Sepsis in Obstetrics: Clinical Features and Early Warning Tools.

Morbidity and mortality associated with sepsis has gained widespread attention on a local, state, and national level, yet, it remains a complicated disorder that can be difficult to identify in a timely manner. Sepsis in obstetric patients further complicates the diagnosis as alterations in physiology related to pregnancy can mask sepsis indicators normally seen in the general population. If early signs of sepsis go unrecognized, septic shock can develop, leading to organ dysfunction and potential death.

Thalassemia Syndromes in Pregnancy.

Thalassemia syndromes are becoming more common in the United States as the population becomes more diverse. To provide appropriate care to this patient population, nurses must know that thalassemia syndromes are classified into two main types, α-thalassemia and β-thalassemia. α-Thalassemia is further delineated into four clinical patterns: silent carrier state, mild α-thalassemia, hemoglobin H disease, and hydrops fetalis.