Lippincott: Postpartum

While assisting a primiparous client with her first breast-feeding session, which of the following actions should the nurse instruct the mother to do to stimulate the neonate to open the mouth and grasp the nipple? 1. Pull down gently on the neonate's chin and insert the nipple. 2. Squeeze both of the neonate's cheeks simultaneously. 3. Place the nipple into the neonate's mouth on top of the tongue. 4. Brush the neonate's lips lightly with the nipple.

4. Lightly brushing the neonate's lips with the nipple causes the neonate to open the mouth and begin sucking. The neonate should be taught to open the mouth and grasp the nipple on his or her own. The neonate should not be forced to nurse.

At a postpartum checkup 11 days after childbirth, the nurse asks the client about the color of her lochia. Which of the following colors is expected? 1. Dark red. 2. Pink. 3. Brown. 4. White.

4. On about the eleventh postpartum day, the lochia should be lochia alba, clear or white in color. Lochia rubra, which is dark red to red, may persist for the first 2 to 3 days postpartum. From day 3 to about day 10, lochia serosa, which is pink or brown, is normal.

A grand-multiparous client has just given birth to a large-for-gestational-age infant. The nurse determines the client's primary risk is for: 1. Knowledge deficit. 2. Acute pain. 3. Ineffective breast-feeding. 4. Fluid volume deficit.

4. The primary risk is for fluid volume deficit related to blood loss. The client is at increased risk for uterine atony and therefore increased blood loss due to having given birth to five or more children and for having a large infant. The client may be at risk for pain, ineffective breast-feeding, and knowledge deficit, but there is not enough information to indicate that these are priority problems at this time.

A primiparous client 3 days postpartum is to be discharged on heparin therapy. After teaching her about possible adverse effects of heparin therapy, the nurse determines that the client needs further instruction when she states that the adverse effects include which of the following? 1. Epistaxis. 2. Bleeding gums. 3. Slow pulse. 4. Petechiae.

3. A slow pulse (bradycardia) is normal for the first 7 days postpartum as the body begins to adjust to the decrease in blood volume and return to the prepregnant state. Adverse effects of heparin therapy suggesting prolonged bleeding include hematuria, epistaxis, increased lochial flow, and bleeding gums. Typically, tachycardia, not bradycardia, would be associated with hemorrhage. Petechiae indicate bleeding under the skin or in subcutaneous tissue.

A primiparous client who underwent a cesarean birth 30 minutes ago is to receive Rho (D) immune globulin (RhoGAM). The nurse should administer the medication within which of the following time frames after birth? 1. 8 hours. 2. 24 hours. 3. 72 hours. 4. 96 hours.

3. For maximum effectiveness, RhoGAM should be administered within 72 hours postpartum. Most Rh-negative clients also receive RhoGAM during the prenatal period at 28 weeks' gestation and then again after birth. The drug is given to Rh-negative mothers who have a negative Coombs test and give birth to Rh-positive neonates. If there is doubt about the fetus's blood type after pregnancy is terminated, the mother should receive the medication.

A nurse is explaining basic principles of asepsis and infection control to a client who has a respiratory tract infection following birth. The nurse determines the client understands principles of infection control to follow when the client says: 1. "I must use barrier isolation." 2. "I must wear a gown and gloves." 3. "I must use individual client care equipment." 4. "I must practice frequent handwashing."

4. Frequent handwashing is the most important aspect of infection control. The nurse can emphasize, monitor, and ensure this strategy for all who come in contact with this client. The use of gowns and gloves is appropriate when there is blood and stool. Barrier isolation and individual client care equipment are not needed in this situation.

A breast-feeding primiparous client asks the nurse how breast milk differs from cow's milk. The nurse responds by saying that breast milk is higher in which of the following? 1. Fat. 2. Iron. 3. Sodium. 4. Calcium.

1. Breast milk has a higher fat content than cow's milk. Thirty to fifty-five percent of the calories in breast milk are from fat. Breast milk contains less iron than cow's milk does. However, the iron absorption from breast milk is greater in the neonate than with cow's milk. Breast milk contains less sodium and calcium than cow's milk.

The nurse is caring for a primipara who gave birth yesterday and has chosen to breast-feed her neonate. Which assessment finding is considered unusual for the client at this point postpartum? 1. Milk production. 2. Diaphoresis. 3. Constipation. 4. Diuresis.

1. New mothers usually begin to produce milk at about the third day postpartum and colostrum is produced until that time. For clients who have breast-fed another infant during pregnancy, having milk shortly after birth is not unusual. Diaphoresis and diuresis are considered normal during this time as the body excretes the additional fluids that are no longer needed after the pregnancy. Constipation may continue for several days as a result of progesterone remaining in the system, the consummation of iron, and trauma to the perineum.

The nurse assesses a swollen ecchymosed area to the right of an episiotomy on a primiparous client 6 hours after a vaginal birth. The nurse should next: 1. Apply an ice pack to the perineal area. 2. Assess the client's temperature. 3. Have the client take a warm sitz bath. 4. Contact the physician for prescriptions for an antibiotic.

1. The client has a hematoma. During the first 24 hours postpartum, ice packs can be applied to the perineal area to reduce swelling and discomfort. Ice packs usually are not effective after the first 24 hours. Although vital signs, including temperature, are important assessments, taking the client's temperature is unrelated to the hematoma and would provide no additional information about swelling. After 24 hours, the client may obtain more relief by taking a warm sitz bath. This moist heat is an effective way to increase circulation to the perineum and provide comfort. Usually, hematomas resolve without further treatment within 6 weeks. Additionally, the nurse should measure the hematoma to provide a baseline for subsequent measurements and should notify the physician of its presence. An antibiotic is not warranted at this point because the client is not exhibiting any signs or symptoms of infection.

An adolescent primiparous client 24 hours postpartum asks the nurse how often she can hold her baby without "spoiling" him. Which of the following responses would be most appropriate? 1. "Hold him when he is fussy or crying." 2. "Hold him as much as you want to hold him." 3. "Try to hold him infrequently to avoid overstimulation." 4. "You can hold him periodically throughout the day."

2. According to Erikson, infants are in the trust versus mistrust stage. Holding, talking to, singing to, and patting neonates helps them develop trust in caregivers. Tactile stimulation is important and should be encouraged. Holding neonates often is unlikely to spoil them because they are totally dependent on other human beings to meet their needs. Being held makes infants feel loved and cared for and should be encouraged. The mother can hold the neonate as often as she wants, not just when the baby is crying or fussy. Overstimulation typically does not result from holding an infant.

A primiparous client who is bottle-feeding her neonate at 12 hours after birth asks the nurse, "When will my menstrual cycle return?" Which of the following responses by the nurse would be most appropriate? 1. "Your menstrual cycle will return in 3 to 4 weeks." 2. "It will probably be 6 to 10 weeks before it starts again." 3. "You can expect your menses to start in 12 to 14 weeks." 4. "Your menses will return in 16 to 18 weeks."

2. For clients who are bottle-feeding, the menstrual flow should return in 6 to 10 weeks, after a rise in the production of follicle-stimulating hormone by the pituitary gland. Nonlactating mothers rarely ovulate before 4 to 6 weeks postpartum. Therefore, 3 to 4 weeks is too early for the menstrual cycle to resume. For women who are breast-feeding, the menstrual flow may not return for 3 to 4 months (12 to 16 weeks) or, in some women, for the entire period of lactation, because ovulation is suppressed.

A multiparous client whose fundus is firm and midline at the umbilicus 8 hours after a vaginal birth tells the nurse that when she ambulated to the bathroom after sleeping for 4 hours, her dark red lochia seemed heavier. Which of the following would the nurse include when explaining to the client about the increased lochia on ambulation? 1. Her bleeding needs to be reported to the physician immediately. 2. The increased lochia occurs from lochia pooling in the vaginal vault. 3. The increase in lochia may be an early sign of postpartum hemorrhage. 4. This increase in lochia usually indicates retained placental fragments.

