Chapter 19: Postpartum Woman at Risk

A patient who gave birth 5 hours ago has completely saturated a perineal pad within 15 minutes. Which action by the nurse should be implemented first?

Assess the fundus. The best safeguard against uterine atony is to palpate the fundus at frequent intervals to be assured that the uterus is remaining contracted. If bleeding persists, then vital signs assessment and notification to the health care provider may be indicated. An intravenous infusion might be prescribed if bleeding continues.

A postpartum woman is developing thrombophlebitis in her right leg. Which assessment should the nurse no longer use to assess for thrombophlebitis?

Dorsiflex her right foot and ask if she has pain in her calf. A positive Homans sign (pain in the upper calf upon dorsiflexion) is not a definitive diagnostic sign as it is insensitive and nonspecific and is no longer recommended as an indicator of DVT. That is because calf pain can also be caused by other conditions. Ask the woman if she has pain or tenderness in the lower extremities and assess for redness and warmth/ In addition, assess to see if she has increased pain when she ambulates or bears weight.

The nurse is caring for several women in the postpartum clinic setting. Which statement(s), when made by one of the clients, would alert the nurse to further assess that client for postpartum psychosis? Select all that apply.

"The newborn is not really mine emotionally, since I was never pregnant and do not have children." "When the newborn is sleeping, I can see his thoughts projected on my phone and I do not like the thoughts." "I believe my newborn is losing weight because I will not feed him because my milk was poisoned by the health care provider." Postpartum psychosis is a serious and emergent condition in which the new mother has lost touch with reality and needs immediate psychiatric intervention. Visual hallucinations such as seeing the newborn's thoughts projected on her phone is a sign of postpartum psychosis. Denying the pregnancy or that the newborn is hers is a sign of postpartum psychosis. The delusion that her milk is poisoned is a sign of postpartum psychosis. Being concerned about time with the toddler is a sign of postpartum blues or possibly depression. Reaching out for family to visit is a positive coping skill.

A postpartum client who had a cesarean birth reports right calf pain to the nurse. The nurse observes that the client has nonpitting edema from her right knee to her foot. The nurse knows to prepare the client for which test first?

Venous duplex ultrasound of the right leg Right calf pain and nonpitting edema may indicate deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Postpartum clients and clients who have had abdominal surgery are at increased risk for DVT. Venous duplex ultrasound is a noninvasive test that visualizes the veins and assesses blood flow patterns. A venogram is an invasive test that utilizes dye and radiation to create images of the veins and wouldn't be the first choice. Transthoracic echocardiography looks at cardiac structures and isn't indicated at this time. Right calf pain and edema are symptoms of venous outflow obstruction, not arterial insufficiency.

A postpartum woman is developing a thrombophlebitis in her right leg. Which assessments would the nurse make to detect this?

Assess for pedal edema. Calf swelling, erythema, warmth, tenderness, and pedal edema may be noted and are caused by an inflammatory process and obstruction of venous return.

The nurse notes uterine atony in the postpartum client. Which assessment is completed next?

Assessment of the perineal pad Uterine atony is a cause of postpartum hemorrhage due to the inability of the uterus to contract effectively. Assessment of the perineal pad for the characteristics and amount of bleeding is essential. It is important to monitor all postpartum women for excessive bleeding because two-thirds of the women who experience postpartum hemorrhage have no risk factors. Assessment of bowel and bladder function is routine in a postpartum assessment but not included in concerns for hemorrhage. Assessment of the lungs and any laboratory work is common but not as high of a concern.

A client is diagnosed with a postpartum infection. The nurse is most correct to provide which instruction?

Finish all antibiotics to decrease a genital tract infection. A postpartum infection is an infection of the genital tract after delivery through the first 6 weeks postpartum. It is most important to include finishing all antibiotics in nursing instructions. Endometritis is an infection of the mucous membrane or endometrium of the uterus. Cystitis is an infection of the bladder. Infection of the perineum or episiotomy is a localized infection and not inclusive of the entire genital tract.

