Caring for the pregnant woman with brain tumor

Abstract

Background. Pregnancy does not affect directly the origin of glioblastoma, nevertheless it may influence the process of its spread and speed it up. Objectives. The goal of thesis is to point out the physical, mental and social problems of the patient who was diagnosed with brain tumor in fifth month of pregnancy. Subject of the study is nursing process described using following methods: patient observation, scrupulous medical documentation anlysis and conversation with the doctor. Material and methods. Fifht months preganant patient reported to neurologist with symptoms of right side limbs and right side of the face paresis. Conclusions. Test results revealed tumor in midbrain and thalamus on the left side with moderate edema zone of contiguous structures. Basing on the data concerning the disease and the interview with the patient nursing problems were emerged. The problems concerned physical, mental, social and emotional aspects. As a result of the desease there was made a decision to end the pregnancy with cesarean section as soon as the fetus will be able to function independently. Social support of family, friends, nurse/midwife and education make it easier to cooperate and the patient can get involved in treatment more easily.