2. Lochia can be expected to increase when the client first ambulates. Lochia tends to pool in the uterus and vagina when the client is recumbent and flows out when the client arises. If the client had reported that her lochia was bright red, the nurse would suspect bleeding. In this situation, the client would be put back in bed and the physician would be notified. Early postpartum hemorrhage occurs during the first 24 hours, but typically the fundus is soft or "boggy." The client's fundus here is firm and midline. Late postpartal hemorrhage, occurring after the first 24 hours, is usually caused by retained placental fragments or abnormal involution of the placental site.

When instilling erythromycin ointment into the eyes of a neonate 1 hour old, the nurse would explain to the parents that the medication is used to prevent which of the following? 1. Chorioretinitis from cytomegalovirus. 2. Blindness secondary to gonorrhea. 3. Cataracts from beta-hemolytic streptococcus. 4. Strabismus resulting from neonatal maturation.

2. The instillation of erythromycin into the neonate's eyes provides prophylaxis for ophthalmia neonatorum, or neonatal blindness caused by gonorrhea in the mother. Erythromycin is also effective in the prevention of infection and conjunctivitis from Chlamydia trachomatis. The medication may result in redness of the neonate's eyes, but this redness will eventually disappear. Erythromycin ointment is not effective in treating neonatal chorioretinitis from cytomegalovirus. No effective treatment is available for a mother with cytomegalovirus. Erythromycin ointment is not effective in preventing cataracts. Additionally, neonatal infection with beta-hemolytic streptococcus results in pneumonia, bacterial meningitis, or death. Cataracts in the neonate may be congenital or may result from maternal exposure to rubella. Erythromycin ointment is also not effective for preventing and treating strabismus (crossed eyes). Infants may exhibit intermittent strabismus until 6 months of age.

When teaching a primiparous client about the growth and development of the neonate, which of the following should the nurse include as the usual age at which most babies are able to drink from a cup independently? 1. 5 to 7 months. 2. 8 to 10 months. 3. 12 to 14 months. 4. 15 to 16 months.

2. Most babies are developmentally ready to drink independently from a cup by the age of 8 to 10 months. If the child has not mastered drinking from a cup by this time, there may be a problem with motor development that requires further investigation.

Twelve hours after a vaginal birth with epidural anesthesia, the nurse palpates the fundus of a primiparous client and finds it to be firm, above the umbilicus, and deviated to the right. Which of the following would the nurse do next? 1. Document this as a normal finding in the client's record. 2. Contact the physician for a prescription for oxytocin. 3. Encourage the client to ambulate to the bathroom and void. 4. Gently massage the fundus to expel the clots.

3. At 12 hours postpartum, the fundus normally should be in the midline and at the level of the umbilicus. When the fundus is firm yet above the umbilicus, and deviated to the right rather than in the midline, the client's bladder is most likely distended. The client should be encouraged to ambulate to the bathroom and attempt to void, because a full bladder can prevent normal involution. A firm but deviated fundus above the level of the umbilicus is not a normal finding and if voiding does not return it to midline, it should be reported to the physician. Oxytocin is used to treat uterine atony. This client's fundus is firm, not boggy or soft, which would suggest atony. Gentle massage is not necessary because there is no evidence of atony or clots.

Three hours postpartum, a primiparous client's fundus is firm and midline. On perineal inspection, the nurse observes a small, constant trickle of blood. Which of the following conditions should the nurse assess further? 1. Retained placental tissue. 2. Uterine inversion. 3. Bladder distention. 4. Perineal lacerations.

4. A small, constant trickle of blood and a firm fundus are usually indicative of a vaginal tear or cervical laceration. If the client had retained placental tissue, the fundus would fail to contract fully (uterine atony), exhibiting as a soft or boggy fundus. Also, vaginal bleeding would be evident. Uterine inversion occurs when the uterus is displaced outside of the vagina and is obvious on inspection. Bladder distention may result in uterine atony because the pressure of the bladder displaces the fundus, preventing it from fully contracting. In this case the fundus would be soft, possibly boggy, and displaced from midline.

A diabetic postpartum client plans to breast-feed. The nurse determines that the client's understanding of breast-feeding instructions is sufficient when she states: 1. "Insulin will be transferred to the baby through breast milk." 2. "Breast-feeding is not recommended for diabetic mothers." 3. "Breast milk from diabetic mothers contains few antibodies." 4. "Breast-feeding will assist in lowering maternal blood glucose."

4. Breast-feeding consumes maternal calories and requires energy that increases the maternal basal metabolic rate and assists in lowering the maternal blood glucose level. Insulin is not transferred to the infant through breast milk. Breast-feeding is recommended for diabetic mothers because it does lower blood glucose levels. The number of antibodies in breast milk is not altered by maternal diabetes.

Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching plan for a primiparous client who asks about weaning her neonate? 1. "Wait until you have breast-fed for at least 4 months." 2. "Eliminate the baby's favorite feeding times first." 3. "Plan to omit the daytime feedings last." 4. "Gradually eliminate one feeding at a time."

4. The client should wean the infant gradually, eliminating one feeding at a time. The baby can be weaned to a bottle (formula) anytime the mother desires; she does not have to breast-feed for 4 months. Most infants (and mothers) develop a "favorite feeding time," so this feeding session should be eliminated last. The client may wish to begin weaning with daytime feedings when the infant is busy.

A client has admitted use of cocaine prior to beginning labor. After the infant is born, the nurse should anticipate the need to include which of the following actions in the infant's plan of care? 1. Urine toxicology screening. 2. Notifying hospital security. 3. Limiting contact with visitors. 4. Contacting local law enforcement.

1. A urine toxicology screening will be collected to document that the infant has been exposed to illegal drug use. This documentation will be the basis for legal action for the protection of this infant. If the infant tests positive for cocaine, the legal system will be activated to provide and ensure protective custody for this child. Hospital security would not become involved unless the mother is obtaining or using drugs on hospital premises. The mother and infant have the same privileges as any hospitalized clients unless the safety of the infant is jeopardized; thus, limiting contact with visitors would not be appropriate. Local law enforcement agencies would be contacted only if the mother initiates use of drugs on hospital premises and such contact would be made through the hospital security system.

A primiparous client who will be bottle-feeding her neonate asks, "What is the best position for the baby after feeding?" Which of the following positions should the nurse recommend to aid digestion? 1. Supine position. 2. On the left side. 3. Prone without a pillow. 4. Sitting on the caregiver's lap for 20 minutes.

1. To aid digestion, the neonate should be placed in a supine position. Placing infants on their side or prone in a crib after a feeding is no longer recommended due to the increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Although the mother may desire to hold the infant in her lap after feeding, this is not necessary for the neonate's digestion unless the infant has reflux.

A primiparous client who gave birth vaginally 8 hours ago desires to take a shower. The nurse anticipates remaining near the client to assess for which of the following? 1. Fatigue. 2. Fainting. 3. Diuresis. 4. Hygiene needs.

2. Clients sometimes feel faint or dizzy when taking a shower for the first time after birth because of the sudden change in blood volume in the body. Primarily for this reason, the nurse remains nearby while the client takes her first shower after birth. If the client becomes dizzy or expresses symptoms of feeling faint, the nurse should get the client back to bed as soon as possible. If the client faints while in the shower, the nurse should cover the client to protect her privacy, stay with the client, and call for assistance. Fatigue postpartum is common and will precede taking a shower. Diuresis is a normal physiologic response during the postpartum period and not associated with showering. Hygiene needs also precede the shower.

A primiparous client who is bottle-feeding her neonate asks, "When should I start giving the baby solid foods?" The nurse instructs the client to introduce solid foods no sooner than at which age? 1. 2 months. 2. 6 months. 3. 8 months. 4. 10 months.

2. Pediatricians recommend that infants be given either breast milk or formula until at least 6 months of age because of the neonate's difficulty digesting solid foods. Giving solid foods too early can lead to food allergies. Because chewing movements do not begin until 7 to 9 months of age, foods requiring chewing should be delayed until this time.