Which instruction should the nurse offer a client as primary preventive measures to prevent mastitis?

Perform handwashing before breastfeeding. As a primary preventive measure to prevent mastitis, the nurse should instruct the client to perform good handwashing before breastfeeding. The nurse should instruct the client to frequently breastfeed to prevent engorgement and milk stasis. If the breast is distended before feeding, the nurse should instruct the client to apply cold (not warm) moist heat to the breast. Gently massaging the affected area of the breast also helps.

Which recommendation should be given to a client with mastitis who is concerned about breastfeeding her neonate?

She should continue to breastfeed; mastitis will not infect the neonate. The client with mastitis should be encouraged to continue breastfeeding while taking antibiotics for the infection. No supplemental feedings are necessary because breastfeeding does not need to be altered and actually encourages resolution of the infection. Analgesics are safe and should be administered as needed.

One of the primary assessments a nurse makes every day is for postpartum hemorrhage. What does the nurse assess the fundus for?

Consistency, shape, and location Assess the fundus for consistency, shape, and location. Remember that the uterus should be firm, in the midline, and decrease 1 cm each postpartum day.

After teaching a woman with a postpartum infection about care after discharge, which client statement indicates the need for additional teaching?

"When I put on a new pad, I'll start at the back and go forward." The woman needs additional teaching when she states that she should apply the perineal pad starting at the back and going forward. The pad should be applied using a front-to-back motion. Notifying the health care provider of a temperature above 100.4° F (38° C), aiming the peri-bottle spray so that the flow goes from front to back, and reporting danger signs such as chills or lochia with a strange odor indicate effective teaching.

A woman recovering from cesarean birth in the hospital and who was catheterized complains of a feeling of burning on urination and a feeling of frequency. Which of the following should be the next nursing action?

Obtain a clean-catch urine specimen The client in this scenario shows classic signs of a urinary tract infection. The priority nursing action at this point is to obtain a clean-catch urine specimen to confirm the infection. The other answers are therapeutic management interventions that would take place after confirmation of the infection via the clean-catch urine specimen.

When assessing a client who is 5 days postpartum, which of the following would alert the nurse to suspect that the client is experiencing late postpartum hemorrhage?

Rubra colored lochia The nurse should monitor for rubra colored lochia, malodorous vaginal discharge, and increased uterine cramping when actual hemorrhage occurs in a client experiencing late postpartum hemorrhage. Fundal tenderness is a sign of endometritis. Oliguria is suggestive of bacteremia in clients. Increased rectal pressure is a sign of postpartal hematoma in a client

An Rh positive client vaginally gives birth to a 6 lb, 10 oz (3,005 g) neonate after 17 hours of labor. Which condition puts this client at risk for infection?

length of labor A prolonged length of labor places the mother at increased risk for developing an infection. The average size of the neonate, vaginal birth, and Rh status of the client do not place the mother at increased risk.

What postpartum client should the nurse monitor most closely for signs of a postpartum infection?

a client who had a nonelective cesarean birth The major risk factor for postpartum infection is a nonelective cesarean birth. Antepartum risk factors include history of infection; history of chronic conditions, such as diabetes, anemia, or poor nutrition; infections of the genital tract; smoking; and obesity. The other listed factors are not noted risk factors for infection.

Which measurement best describes delayed postpartum hemorrhage?

blood loss in excess of 500 ml, occurring at least 24 hours and up to 12 weeks after birth Postpartum hemorrhage involves blood loss in excess of 500 ml. Most delayed postpartum hemorrhages occur between the fourth and ninth days postpartum, but can occur up to 12 weeks after birth The most common causes of a delayed postpartum hemorrhage include retained placental fragments, intrauterine infection, and fibroids.

