Nurses who are new to the labor and delivery (L&D) environment will welcome this newly updated, succinct, easy-to-use orientation guide for everyday labor and birth management practices. It is designed for speedy access to fundamental information about the most common L&D procedures and encourages the development of independence and confidence for new RNs orienting to this practice environment. The second edition has been revised to include new and updated practice guidelines for cesarean delivery, episiotomy, labor pain management, postpartum hemorrhage, preterm labor and birth, shoulder dystocia, umbilical cord blood storage, vaginal delivery, and breastfeeding. A completely new entry addresses meconium aspiration syndrome and two new appendices feature quick-reference charts and tables and an alphabetical synopsis of pertinent drug-related information.

New illustrations depict and facilitate understanding of effacement and dilation of cervix, breech presentation and delivery, umbilical cord prolapse, placental abruption, and other topics. Designed to fit in a pocket, the resource provides clear, step-by-step descriptions of commonly occurring practices and procedures in bulleted format. It covers L&D terminology, equipment, labs, medications, complications, and algorithms to help foster critical thinking and establish a concrete knowledge base. The book highlights potential OB complications and is full of examples and pearls of wisdom concerning the handling of emergencies and unexpected outcomes.

New to the Second Edition:

• A completely new entry on meconium, with information on meconium aspiration syndrome
• New quick-reference charts and tables (Apgar score, Bishop score, drug tables, and more)
• New illustrations for labor and delivery protocol

Key Features:

• Provides speedy access to fundamental L&D information
• Presents succinct, step-by-step descriptions of commonly occurring procedures