A primiparous client who gave vaginal birth to a viable term neonate 48 hours ago has a midline episiotomy and repair of a third-degree laceration. When preparing the client for discharge, which of the following assessments would be most important? 1. Constipation. 2. Diarrhea. 3. Excessive bleeding. 4. Rectal fistulas.

1. The client with a third-degree laceration should be assessed for constipation, because a third-degree laceration extends into a portion of the anal sphincter. Constipation, not diarrhea, is more likely because this condition is extremely painful, possibly causing the client to be reluctant to have a bowel movement. The laceration has been sutured and should not be bleeding at 48 hours postpartum. Rectal fistulas may develop at a later time, but not at 48 hours postpartum.

A primiparous client who is beginning to breast-feed her neonate asks the nurse, "Is it important for my baby to get colostrum?" When instructing the client, the nurse would explain that colostrum provides the neonate with: 1. More fat than breast milk. 2. Vitamin K, which the neonate lacks. 3. Delayed meconium passage. 4. Passive immunity from maternal antibodies.

4. Colostrum is a thin, watery, yellow fluid composed of protein, sugar, fat, water, minerals, vitamins, and maternal antibodies (eg, immunoglobulin A). It is important for the neonate to receive colostrum for passive immunity. Colostrum is lower in fat and lactose than mature breast milk. Colostrum does not contain vitamin K. The neonate will produce vitamin K once a feeding pattern is established. Colostrum may speed, rather than delay, the passage of meconium.

During a home visit on the fourth postpartum day, a primiparous client tells the nurse that she is aware of a "let-down sensation" in her breasts and asks what causes it. The nurse explains that the let-down sensation is stimulated by which of the following? 1. Adrenalin. 2. Estrogen. 3. Prolactin. 4. Oxytocin.

4. Oxytocin stimulates the let-down reflex when milk is carried to the nipples. A lactating mother can experience the let-down reflex suddenly when she hears her baby cry or when she anticipates a feeding. Some mothers have reported feeling the let-down reflex just by thinking about the baby. Adrenalin may increase if the mother is excited, but this hormone has no direct influence on breast-feeding. Estrogen influences development of female secondary sex characteristics and controls menstruation. Prolactin stimulates milk production.

While assessing the fundus of a multiparous client 36 hours after birth of a term neonate, the nurse notes a separation of the abdominal muscles. The nurse should tell the client: 1. She will have a surgical repair at 6 weeks postpartum. 2. To remain on bed rest until resolution occurs. 3. The separation will resolve on its own with the right posture and diet. 4. To perform exercises involving head and shoulder raising in a lying position.

4. The client is experiencing diastasis recti, a separation of the longitudinal muscles (recti) of the abdomen that is usually palpable on the third postpartum day. An exercise involving raising the head and shoulders about 8 inches (20.3 cm) with the client lying on her back with knees bent and hands crossed over the abdomen is preferred. This exercise helps to pull the abdominal muscles together and the client gradually works up to performing this exercise 50 times per day. However, until the diastasis has closed, the client should avoid exercises that rotate the trunk, twist the hips, or bend the trunk to one side, because further separation may occur. The condition does not need a surgical repair, and limited activity and bed rest are not necessary. Correct posture and adequate diet assist the body to return to its prepregnancy state more quickly but do not resolve the separation of abdominal muscles.

A postpartum multiparous client diagnosed with endometritis is to receive intravenous antibiotic therapy with ampicillin. Before administering this drug, the nurse must do which of the following? 1. Ask the client if she has any drug allergies. 2. Assess the client's pulse rate. 3. Place the client in a side-lying position. 4. Check the client's perineal pad.

1. Before administering ampicillin intravenously, the nurse must ask the client if she has any drug allergies, especially to penicillin. Antibiotic therapy can cause adverse effects, such as rash or even anaphylaxis. If the client is allergic to penicillin, the physician should be notified and ampicillin should not be given. Checking the client's pulse rate or placing her in a side-lying position are not necessary. Assessing the amount of lochia by checking the perineal pad is important for all postpartum clients but is not necessary before antibiotic therapy.

A primiparous client, 48 hours after a vaginal birth, is to be discharged with a prescription for vitamins with iron because she is anemic. To maximize absorption of the iron, the nurse instructs the client to take the medication with which of the following? 1. Orange juice. 2. Herbal tea. 3. Milk. 4. Grape juice.

1. Iron is best absorbed in an acid environment or with vitamin C. For maximum iron absorption, the client should take the medication with orange juice or a vitamin C supplement. Herbal tea has no effect on iron absorption. Milk decreases iron absorption. Grape juice is not acidic and therefore would have no effect on iron absorption.

After instructing a primiparous client about episiotomy care, which of the following client statements indicates successful teaching? 1. "I'll use hot, sudsy water to clean the episiotomy area." 2. "I wipe the area from front to back using a blotting motion." 3. "Before bedtime, I'll use a cold water sitz bath." 4. "I can use ice packs for 3 to 4 days after birth."

2. The nurse should instruct the client to cleanse the perineal area with warm water and to wipe from front to back with a blotting motion. Warm water is soothing to the tender tissue, and wiping from front to back reduces the risk of contamination. Hot, sudsy water may increase the client's discomfort and may even burn the client in a very tender area. After the first 24 hours, warm water sitz baths taken three or four times a day for 20 minutes can help increase circulation to the area. Ice packs are helpful for the first 24 hours.

While changing the neonate's diaper, the client asks the nurse about some red-tinged drainage from the neonate's vagina. Which of the following responses would be most appropriate? 1. "It's of no concern because it is such a small amount." 2. "The cause is usually related to swallowing blood during the birth." 3. "Sometimes baby girls have this from hormones received from the mother." 4. "This vaginal spotting is caused by hemorrhagic disease of the newborn."

3. The most appropriate response would be to explain that the vaginal spotting in female neonates is associated with hormones received from the mother. Estrogen is believed to cause slight vaginal bleeding or spotting in the female neonate. The condition disappears spontaneously, so there is no need for concern. Telling the mother that it is of no concern does not allay the mother's worry. The vaginal spotting is related to hormones received from the mother, not to swallowing blood during the birth or hemorrhagic disease of the neonate. Anemia is associated with hemorrhagic disease.

The nurse is evaluating the client who gave birth vaginally 2 hours ago and is experiencing postpartum pain rated 8 on scale of 1 to 10. The client is a G 4, P 4, breast-feeding mother who would like medication to decrease the pain in her uterus. Which of the medications listed on the prescriptions sheet would be the most appropriate for this client? 1. Aspirin 1,000 mg PO every 4 to 6 hour PRN. 2. Ibuprofen 800 mg PO every 6 to 8 hour PRN. 3. Ducosate 100 mg PO twice a day. 4. Acetaminophen and hydrocodone 10 mg 1 tab PO every 4 to 6 hour PRN.

4. Acetaminophen and hydrocodone would be the drug of choice for this situation because the pain level is so high. Aspirin is not usually used because of the bleeding risk associated with its use. Although ibuprofen would typically be a good choice because it inhibits the prostaglandin synthesis associated with a multiparous client breast-feeding, the pain level is too high for this drug to have an acceptable effect. Docusate is used as a stool softener postpartum but does not provide pain relief.

Which of the following client statements indicates effective teaching about burping a breast- fed neonate? 1. "Breast-fed babies who are burped frequently will take more on each breast." 2. "If I supplement the baby with formula, I will rarely have to burp him." 3. "I'll breast-feed my baby every 3 hours so I won't have to burp him." 4. "When I switch to the other breast, I'll burp the baby."

4. Breast-fed neonates do not swallow as much air as bottle-fed neonates, but they still need to be burped. Good times to burp the neonate are when the mother switches from one breast to the other and at the end of the breast-feeding session. Neonates do not eat more if they are burped frequently. Breast-feeding mothers are advised not to supplement the feedings with formula because this may cause nipple confusion and decrease milk production. If supplements are given, the baby still needs to be burped. Neonates who are fed every 3 hours still need to be burped.