A new mother is diagnosed with a venous thromboembolism in her left calf. Which risk factor is associated with this problem? Select all that apply.

cesarean birth obesity If a new mother experiences a postpartum venous thromboembolism, she may have medical as well as obstetrical risk factors. These factors include a maternal age greater than 35 years, obesity, cesarean birth, and a prolonged labor. Hypertension, not hypotension, is a risk factor.

A nurse is developing a program to help reduce the risk of late postpartum hemorrhage in clients in the labor and birth unit. Which measure would the nurse emphasize as part of this program?

inspecting the placenta after delivery for intactness After the placenta is expelled, a thorough inspection is necessary to confirm its intactness because tears or fragments left inside may indicate an accessory lobe or placenta accreta. These can lead to profuse hemorrhage because the uterus is unable to contract fully. Administering antibiotics would be appropriate for preventing infection, not postpartum hemorrhage. Manual removal of the placenta or excessive traction on the umbilical cord can lead to uterine inversion, which in turn would result in hemorrhage.

When monitoring a postpartum client 2 hours after birth, the nurse notices heavy bleeding with large clots. Which response is most appropriate initially?

massaging the fundus firmly Initial management of excessive postpartum bleeding is firm massage of the fundus and administration of oxytocin. Bimanual compression is performed by a primary health care provider. Ergonovine maleate should be used only if the bleeding does not respond to massage and oxytocin. The primary health care provider should be notified if the client does not respond to fundal massage, but other measures can be taken in the meantime.

A postpartal patient is receiving heparin as treatment for thrombophlebitis. What should the nurse instruct the patient about breast-feeding during this time?

Breast-feeding can continue. A patient can continue to breast-feed while receiving heparin. The baby is not going to need weekly blood work. Infant gastric juices do not impact the effect of anticoagulants. Medications do affect breast milk; however, breast-feeding can continue while receiving heparin.

A woman who gave birth to an infant 3 days ago has developed a uterine infection. She will be on antibiotics for 2 weeks. What is the priority education for this client?

Encourage an oral intake of 2 to 3 liters per day. Many antibiotics are nephrotoxic, so the nurse would encourage liberal fluid intake each day to support a urinary output of at least 30 ml/hr. The other three actions are important but not the highest priority for this client.

A postpartum patient is prescribed methylergonovine 0.2 mg for uterine subinvolution. Which action should the nurse take before administering the medication to the patient?

Measure blood pressure. Methylergonovine can increase blood pressure and must be used with caution in patients with hypertension. The nurse should assess the blood pressure prior to administrating and about 15 minutes afterward to detect this side effect. Methylergonovine does not affect ambulation, urine output, or hematocrit level.

The nurse instructs a patient on actions to prevent postpartum depression. During a home visit, which observation indicates that instruction has been effective?

Patient is chatting on the telephone with a friend. Chatting on the phone with friends indicates that the patient is not becoming isolated with baby care. This will help prevent the onset of postpartum depression. Fatigue, listlessness, and trying to be perfect with cleaning are observations that could indicate postpartum depression.

The nurse palpates a postpartum woman's fundus 2 hours after birth and finds it located to the right of midline and somewhat soft. What is the correct interpretation of this finding?

The bladder is distended. If a postpartum client's bladder becomes full, the client's uterus is displaced to the side. The client should be taught to void on demand to prevent the uterus from becoming soft and increasing the flow of lochia.

When developing the plan of care for a client with postpartum endometritis, which intervention would the nurse most likely include?

Using semi-Fowler's position to encourage uterine drainage The semi-Fowler's position is used to encourage uterine drainage in the client with postpartum endometritis. Nursing interventions such as performing vigorous but gentle fundal massage, inserting an indwelling urinary catheter to keep the bladder empty, and performing bimanual compression of the uterine structure should be performed when caring for clients with hemorrhage and uterine atony.

