Overview
Introduction
Uterine inversion is a rare but life threatening obstetric emergency in which the uterine fundus collapses inward and descends into the uterine cavity, through the cervix, into...
Uterine inversion is a rare but life-threatening obstetric emergency in which the uterine fundus collapses inward and descends into the uterine cavity, through the cervix, into the vagina, or, in severe cases, outside the vaginal opening. It most often occurs during the third stage of labour, which is the time between birth of the baby and delivery of the placenta. Although uncommon, it can cause rapid postpartum hemorrhage, severe pain, hypovolemic shock, and maternal death if not recognized and treated immediately. For an RPN, the most important responsibilities are rapid recognition, calling for help, supporting circulation, monitoring bleeding and vital signs, preparing emergency equipment and medications, assisting the RN/physician/midwife/obstetric team, documenting accurately, and staying within scope and agency policy. Uterine inversion is not a situation where the nurse should “wait and watch.” It is a call-for-help emergency.