The nurse is caring for a G 3, T 3, P 0, Ab 0, L 3 woman who is 1 day postpartum following a vaginal birth. Which of the following indicates a need for further assessment? 1. Hemoglobin 12.1 g/dL (121 g/L). 2. WBC count of 15,000 (15 × 10 9/L). 3. Pulse of 60. 4. Temperature of 100.8°F (38.2°C).

4. Within the first 24 hours postpartum, maternal temperature may increase to 100.4°F (38.2°C), a normal postpartum finding attributed to dehydration. A temperature above 100.4°F (38.2°C) after the first 24 hours indicates a potential for infection. The hemoglobin is in the normal range. WBC count is normally elevated as a response to the inflammation, pain, and stress of the birthing process. A pulse rate of 60 bpm is normal at this period and results from an increased cardiac output (mobilization of excess extracellular fluid into the vascular bed, decreased pressure from the uterus on vessels, blood flow back to the heart from the uterus returning to the central circulation) and alteration in stroke volume.

A primiparous client diagnosed with cystitis at 48 hours postpartum who is receiving intravenous ampicillin asks the nurse, "Can I still continue to breast-feed my baby?" The nurse should tell the client: 1. "You can continue to breast-feed as long as you want to do so." 2. "Alternate your breast-feeding with formula feeding to help you rest." 3. "You'll need to discontinue breast-feeding until the antibiotic therapy is stopped." 4. "You'll need to modify your technique by manually pumping your breasts."

99. 1. The client can continue to breast-feed as often as she desires. Continuation of breast-feeding is limited only by the client's discomfort or malaise. Antibiotics for treatment are chosen carefully so that they avoid affecting the neonate through breast milk. Drugs such as sulfonamides, nitrofurantoin, and cephalosporins usually are not prescribed for breast-feeding mothers. Manual pumping of the breasts is not necessary.

A nurse is discussing discharge instructions with a client. Which of the following statements indicate that the client understands the resources and information available if needed after discharge? Select all that apply. 1. "I know to wait 2 weeks before I start my birth control pills." 2. "I have the hospital phone number if I have any questions." 3. "If I have any breathing problems, chest pain, or pounding fast heart rate, I will seek medical assistance." 4. "My mother is coming to help for a month so I will be fine." 5. "I know if I get fever or chills or change in lochia to call the physician." 6. "I will continue my prenatal vitamins until my postpartum checkup or longer."

2, 3, 5, 6. The nurse is responsible for providing discharge instructions that include signs and symptoms that need to be reported to the physician as well as resources and follow-up for home care if needed. Phone numbers and health practices to promote healing, such as the use of prenatal vitamins, are also essential pieces of information. The use of birth control pills needs to be discussed with the physician. A progesterone-only pill is used if the client is breast-feeding. Oral contraceptives should be initiated according to the physician's advice. Although the client's mother may be helpful, the client's statement that she will be fine because her mother is coming indicates that she is unaware or ignoring information about valuable information and resources.

Two weeks after a breast-feeding primiparous client is discharged, she calls the birthing center and says that she is afraid she is "losing my breast milk. The baby had been nursing every 4 hours, but now she's crying to be fed every 2 hours." The nurse interprets the neonate's behavior as most likely caused by which of the following? 1. Lack of adequate intake to meet maternal nutritional needs. 2. The mother's fears about the baby's weight gain. 3. Preventing the neonate from sucking long enough with each feeding. 4. The neonate's temporary growth spurt, which requires more feedings.

4. Neonates normally increase breast-feeding during periods of rapid growth (growth spurts). These can be expected at age 10 to 14 days, 5 to 6 weeks, 2.5 to 3 months, and 4.5 to 6 months. Each growth spurt is usually followed by a regular feeding pattern. Lack of adequate intake to meet maternal nutritional needs is not associated with the neonate's desire for more frequent breast-feeding sessions. However, an intake of adequate calories is necessary to produce quality breast milk. The mother's fears about weight gain and preventing the neonate from sucking long enough are not associated with the desire for more frequent breast-feeding sessions.

The physician prescribes an intramuscular injection of vitamin K for a term neonate. The nurse explains to the mother that this medication is used to prevent which of the following? 1. Hypoglycemia. 2. Hyperbilirubinemia. 3. Hemorrhage. 4. Polycythemia.

3. Vitamin K acts as a preventive measure against neonatal hemorrhagic disease. At birth, the neonate does not have the intestinal flora to produce vitamin K, which is necessary for coagulation. Hypoglycemia is prevented and treated by feeding the infant. Hyperbilirubinemia severity can be decreased by early feeding and passage of meconium to excrete the bilirubin. Hyperbilirubinemia is treated with phototherapy. Polycythemia may occur in neonates who are large for gestational age or postterm. Clamping of the umbilical cord before pulsations cease reduces the incidence of polycythemia. Generally, polycythemia is not treated unless it is extremely severe.

A multiparous client, 28 hours after cesarean birth, who is breast-feeding has severe cramps or afterpains. The nurse explains that these are caused by which of the following? 1. Flatulence accumulation after a cesarean birth. 2. Healing of the abdominal incision after cesarean birth. 3. Adverse effects of the medications administered after birth. 4. Release of oxytocin during the breast-feeding session.

4. Breast-feeding stimulates oxytocin secretion, which causes the uterine muscles to contract. These contractions account for the discomfort associated with afterpains. Flatulence may occur after a cesarean birth. However, the mother typically would have abdominal distention and a bloating feeling, not a "cramplike" feeling. Stretching of the tissues or healing may cause slight tenderness or itching, not cramping feelings of discomfort. Medications such as mild analgesics or stool softeners, commonly administered postpartum, typically do not cause cramping.

While caring for a primipara diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis at 48 hours postpartum who is receiving treatment with bed rest and intravenous heparin therapy, the nurse should contact the client's physician immediately if the client exhibited which of the following? 1. Pain in her calf. 2. Dyspnea. 3. Hypertension. 4. Bradycardia.

2. A major complication of deep vein thrombosis is pulmonary embolism. Signs and symptoms, which may occur suddenly and require immediate treatment, include dyspnea, severe chest pain, apprehension, cough (possibly accompanied by hemoptysis), tachycardia, fever, hypotension, diaphoresis, pallor, shortness of breath, and friction rub. Pain in the calf is common with a diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis. Hypotension, not hypertension, would suggest a possible pulmonary embolism. It also could suggest possible hemorrhage secondary to intravenous heparin therapy. Bradycardia for the first 7 days in the postpartum period is normal.

After the nurse counsels a primiparous client who is breast-feeding her neonate about diet and nutritional needs during the lactation period, which of the following client statements indicates a need for additional teaching? 1. "I need to increase my intake of vitamin D." 2. "I should drink at least five glasses of fluid daily." 3. "I need to get an extra 500 cal/day." 4. "I need to make sure I have enough calcium in my diet."

2. For the breast-feeding client, drinking at least 8 to 10 glasses of fluid a day is recommended. Breast-feeding women need an increased intake of vitamin D for calcium absorption. A breast-feeding woman requires an extra 500 cal/day above the recommended nonpregnancy intake to produce quality breast milk. Breast-feeding women need adequate calcium for blood clotting and strong bones and teeth.

Which of the following forms the basis for the teaching plan about avoiding medication use unless prescribed for a primiparous client who is breast-feeding? 1. Breast milk quality and richness are decreased. 2. The mother's motivation to breast-feed is diminished. 3. Medications may be excreted in breast milk to the nursing neonate. 4. Medications interfere with the mother's let-down reflex.

3. Various medications can be excreted in the breast milk and affect the nursing neonate. The client should avoid all nonprescribed medications (such as acetaminophen) unless approved by the primary care provider. Medications typically do not affect the quality of the mother's breast milk. Medications usually do not interfere with or diminish the mother's motivation to breast-feed, nor do they interfere with the mother's let-down reflex.