The nurse is assessing the breast of a woman who is 1 month postpartum. The woman reports a painful area on one breast with a red area. The nurse notes a local area on one breast to be red and warm to touch. What should the nurse consider as the potential diagnosis?

mastitis Mastitis usually occurs 2 to 3 weeks after birth and is noted to be unilateral. Mastitis needs to be assessed and treated with antibiotic therapy.

The nurse is administering a postpartum woman an antibiotic for mastitis. Which statement by the mother indicates that she understood the nurse's explanation of care?

"I can continue breastfeeding my infant, but it may be somewhat uncomfortable." Breastfeeding on antibiotics for mastitis is fine, and the mother is encouraged to empty the infected breast to prevent milk stasis. However, the nurse should prepare the mother for the process being somewhat painful because the breast is tender. It is recommended to start the infant nursing on the uninvolved breast first as vigorous sucking may increase the mother's pain. Unless contraindicated by the antibiotic, the breast milk will be stored for later if the mother needs to pump her breasts; she does not need to throw the milk away.

After the nurse teaches a local woman's group about postpartum affective disorders, which statement by the group indicates that the teaching was successful?

"Postpartum depression develops gradually, appearing within the first 6 weeks." Postpartum depression usually has a more gradual onset, becoming evident within the first 6 weeks postpartum. Postpartum blues usually peaks on the 4th to 5th postpartum day and resolves by the 10th day. Postpartum psychosis generally surfaces within 3 weeks of giving birth. Treatment typically involves hospitalization for up to several months. Psychotropic drugs are almost always a part of treatment, along with individual psychotherapy and support group therapy.

The nurse is providing education to a postpartum woman who has developed a uterine infection. Which statement by the woman indicates that further instruction is needed?

"When I am sleeping or lying in bed, I should lie flat on my back." With a uterine infection, the client needs to be in a semi-Fowler position to facilitate drainage and prevent the infection from spreading. Changing the perineal pads regularly; walking to promote drainage; and contacting the doctor if her uterus becomes rigid (or if she notes a decrease in urinary output) are all correct actions.

The nurse is giving an educational presentation to the local Le Leche league chapter. One woman asks about risk factors for mastitis. How should the nurse respond?

Pierced nipple Certain risk factors contribute to the development of mastitis. These include inadequate or incomplete breast emptying during feeding or lack of frequent feeding leading to milk stasis; engorgement; clogged milk ducts; cracked or bleeding nipples; nipple piercing; and use of plastic-backed breast pads.

A postpartum client is showing signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism. What should the nurse do?

Raise the head of the bed to at least 45 degrees. Immediate action is crucial for the woman who develops a pulmonary embolism. Immediately raise the head of the bed to at least 45 degrees to facilitate breathing. Begin oxygen therapy at 8 to 10 liters per minute via facemask and notify the health care provider.

A woman arrives at the office for her 4-week postpartum visit. Her uterus is still enlarged and soft, and lochial discharge is still present. Which nursing diagnosis is most likely for this client?

Risk for fatigue related to chronic bleeding due to subinvolution Subinvolution is incomplete return of the uterus to its prepregnant size and shape. With subinvolution, at a 4- or 6-week postpartal visit, the uterus is still enlarged and soft. Lochial discharge usually is still present. The symptoms in the scenario are closest to those of subinvolution.

The nurse is teaching a client about mastitis. Which statement should the nurse include in her teaching?

Symptoms include fever, chills, malaise, and localized breast tenderness. Mastitis is an infection of the breast characterized by flu-like symptoms, along with redness and tenderness in the breast. The most common causative agent is Staphylococcus aureus. Breast abscess is rarely a complication of mastitis if the client continues to empty the affected breast. Mastitis usually occurs in one breast, not bilaterally.

The nurse determines that a woman is experiencing postpartum hemorrhage after a vaginal birth when the blood loss is greater than which amount?

500 mL Postpartum hemorrhage is defined as a cumulative blood loss greater than 500 mL after a vaginal birth and greater than 1,000 mL after a cesarean birth, with signs and symptoms of hypovolemia within 24 hours of the birth process.

