What Is a Typical Nursing Diagnosis That Might Accompany a Diagnosis of Premature Rupture of Membranes?

When a patient’s water breaks early, nurses are very careful about the risk of infection. A common nursing diagnosis may be “Risk for Infection.” This is because the amniotic sac, which normally keeps germs out, has ruptured. With the protective barrier gone, germs from the vagina can move upward and cause an infection in the mother or the baby. Nurses look for signs like fever or unusual discharge to detect any early infection. They also teach the patient to watch for any new symptoms and to report them right away. Other nursing diagnoses that might be considered include “Deficient Knowledge” if the patient does not understand what early water breaking means, and “Ineffective Coping” if the patient feels very worried or anxious about her condition. By identifying these risks, nurses help create a plan that keeps both the mother and baby safe. This plan may include regular checks, hygiene measures, and teaching the patient what symptoms to look for so that the healthcare team can act quickly if any problems arise.