A breast-feeding primiparous client who gave birth 8 hours ago asks the nurse, "How will I know that my baby is getting enough to eat?" Which of the following guidelines should the nurse include in the teaching plan as evidence of adequate intake? 1. Six to eight wet diapers by the fifth day. 2. Three to four transitional stools on the fourth day. 3. Ability to fall asleep easily after feeding on the first day. 4. Regain of lost birth weight by the third day.

1. The nurse should instruct the client that the baby is getting enough to eat when there are six to eight wet diapers by the fifth day of age. Other signs include good suckling sounds during feeding, dripping breast milk at the mouth, and quiet rest or sleep after the feeding. By the fourth day of age, the infant should have soft yellow stools, not transitional (greenish) stools. Falling asleep easily after feeding on the first day is not a good indicator because most infants are sleepy during the first 24 hours. Most infants regain their lost birth weight in 7 to 10 days after birth. An infant who has gained weight during the first well-baby checkup (usually at 2 weeks) is getting sufficient breast milk at feedings.

Carboprost (Hemabate) was injected into the uterus of a client to treat uterine atony during a cesarean section. In preparing to care for this client postpartum, the nurse should assess the client for which of the following common adverse effects of the medication? 1. Vertigo and confusion. 2. Nausea and diarrhea. 3. Restlessness and increased vaginal bleeding. 4. Headache and hypertension.

2. Hemabate is an oxytocic prostaglandin that causes uterine contraction in women who are bleeding heavily. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever are common adverse effects of prostaglandin administration. Vertigo and confusion are not associated with this drug. Vaginal bleeding may occur with inadequate amounts of Hemabate if the client continues to bleed. Restlessness may result if inadequate amounts of Hemabate are used and the woman continues to bleed and goes into shock. If too large a dose is given, the client may experience headache and hypertension because Hemabate does contract smooth muscles.

A multiparous client at 24 hours postpartum demonstrates a positive Homan sign with discomfort. The nurse should: 1. Place a cold pack on the client's perineal area. 2. Place the client in semi-Fowler's position. 3. Notify the client's physician immediately. 4. Ask the client to ambulate around the room.

3. A positive Homan sign, discomfort behind the knee or in the upper calf area on dorsiflexion of the foot, may be indicative of thrombophlebitis. Other signs include edema and redness at the site and may be more reliable as an indicator of thrombophlebitis. The nurse should notify the physician immediately and ask the client to remain in bed to minimize the risk for pulmonary embolus, a serious consequence of thrombophlebitis should a clot dislodge. The Homan sign is observed on the client's legs, so placing an ice pack on the perineal area is inappropriate. However, ice to the perineum would be useful for episiotomy pain and swelling. The client does not need to be positioned in semi-Fowler's position but should remain on bed rest to prevent dislodgement of a potential clot.

A postpartum client gave birth 6 hours ago without anesthesia and just voided 100 mL. The nurse palpates the fundus two fingerbreadths above the umbilicus and off to the right side. What should the nurse do first? 1. Administer ibuprofen. 2. Reassess in 1 hour. 3. Catheterize the client. 4. Obtain a prescription for a fluid bolus.

3. A uterine fundus located off to one side and above the level of the umbilicus is commonly the result of a full bladder. Although the client had voided, the client may be experiencing urinary retention with overflow. If anesthesia has been used for birth, the inability to void may be related to the lingering effects of anesthesia; however, that is not the case here. Physicians commonly write a one-time order for catheterization, after which, typically, enough edema has subsided to make it easier and less painful for the client to void and completely empty her bladder. Administering ibuprofen would have no effect on the uterine fundus. Waiting to reassess in 1 hour could be detrimental since the client's distended bladder is interfering with uterine involution, predisposing her to possible hemorrhage. Administering a bolus of fluid would be inappropriate because it would only add to the client's full bladder.

During a home visit on the fourth postpartum day, a primiparous client tells the nurse that she has been experiencing breast engorgement. To relieve engorgement, the nurse teaches the client that before nursing her baby, the client should do which of the following? 1. Apply an ice cube to the nipples. 2. Rub her nipples gently with lanolin cream. 3. Express a small amount of breast milk. 4. Offer the neonate a small amount of formula.

3. Expressing a little milk before nursing, massaging the breasts gently, or taking a warm shower before feeding also may help to improve milk flow. Although various measures such as ice, heat, and massage may be tried to relieve breast engorgement, prevention of breast engorgement by frequent feedings is the method of choice. Applying ice to the nipples does not relieve breast engorgement. However, it may temporarily relieve the discomfort associated with breast engorgement. Using lanolin on the nipples does not relieve breast engorgement and is unnecessary. Use of lanolin may cause sensitivity and irritation. Having frequent breast-feeding sessions, rather than offering the neonate a small amount of formula, is the method of choice for preventing and relieving breast engorgement. In addition, offering the neonate small amounts of formula may result in nipple confusion.

A 24-year-old primipara who has given birth to a healthy neonate plans to bottle-feed her neonate. What information regarding normal weight gain should the nurse include in the teaching plan? 1. A baby normally loses 15% of weight before beginning to gain weight. 2. Adding rice cereal to the bottle is a good way to increase calories if weight gain is slow. 3. Gaining 30 g/day is a normal weight gain pattern. 4. Babies typically double birth weight by 3 months.

3. Gaining 30 g (1 oz) a day is normal for a neonate. Initial weight loss that exceeds 10% of birth weight is abnormal. Adding rice cereal to a bottle without a medical indication increases the risk of aspiration and may promote obesity. Doubling the birth weight is typical at 5 months.

A 1-day-old breast-fed infant has a bilirubin level that is at an intermediate risk for jaundice. Which statement by the infant's mother indicates an understanding of the teaching regarding jaundice? 1. I should breast-feed my baby as often as possible. 2. I should supplement with formula after every feeding. 3. I should discontinue breast-feeding and change to formula feeding. 4. I should place my baby in direct sunlight several times a day.

1. Jaundice in a breast-feeding infant is common and is not pathological. Mothers should be taught to breast-feed as often as possible, at least every 2 to 3 hours and until the infant is satiated. Breast-fed babies rarely need to be supplemented with formula. Mothers should be encouraged to continue breast-feeding their infants due to the numerous benefits it provides. Infants should never be placed in direct sunlight.

A postpartum woman has unrelenting pain in her rectum after vaginal birth despite administration of pain medications. Which action is most indicated? 1. Administering additional pain medications. 2. Assessing the perineum. 3. Reassuring the patient that pain is normal after vaginal birth. 4. Preparing a warm sitz bath for the client.

2. Pain after childbirth is generally well managed with pain control medications; since they did not help this woman, further assessment is necessary. The first nursing action would be to assess the source of the pain; the woman may have sustained a laceration or a hematoma as a result of childbirth. Assessing the perineum may help the nurse to determine the source of the pain and may require follow-up by the primary health care provider. Subsequent nursing interventions may include pain medication, sitz bath, or education regarding the healing process.

Prophylactic heparin therapy is prescribed to treat thrombophlebitis in a multiparous client who gave birth 24 hours ago. After instructing the client about the medication, the nurse determines that the client understands the instructions when she states which of the following as the purpose of the drug? 1. To thin the blood clots. 2. To increase the lochial flow. 3. To increase the perspiration for diuresis. 4. To prevent further blood clot formation.

4. Heparin therapy is prescribed to prevent further clot formation by inhibiting further thrombus and clot formation. Heparin, an anticoagulant, does not make blood clots thinner. An adverse effect of heparin therapy during the puerperium is increased lochia flow, so the nurse must be observant for symptoms of hemorrhage, such as heavy lochial flow. Heparin does not increase diaphoresis, which is normal for the postpartum client.

The nurse is assessing a client at her postpartum checkup 6 weeks after a vaginal birth. The mother is bottle-feeding her baby. Which client finding indicates a problem at this time? 1. Firm fundus at the symphysis. 2. White, thick vaginal discharge. 3. Striae that are silver in color. 4. Soft breasts without milk.