On completing fundal palpation, the nurse notes that the fundus is situated in the client's left abdomen. Which action is appropriate?

Ask the client to empty her bladder A full bladder may displace the uterine fundus to the left or right side of the abdomen. A straight catheterization is unnecessarily invasive if the client can urinate on her own. Nursing interventions should be completed before notifying the primary health care provider in a nonemergency situation.

The nurse is teaching a client with newly diagnosed mastitis about her condition. The nurse would inform the client that she most likely contracted the disorder from which organism?

Staphylococcus aureus The most common cause of mastitis is S. aureus, transmitted from the neonate's mouth. Mastitis is not harmful to the neonate. E. coli, GBS, and S. pyogenes are not associated with mastitis. GBS infection is associated with neonatal sepsis and death.

A 29-year-old postpartum client is receiving anticoagulant therapy for deep venous thrombophlebitis. The nurse should include which instruction in her discharge teaching?

Avoid over-the-counter (OTC) salicylates. Discharge teaching should include informing the client to avoid OTC salicylates, which may potentiate the effects of anticoagulant therapy. Iron will not affect anticoagulation therapy. Restrictive clothing should be avoided to prevent the recurrence of thrombophlebitis. Shortness of breath should be reported immediately because it may be a symptom of pulmonary embolism.

A postpartal woman is prescribed an antibiotic because of endometritis. Her breast-fed infant should be observed particularly for which of the following?

Signs of thrush and easy bruising An antibiotic can lead to overgrowth of fungal organisms; it can also lead to underproduction of vitamin K and difficulty with blood clotting.

A laboring patient has experienced a fetal demise due to a true knot in the cord. The nurse overhears the patient's mother-in-law tell her that this is her fault because she was "too active" during the last trimester of her pregnancy. The nurse feels very angry about what the mother-in-law said. What is the nurse's best action?

Talk over the nurse's feeling with a coworker. Coping with the death of the fetus or newborn can be stressful for the nurse as well as the family. . It is important to recognize your feelings so that you do not let your feelings interfere with your ability to care for the woman and her family. It may be helpful to talk through your feelings with a friend or coworker. It is important to avoid responding in anger. Providing information is unlikely to be helpful.

A woman who is 2 weeks postpartum calls the clinic and says, "My left breast hurts." After further assessment on the phone, the nurse suspects the woman has mastitis. In addition to pain, the nurse would question the woman about which symptom?

hardening of an area in the affected breast Mastitis is characterized by a tender, hot, red, painful area on the affected breast. An inverted nipple is not associated with mastitis. With mastitis, the breast is distended with milk, the area is inflamed (not ecchymotic), and there is breast tenderness.

When assessing a postpartum client who was diagnosed with a cervical laceration that has been repaired, what sign should the nurse report as a possible development of hypovolemic shock?

weak and rapid pulse The sign of weak and rapid pulse in the body is a compensatory mechanism attempting to increase the blood circulation. This finding needs to be reported to the health care provider and RN as soon as possible.

In talking to a mother who is 6 hours post-delivery, the mother reports that she has changed her perineal pad twice in the last hour. What question by the nurse would best elicit information needed to determine the mother's status?

"How much blood was on the two pads?" The nurse needs to determine the amount of bleeding the client is experiencing; therefore, the best question to ask the mother is the amount of blood noted on her perineal pads when she changes them. If she had an epidural, she may not feel any pain or discomfort with the bleeding. Although a full bladder can prevent the uterus from contracting, the nurse's main concern is the amount of lochia the mother is having.

Which statement by the nurse would be considered inappropriate when comforting a family who has experienced a stillborn infant?

"I know you are hurting, but you can have another baby in the future." Parents who have experienced a stillborn need support from the nursing staff. Statements by the nurses need to be therapeutic for the grieving parents. Statements that offer false hope or diminish the value of the stillborn child cause the parents pain. Telling them that they can have another child is both thoughtless and hurtful.

