by these developments:

• Loss of deep tendon reflexes, then
• Drowsiness and slurred speech, followed by,
• Respiratory paralysis, and
• Cardiac arrest

Treat hypermagnesemia by stopping magnesium administration.

Administer calcium gluconate if severe respiratory depression with imminent arrest is noted.

Note: The risk of eclampsia decreases if severe preeclampsia is treated early with magnesium and antihypertensives.