1. By 4 to 6 weeks postpartum, the fundus should be deep in the pelvis and the size of a nonpregnant uterus. Subinvolution, caused by infection or retained placental fragments, is a problem associated with a uterus that is larger than expected at this time. Normal expectations include a white, thick vaginal discharge, striae that are beginning to fade to silver, and breasts that are soft without evidence of milk production (in a bottle-feeding mother).

Which of the following would the nurse include in the primiparous client's discharge teaching plan about measures to provide visual stimulation for the neonate? 1. Maintain eye contact while talking to the baby. 2. Paint the baby's room in bright colors accented with teddy bears. 3. Use brightly colored animals and cartoon figures on the wall. 4. Move a brightly colored rattle in front of the baby's eyes.

1. Neonates like to look at eyes, and eye-to-eye contact is a highly effective way to provide visual stimulation. The parent's eyes are circular, move from side to side, and become larger and smaller. Neonates have been observed to fix on them. In general, neonates prefer circular objects of darkness against a white background. Sharp black and white images of geometric figures are appropriate. Use of bright colors on the walls and moving a colorful rattle do not provide as much visual stimulation as eye-to-eye contact with talking. Brightly colored animals and cartoon figures are more appropriate at approximately 1 year of age.

A 30-year-old woman, G 4, P 4, has given cesarean birth to a healthy term female neonate due to an abnormal fetal heart rate tracing. At 2 hours postpartum, the nurse assesses the client's Foley catheter and observes that the client's urine is slightly red tinged. Which of the following should the nurse do next? 1. Continue to monitor the client's input and output. 2. Palpate the client's fundus gently every 15 minutes. 3. Assess the placement of the Foley catheter. 4. Contact the client's physician for further prescriptions.

4. Slightly red-tinged urine may indicate that the bladder was accidentally cut during the cesarean birth. The nurse should notify the physician as soon as possible about the urine color. Continuing to monitor the client's input and output should be done after the physician is contacted. Palpating the fundus every 15 minutes is not necessary unless the client's fundus becomes soft or "boggy." Assessment of the Foley catheter is a normal part of the elimination assessment by the nurse, but displacement is not the cause of the red-tinged urine.

The nurse assigns an unlicensed assistive personnel to care for a client who is 1 day postpartum. Which of the following would be appropriate to delegate to this person? Select all that apply. 1. Changing the perineal pad and reporting the drainage. 2. Assisting the mother to latch the infant onto the breast 3. Checking the location of the fundus prior to ambulating the client. 4. Reinforcing good hygiene while assisting the client with washing the perineum. 5. Discussing postpartum depression with the client who is found crying. 6. Assisting the client with ambulation shortly after birth.

1, 4, 6. Delegating care to unlicensed assistive personnel requires that the nurse knows which tasks are within their capability. Changing the perineal pad and reporting drainage, reinforcing hygiene with perineal care, and assisting with ambulation are within the individual's capacity. Unlicensed assistive personnel should never be asked to complete any assessments, such as checking fundal location or performing skilled procedures on a client. In addition, it would be beyond the scope of the job of unlicensed assistive personnel to assist the mother with latching on and discussing postpartum depression with the client. State Boards of nursing list the procedures and tasks that unlicensed assistive personnel can complete when directed.

The nurse is providing follow-up care with clients 1 week after the birth of their neonate. The nurse would anticipate what outcomes from this new mother? Select all that apply. 1. The client feels tired but is able to care for herself and her new infant. 2. The family has adequate support from one another and others. 3. Lochia is changing from red to pink and is smaller in amount. 4. The client feeds the baby every 6 to 8 hours without difficulty. 5. The client has positive comments about her new infant.

1,2,3,5. Outcome evaluation for a family about 10 days after childbirth would include a mother who is tired but is able to care for herself and her baby. Having adequate support systems enables the mother to care better for herself and family members, as they can provide the backup for situations that may arise and a resource for new families. The normal progression for lochia is to change from red to pink to off-white while decreasing in amount. This is within the usual time periods for a postpartum mother. The baby should be feeding more frequently than every 6 to 8 hours. It is expected that a 10-day-old infant feeds every 3 to 4 hours if bottle-feeding and every 11⁄2 to 3 hours if breast-feeding. Follow-up questions the nurse would ask to further evaluate this situation include, How many wet diapers the infant has daily? How alert the infant is? Did the infant gain any weight at the first checkup? It is expected that the mother has positive comments about the infant, but the nurse will evaluate to determine if there is at least one positive comment.

While the nurse is caring for a primiparous client with cephalopelvic disproportion 4 hours after a cesarean birth, the client requests assistance in breast-feeding. To promote maximum maternal comfort, which of the following would be most appropriate for the nurse to suggest? 1. Football hold. 2. Scissors hold. 3. Cross-cradle hold. 4. Cradle hold.

1. After a cesarean birth, most mothers have the greatest comfort when the neonate is positioned in the football hold with the mother in semi-Fowler's position, supporting the neonate's head in her hand and resting the neonate's body on pillows alongside her hip. This position prevents pressure on the uterine incision yet allows the neonate easy access to the mother's breast. The scissors hold, where the mother places her hand well back on the breast to prevent touching the areola and interfering with the neonate's mouth placement, is used by the mother to hold the breast and support it during breast-feeding. The cross-cradle hold is done when the mother holds the neonate's head in the hand opposite from the breast on which the neonate will feed and the mother's arm supports the neonate's body across her lap. This position can be uncomfortable because of the pressure placed on the client's incision line. For the cradle hold, the mother cradles the infant alongside the arm at the breast on which the neonate will feed. This position also can be uncomfortable because of the pressure placed on the incision line.

Four days after a vaginal birth, a client has excessive lochia rubra with clots. The physician prescribes carboprost tromethamine, 0.25 mg intramuscularly. Which statement by the client reflects the need for more teaching about carboprost? 1. "This medication may cause nausea and vomiting." 2. "This medication sometimes causes hypotension that leads to dizziness." 3. "I will also receive medication to help prevent severe diarrhea." 4. "I may run a fever after being treated with carboprost."

1. Carboprost tromethamine (Hemabate) may cause hypertension, not hypotension. More commonly carboprost tromethamine, a synthetic progastgladin, causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Gastrointestinal symptoms are so common that antiemetic and antidiarreal medications are often given as a pretreatment or immediately following carboprost.

During a home visit, a breast-feeding client asks the nurse what contraception method she and her husband should use until she has her 6-week postpartal examination. Which of the following would be most appropriate for the nurse to suggest? 1. Condom with spermicide. 2. Oral contraceptives. 3. Rhythm method. 4. Abstinence.

1. If not contraindicated for moral, cultural, or religious reasons, a condom with spermicide is commonly recommended for contraception after birth until the client's 6-week postpartal examination. This method has no effect on the neonate who is breast-feeding. Oral contraceptives containing estrogen are not advised for women who are breast-feeding because the hormones decrease the production of breast milk. Women who are not breast-feeding may use oral contraceptive agents. The rhythm method is not effective because the client is unlikely to be able to determine when ovulation has occurred until her menstrual cycle returns. Although breast-feeding is not considered an effective form of contraception, breast-feeding usually delays the return of both ovulation and menstruation. The length of the delay varies with the duration of lactation and the frequency of breast-feeding. While abstinence is one form of birth control and safe while breast- feeding, it may not be acceptable to this couple who is asking about a method that will allow them to resume sexual relations.

At which of the following locations would the nurse expect to palpate the fundus of a primiparous client immediately after birth of a neonate? 1. Halfway between the umbilicus and the symphysis pubis. 2. At the level of the umbilicus. 3. Just below the level of the umbilicus. 4. Above the level of the umbilicus.

1. Immediately after delivery of the placenta, the nurse would expect to palpate the fundus halfway between the umbilicus and the symphysis pubis. Within 2 hours postpartum, the fundus should be palpated at the level of the umbilicus. The fundus remains at this level or may rise slightly above the umbilicus for approximately 12 hours. After the first 12 hours, the fundus should decrease one fingerbreadth (1 cm) per day in size. By the 9th or 10th day, the fundus usually is no longer palpable.