The nurse notes that a client's uterus, which was firm after the fundal massage, has become boggy again. Which intervention would the nurse do next?

Check for bladder distention, while encouraging the client to void. If the nurse finds a previously firm fundus to be relaxed, displaced, and boggy, the nurse should assess for bladder distention and encourage the woman to void or initiate catheterization as indicated. Emptying a full bladder facilitates uterine contraction and decreased bleeding. The nurse should not perform vigorous fundal massage. Excessive massage leads to overstimulation of uterine muscle, resulting in excessive bleeding. The nurse should place the client in a semi-Fowler position to encourage uterine drainage in the client with postpartum endometritis. The nurse should offer analgesics as prescribed by the health care provider to minimize perineal discomfort in clients experiencing postpartum lacerations.

It is discovered that a new mother has developed a postpartum infection. What is the most likely expected outcome that the nurse will identify for this client related to this condition?

Client's temperature remains below 100.4°F (38.8°C) orally. As fever would accompany a postpartum infection, a likely expected outcome would be to reduce the client's temperature and keep it in a normal range. The other expected outcomes do not pertain as directly to postpartum infection as does the reduced temperature.

A postpartum client calls the nurse to her room and states that she knows something awful is going to happen to her. What should the nurse do?

Report this immediately to the health care provider. The postpartum woman who develops a pulmonary embolism typically exhibits a sudden onset of dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain and an impending sense of severe apprehension or doom. If the woman experiences any of these signs/symptoms, the nurse will report them immediately to the health care provider.

The nurse inspects the client's perineum and finds it is red, swollen, and tender. The nurse explains to the client that she needs to be monitored for blood loss, especially because of bleeding into the tissue of the perineum because of the third degree laceration sustained while giving birth. What parameters will the nurse assess to detect signs of additional blood loss? Select all that apply.

Urine output Blood pressure Pulse rate Assessment findings consistent with blood loss are increased pulse rate, decreased blood pressure, and decreased urine output. Bleeding into the perineal tissue may not be visible, therefore monitoring these parameters is important. Because bleeding is related to the laceration, uterine involution is not impacted and the assessment of the fundus is not going to provide useful data. Similarly, the amount of lochia will not provide useful data about bleeding into the perineal tissue.

On postpartum day 4, a client has a temperature of 101.4°F (38.6°C). Which findings would be consistent with a diagnosis of endometritis? Select all that apply.

foul-smelling lochia tender uterus strong afterpains Endometritis is an infection of the uterine lining. Assessment findings include a tender uterus, foul-smelling lochia, and strong afterbirth pains. A fluctuant perineal mass would be consistent with a hematoma. A swollen, warm breast at day 4 would be consistent with breast engorgement.

A postpartum patient is receiving antibiotics for endometritis. What should the nurse instruct the patient to observe in the infant with breast-feeding?

White plaques in the mouth The patient who is breast-feeding should not be prescribed antibiotics that are incompatible with breast-feeding. The patient should be instructed to observe for problems in their infant, such as white plaques or thrush in their infant's mouth that can occur when a portion of the maternal antibiotic passes into breast milk and causes an overgrowth of fungal organisms in the infant. Antibiotics will not typically cause jaundice. Irritability may or may not be because of the mother taking antibiotics. Decreased sleep levels are not typically associated with maternal antibiotic use.

A fundal massage is sometimes performed on a postpartum woman. The nurse would perform this procedure to address which condition?

uterine atony Fundal massage is performed for uterine atony, which is failure of the uterus to contract and retract after birth. The nurse would place the gloved dominant hand on the fundus and the gloved nondominant hand on the area just above the symphysis pubis. Using a circular motion, the nurse massages the fundus with the dominant hand. Then the nurse checks for firmness and, if firm, applies gentle downward pressure to express clots that may have accumulated. Finally, the nurse assists the woman with perineal care and applying a new perineal pad.

