Clinical Nursing Reflection Paper Using The Reflect Model ✓ Solved

Clinical Nursing Reflection Paperthe Reflect Modelthe Model Compr

This reflection paper utilizes the REFLECT model, which comprises seven stages. The purpose of this reflection is to analyze a clinical incident that occurred in the mother and baby unit, focusing on postpartum nursing care and the lessons learned from this experience.

R - Recall the Events

The patient was admitted to the mother and baby unit for oxytocin administration to induce labor due to postdates. After a prolonged second stage of labor, she delivered her baby but suffered a second-degree perineal laceration, which was repaired. Shortly after, the patient visited the bathroom but was unable to void, leading to further assessment and intervention.

E - Examine Your Responses

Upon encountering the situation, I performed a thorough assessment of the perineal area and palpated the fundus of the uterus, noting that it was soft and boggy. These findings prompted a fundal massage. Given that the patient was unable to void, I assessed her bladder status and proceeded with straight catheterization to alleviate any urinary retention. During this process, I checked for blood, lochia, and fluid on the bed, changing pads as necessary. I administered 100% oxygen through a non-rebreather mask, started oxytocin postpartum at 500ml/hr, butorphanol tartrate at 2mg, and 500ml of lactated ringers. I also provided patient education and communicated with the physician regarding the patient's condition.

F - Acknowledge Feelings

At the time of the incident, I experienced a mixture of preparedness and apprehension. Having read through the patient's scenario beforehand, I was aware of the potential challenges posed by the language barrier, as the patient was not fluent in English. However, this turned out to be less of an issue than I initially anticipated, allowing me to focus on providing appropriate care.

L - Learn From the Experience

This experience highlighted the paramount importance of thorough postpartum care assessments. I learned that new mothers are at significant risk for infections, hemorrhage, and the development of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Therefore, performing comprehensive postpartum assessments is crucial in identifying potential complications and risks, enabling timely interventions to ensure patient safety.

E - Explore Options

If I encounter a similar situation in the future, I will prioritize immediate actions necessary to address the patient's needs. I recognized that adherence to the physician's orders and a meticulous review of the patient chart were essential in providing optimal care. In cases where language barriers exist, I will involve an interpreter to facilitate effective communication with the patient. Furthermore, I will ensure continuous communication with the patient's provider to keep them informed of the patient's condition and care progress.

C - Create a Plan of Action

Moving forward, I will develop a comprehensive plan that includes understanding the critical medications required for managing bleeding after delivery and the key nursing interventions necessary for this purpose. This plan will focus on:

  • Learning about priority nursing interventions for managing postpartum hemorrhage.
  • Conducting a thorough review of postpartum hemorrhage management strategies.

I aim to complete this plan within the next two to three weeks to enhance my preparedness for future clinical scenarios.

Conclusion

This reflection utilizing the REFLECT model has provided valuable insights into the complexities of postpartum care. Through this experience, I have gained a deeper understanding of the importance of effective assessment, timely interventions, and the need for effective communication with patients, especially those facing language barriers. The lessons learned will undoubtedly contribute to my growth as a nursing professional and my ability to provide high-quality care in the future.

References

  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020). Postpartum Hemorrhage. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org
  • Blaylock, R., & McMillan, M. (2019). Nursing Care in Labour and Delivery. Journal of Nursing, 15(2), 45-53.
  • Murray, M. (2021). Postpartum Care: What Dads Need to Know. Parents Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.parents.com
  • Schneider, M. M., Scherer, L., & Herrington, R. (2018). Language Barriers and Patient Care. Nursing Clinics of North America, 53(2), 245-256.
  • World Health Organization. (2019). WHO Recommendations for the Prevention and Treatment of Postpartum Hemorrhage. Retrieved from https://www.who.int
  • Jung, S. W., & Han, C. (2020). The Role of Nursing in Postpartum Care. Health Care for Women International, 41(11), 1234-1246.
  • Kosaka, Y., & Takeda, K. (2019). Effective Communication in Nursing: Bridging Language Barriers. Journal of Professional Nursing, 35(1), 10-15.
  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021). Guide to Postpartum Care. Retrieved from https://www.hhs.gov
  • Parker, L. (2020). Understanding the Nursing Role in Postpartum Care. Nursing Management, 51(7), 22-29.
  • Smith, R. S., & Edwards, L. (2022). Best Practices in Postpartum Nursing: A Review. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 118, 103-112.