A primiparous client with a neonate who is 36 hours old asks the nurse, "Why does my baby spit up a small amount of formula after feeding?" The nurse explains that the regurgitation is thought to result from which of the following? 1. An immature cardiac sphincter. 2. A defect in the gastrointestinal system. 3. Burping the infant too frequently. 4. Moving the infant during the feeding.

1. Initial regurgitation in the neonate during the first 12 to 24 hours may be caused by excessive mucus and gastric irritation from foreign substances in the stomach. After the first 24 hours, regurgitation is thought to be caused by the neonate's immature cardiac sphincter. It represents an overflow of stomach contents and is probably a result of feeding the neonate too fast or too much. A defect in the gastrointestinal system usually results in more severe symptoms. A small amount of regurgitation is normal, but vomiting or forceful fluid expulsion is not. Burping the infant often during a feeding can decrease the amount of air in the stomach from swallowing. However, burping too often can lead the neonate to become tired or fussy. Moving the infant usually does not result in regurgitation.

After instructing a primiparous client who is bottle-feeding about burping, which of the following client statements indicates that the client needs further teaching? 1. "I'll burp him after 15 minutes of feeding him formula." 2. "After he takes one-half ounce of formula, I'll burp him." 3. "I'll burp him while he is in an upright position." 4. "I'll gently pat his back to get him to burp."

1. The client needs further instruction when she says burping should be done after 15 minutes of formula feeding. The entire feeding should take only 15 to 20 minutes, and the neonate should be burped before that time. During initial feedings, the burping should be done after each half-ounce of formula with the neonate in an upright position, patting the neonate gently on the back.

While caring for a multiparous client 4 hours after vaginal birth of a term neonate, the nurse notes that the mother's temperature is 99.8°F (37.2°C), the pulse is 66 bpm, and the respirations are 18 breaths/min. Her fundus is firm, midline, and at the level of the umbilicus. The nurse should: 1. Continue to monitor the client's vital signs. 2. Assess the client's lochia for large clots. 3. Notify the client's physician about the findings. 4. Offer the mother an ice pack for her forehead.

1. The nurse needs to continue to monitor the client's vital signs. During the first 24 hours postpartum it is normal for the mother to have a slight temperature elevation because of dehydration. A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) that persists after the first 24 hours may indicate an infection. Bradycardia during the first week postpartum is normal because of decreased blood volume, diuresis, and diaphoresis. The client's respiratory rate is within normal limits. Large clots are indicative of hemorrhage. However, the client's vital signs are within normal limits and her fundus is firm and midline. Therefore, large clots and possible hemorrhage can be ruled out. The physician does not need to be notified at this time. An ice pack is not necessary because the client's temperature is within normal limits.

Four hours after cesarean birth of a neonate weighing 4,000 g (8 lb, 13 oz), the primiparous client asks, "If I get pregnant again, will I need to have a cesarean?" When responding to the client, the nurse should base the response to the client about vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) on which of the following? 1. VBAC may be possible if the client has not had a classic uterine incision. 2. A history of rapid labor is a necessary criterion for VBAC. 3. A low transverse incision contraindicates the possibility for VBAC. 4. VBAC is not possible because the neonate was large for gestational age.

1. VBAC can be attempted if the client has not had a classic uterine incision. This type of incision carries a danger of uterine rupture. A physician must be available, and a cesarean birth must be possible within 30 minutes. A history of rapid labor is not a criterion for VBAC. A low transverse incision is not a contraindication for VBAC. A classic (vertical) incision is a contraindication because the client has a greater possibility for uterine rupture. Estimated fetal weight greater than 4,000 g by itself is not a contraindication if the mother is not diabetic.

When preparing for discharge a 15-year-old primipara who is bottle-feeding her neonate, the nurse instructs the client not to "prop" the bottle while feeding the neonate because this can lead to which of the following? 1. Overfeeding and obesity. 2. Aspiration of the formula. 3. Tooth decay in the formative months. 4. Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

2. Bottle "propping" is not recommended because it can lead to aspiration, delayed bonding, feelings of mistrust (Erikson), and possible otitis media. The neonate will not be overfed during bottle propping but may suck too quickly, possibly resulting in aspiration of the formula. Putting the neonate to bed with a bottle can lead to tooth decay later in the formative years, but an infant cannot hold the bottle. The cause of SIDS has not been determined. However, it is associated with placing the infant in a prone position after eating.

A primigravid client gave birth vaginally 2 hours ago with no complications. As the nurse plans care for this postpartum client, which postpartum goal would have the highest priority? 1. By discharge, the family will bond with the neonate. 2. The client will demonstrate self-care and infant care by the end of the shift. 3. The client will state instructions for discharge during the first postpartum day. 4. By the end of the shift, the client will describe a safe home environment.

2. Educating the client about caring for herself and her infant are the two highest priority goals. Following childbirth, all mothers, especially the primigravida, require instructions regarding self- care and infant care. Learning needs should be assessed in order to meet the specific needs of each client. Bonding is significant, but is only one aspect of the needs of this client and the bonding process would have been implemented immediately postpartum, rather than waiting 2 hours. Planning the discharge occurs after the initial education has taken place for mother and infant and the nurse is aware of any need for referrals. Safety is an aspect of education taught continuously by the nurse and should include maternal as well as newborn safety.

During a home visit to a breast-feeding primiparous client at 1 week postpartum, the client tells the nurse that her nipples have become sore and cracked from the feedings. Which of the following should the nurse instruct the client to do? 1. Wipe off any lanolin creams from the nipple before each feeding. 2. Position the baby with the entire areola in the baby's mouth. 3. Feed the baby less often for the next several days. 4. Use a mild soap while in the shower to prevent an infection.

2. Even if the nipples are sore and cracked, the mother should position the baby with the entire areola in the baby's mouth so that the nipple is not compressed between the baby's gums during feeding. The best method is to prevent cracked nipples before they occur. This can be done by feeding frequently and using proper positioning. Warm, moist tea bags can soothe cracked nipples because of tannic acid in the tea. Creams on the nipples should be avoided; wiping off any lanolin creams from the nipple before each feeding can cause further soreness. Feeding the baby less often for the next few days will cause engorgement (and possible neonatal weight loss), leading to additional problems. Soap use while in the shower should be avoided to prevent drying and removal of protective oils.

A primiparous client is on a regular diet 24 hours postpartum. She is from Guatemala and speaks only Spanish. The client's mother asks the nurse if she can bring her daughter some "special foods from home." The nurse responds based on the understanding about which of the following? 1. Foods from home are generally discouraged on the postpartum unit. 2. The mother can bring the daughter any foods that she desires. 3. This is permissible as long as the foods are nutritious and high in iron. 4. The client's physician needs to give permission for the foods.

2. On most postpartum units, clients on regular diets are allowed to eat whatever kinds of food they desire. Generally, foods from home are not discouraged. The nurse does not need to obtain the physician's permission. Although it is preferred, the foods do not necessarily have to be high in iron. In some cultures, there is a belief in the "hot-cold" theory of disease; certain foods (hot) are preferred during the postpartum period, and other foods (cold) are avoided. Therefore, the nurse should allow the mother to bring her daughter "special foods from home." Doing so demonstrates cultural sensitivity and aids in developing a trusting relationship.

A client gave birth vaginally 2 hours ago and has a third-degree laceration. There is ice in place on her perineum. However, her perineum is slightly edematous, and the client is having pain rated 6 on a scale of 1 to 10. Which nursing intervention would be the most appropriate at this time? 1. Begin sitz baths. 2. Administer pain medication per prescription. 3. Replace ice packs to the perineum. 4. Initiate anesthetic sprays to the perineum.

2. Pain medication is the first strategy to initiate at this pain level. When trauma has occurred to any area, the usual intervention is ice for the first 24 hours and heat after the first 24 hours. Sitz baths are initiated at the conclusion of ice therapy. Ice has already been initiated and will prevent further edema to the rectal sphincter and perineum and continue to reduce some of the pain. Anesthetic sprays can also be utilized for the perineal area when pain is involved but would not lower the pain to a level that the client considers tolerable.

