Contact Hour Designation
This online independent study activity is credited for 4 contact hours.
Course Purpose
The purpose of this course is to provide healthcare professionals with a brief overview of the incidence of amniotic fluid embolism in the United States, differential diagnoses, treatment options, nursing considerations, and the importance of immediate management to improve patient survival.
Overview
An amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare but life-threatening pregnancy complication. It occurs when amniotic fluid or fetal elements enter the mother’s bloodstream (maternal pulmonary circulation) and set off a series of reactions to induce severe cardiovascular and respiratory collapse. Amniotic fluid embolism is the second leading cause of maternal deaths and peripartum cardiac arrest in the United States (US), yet only occurs in less than 1% of pregnancies. This course discusses the clinical presentation of an amniotic fluid embolism, its incidence in the United States, differential diagnoses, and treatment options. This course will also discuss nursing considerations and the importance of immediate management to improve the survival of patients with AFE.
Objectives
Upon completion of the independent study, the learner will be able to:
- Describe amniotic fluid embolism and common signs and symptoms
- Review the causative factors of amniotic fluid embolism, and how those causes can be mitigated to reduce the risk of amniotic fluid embolism
- Differentiate amniotic fluid embolism from other medical conditions that may pose similar signs and symptoms
- Review treatment options to improve the chance of survival of a patient with an amniotic fluid embolism
- Discuss nursing considerations as they relate to amniotic fluid embolism
Policy Statement
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the policies of FastCEForLess.com.
Disclosures
Fast CE For Less, Inc. and its authors have no disclosures. There is no commercial support.