A nurse is making a follow up visit to a new parent and 3-month-old infant. The nurse is talking with the client about her role as a mother and caring for her infant. Which statement by the client would lead the nurse to immediately call the health care provider?

"I am so angry with myself, I just want to give up my life right now." The client's statement about being angry at herself and wanting to give up suggests postpartum psychosis. This information would need to be reported, because there is a threat to the mother's safety and possibly the infant's safety. The nurse should not leave the client alone. Postpartum psychosis generally surfaces within 3 months of giving birth and is manifested by sleep disturbances, fatigue, depression, and hypomania. The mother will be tearful, confused, and preoccupied with feelings of guilt and worthlessness. Early symptoms resemble those of depression, but they may escalate to delirium, hallucinations, extreme disorganization of thought, anger toward herself and her infant, bizarre behavior, delusions, disorientation, depersonalization, delirium-like appearance, manifestations of mania, and thoughts of hurting herself and the infant. The statement about not getting sleep may or may not be related to an affective disorder. It may be an indication of the mother attempting to adapt to the maternal role. The statement about getting tearful and then happy suggests emotional lability typically associated with postpartum blues; the statement about feeling restless and sad and lacking happiness suggest postpartal depression. Although these need to be reported and the nurse should continue to monitor the client, the statement about wanting to give up is of the utmost urgency.

Which situation should concern the nurse treating a postpartum client within a few days of birth?

The client feels empty since she gave birth to the neonate. A client experiencing postpartum blues may say she feels empty now that the infant is no longer in her uterus. She may also verbalize that she feels unprotected now. The other options are considered normal and would not be cause for concern. Many first-time mothers are nervous about caring for their neonates by themselves after discharge. New mothers may want a demonstration before doing a task themselves. A client may want to get some uninterrupted sleep, so she may ask that the neonate be taken to the nursery.

Which intervention(s) will the nurse recommend for a breastfeeding mother diagnosed with mastitis? Select all that apply.

Take antibiotics as prescribed Apply warm compresses to the affected breast PRN Rub expressed breast milk on the nipples after each feeding session Take acetaminophen as needed for pain A woman with mastitis is encouraged to continue breastfeeding her infant, and it is recommended to breastfeed about every 2 hours, while the infant is awake. Application of warm compresses helps reduce the discomfort of the infection and encourage healing. The primary health care provider will prescribe antibiotics and the client should complete the regimen. Mastitis can result when bacteria enters through cracks in the nipples. Rubbing breastmilk on the nipples after feeding helps reduce cracks, therefore decreasing the chance of the client experiencing mastitis again. Acetaminophen is safe to take while breastfeeding. The client can still breastfeed from the affected breast. However, if it is too painful, the client must express milk from the breast manually or with a pump to prevent engorgement (also a cause of mastitis) and promote continued milk production.

A nurse is caring for a client in the postpartum period. When observing the client's condition, the nurse notices that the client tends to speak incoherently. The client's thought process is disoriented, and she frequently indulges in obsessive concerns. The nurse notes that the client has difficulty in relaxing and sleeping. The nurse interprets these findings as suggesting which condition?

postpartum psychosis The client's signs and symptoms suggest that the client has developed postpartum psychosis. Postpartum psychosis is characterized by clients exhibiting suspicious and incoherent behavior, confusion, irrational statements, and obsessive concerns about the baby's health and welfare. Delusions, specific to the infant, are present. Sudden terror and a sense of impending doom are characteristic of postpartum panic disorders. Postpartum depression is characterized by a client feeling that her life is rapidly tumbling out of control. The client thinks of herself as an incompetent parent. Emotional swings, crying easily—often for no reason—and feelings of restlessness, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, headache, anxiety, loss of appetite, decreased ability to concentrate, irritability, sadness, and anger are common findings are characteristic of postpartum blues.