A 25-year-old primiparous client who gave birth 2 hours ago has decided to breast-feed her neonate. Which of the following instructions should the nurse address as the highest priority in the teaching plan about preventing nipple soreness? 1. Keeping plastic liners in the brassiere to keep the nipple drier. 2. Placing as much of the areola as possible into the baby's mouth. 3. Smoothly pulling the nipple out of the mouth after 10 minutes. 4. Removing any remaining milk left on the nipple with a soft washcloth.

2. Several methods can be used to prevent nipple soreness. Placing as much of the areola as possible into the neonate's mouth is one method. This action prevents compression of the nipple between the neonate's gums, which can cause nipple soreness. Other methods include changing position with each feeding, avoiding breast engorgement, nursing more frequently, and feeding on demand. Plastic liners are not helpful because they prevent air circulation, thus promoting nipple soreness. Instead, air drying is recommended. Pulling the baby's mouth out smoothly after only 10 minutes may prevent the baby from getting the entire feeding and increases nipple soreness. Any breast milk remaining on the nipples should not be wiped off, because the milk has healing properties.

While the nurse is assessing the fundus of a multiparous client who gave birth 24 hours ago, the client asks, "What can I do to get rid of these stretch marks?" Which of the following responses would be most appropriate? 1. "As long as you don't get pregnant again, the marks will disappear completely." 2. "They usually fade to a silvery-white color over a period of time." 3. "You'll need to use a specially prescribed cream to help them disappear." 4. "If you lose the weight you gained during pregnancy, the marks will fade to a pale pink."

2. Stretch marks, or striae gravidarum, are caused by stretching of the tissues, particularly over the abdomen. After birth, the tissues atrophy, leaving silver scars. These skin pigmentations will not disappear completely. The striae gravidarum may reappear as pink streaks if the client becomes pregnant again. Special creams are not warranted because they are not helpful and may be expensive. Weight loss does not make the marks disappear. Striae gravidarum tend to run in families.

Which of the following measures would the nurse expect to include in the teaching plan for a multiparous client who gave birth 24 hours ago and is receiving intravenous antibiotic therapy for cystitis? 1. Limiting fluid intake to 1 L daily to prevent overload. 2. Emptying the bladder every 2 to 4 hours while awake. 3. Washing the perineum with povidone iodine after voiding. 4. Avoiding the intake of acidic fruit juices until the treatment is discontinued.

2. The client diagnosed with cystitis needs to void every 2 to 4 hours while awake to keep her bladder empty. In addition, she should maintain adequate fluid intake; 3,000 mL/day is recommended. Intake of acidic fruit juices (eg, cranberry, apricot) is recommended because of their association with reducing the risk for infection. The client should wear cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting slacks. She does not need to wash with povidone iodine after voiding. Plain warm water is sufficient to keep the perineal area clean.

A breast-feeding client is seen at home by the visiting nurse 10 days after a vaginal birth. The client has a warm, red, painful breast; a temperature of 100°F (37.7°C); and flulike symptoms. What should the nurse do? 1. Encourage the client to breast-feed her infant using the unaffected breast. 2. Refer the woman to her primary health care provider. 3. Inform the client that she needs to discontinue breast-feeding. 4. Instruct the woman to apply warm compresses to the affected breast.

2. The client is exhibiting signs and symptoms of a breast infection (mastitis). The nurse should instruct her to contact her health care provider, who will likely prescribe a prescription for antibiotics. She should continue to breast-feed the infant from both breasts. Frequent breast-feeding is encouraged rather than discontinuing the process for anyone having a breast infection. Applying warm compresses may relieve pain. However, the underlying infection indicated by the elevated temperature indicates that additional treatment with antibiotics will be needed.

A primiparous client has just given birth to a healthy male infant. The client and her husband are Muslim and the husband begins chanting a song in Arabic while holding the neonate. The nurse interprets the father's actions as indicative of which of the following? 1. Thanking Allah for giving him a male heir. 2. Singing to his son from the Koran in praise of Allah. 3. Expressing appreciation that his wife and son are healthy. 4. Performing a ritual similar to baptism in other religions.

2. The father is praying to Allah because of the Muslim belief that the first sounds a child hears should be from the Koran in praise of and supplication to Allah. Although male children are revered in this culture, this practice is performed by Muslims whether the child is male or female. The father's actions are unrelated to his wife and son's being healthy. The nurse should allow the practice because doing so demonstrates cultural sensitivity and builds a trusting relationship with the family. The Muslim faith does not have a baptism rite whereby the child becomes a member of the faith.

The nurse is caring for several mother-baby couplets. In planning the care for each of the couplets, which mother would the nurse expect to have the most severe afterbirth pains? 1. G 4, P 1 client who is breast-feeding her infant. 2. G 3, P 3 client who is breast-feeding her infant. 3. G 2, P 2 cesarean client who is bottle-feeding her infant. 4. G 3, P 3 client who is bottle-feeding her infant.

2. The major reasons for afterbirth pains are breast-feeding, high parity, overdistended uterus during pregnancy, and a uterus filled with blood clots. Physiologically, afterbirth pains are caused by intermittent contraction and relaxation of the uterus. These contractions are stronger in multigravidas in order to maintain a contracted uterus. The release of oxytocin when breast-feeding also stimulates uterine contractions. There are no data to suggest any of these clients has had an overdistended uterus or currently has clots within the uterus. The G 3, P 3 client who is breast-feeding has the highest parity of the clients listed, which—in addition to breast-feeding—places her most at risk for afterbirth pains. The G 2, P 2 postcesarean client may have cramping but it should be less than the G 3, P 3 client. The G 3, P 3 client who is bottle-feeding would be at risk for afterbirth pains because she has given birth to several children, but her choice to bottle-feed reduces her risk of pain.

A newly postpartum primiparous client asks the nurse, "Can my baby see?" Which of the following statements about neonatal vision should the nurse include in the explanation? 1. Neonates primarily focus on moving objects. 2. They can see objects up to 12 inches (30.5 cm) away. 3. Usually they see clearly by about 2 days after birth. 4. Neonates primarily distinguish light from dark.

2. The neonate has immature oculomotor coordination, an inability to accommodate for distance, and poorly developed eyes, visual nerves, and brain. However, the normal neonate can see objects clearly within a range of 9 to 12 inches (22.9 to 30.5 cm), whether or not they are moving. Visual acuity at birth is 20/100 to 20/150, but it improves rapidly during infancy and toddlerhood. Newborns can distinguish colors as well as light from dark.

A primiparous client who gave birth 12 hours ago under epidural anesthesia with a midline episiotomy tells the nurse that she is experiencing a great deal of discomfort when she sits in a chair with the baby. Which of the following instructions would be most appropriate? 1. "Ask for some pain medication before you sit down." 2. "Squeeze your buttock muscles together before sitting down." 3. "Keep a relaxed posture before sitting down with your full weight." 4. "Ask the physician for some analgesic cream or spray."

2. The nurse should instruct the client to squeeze or contract the muscles of the buttocks together before sitting down in the chair; this contracts the pelvic floor muscles, which reduces the tension on the tender perineal area. Then the client should put her full weight slowly down on the chair. Pain medication may only be prescribed for every 3 to 4 hours, so the client may not be able to receive pain medication every time she desires to sit in the chair. The episiotomy pain usually fades by the fifth or sixth postpartum day. Maintaining a relaxed posture before sitting does not contract the pelvic floor muscles. Most physicians prescribe an analgesic cream or spray when a client has an episiotomy, but they provide only temporary relief.

A new father indicates he feels left out of the new family relationship since he is not able to bond the same way as the breast-feeding mother. What is the most appropriate response by the nurse? 1. This is normal and these feelings will go away within a few days. 2. Holding, talking to, and playing with the infant will facilitate bonding between baby and Dad. 3. Bonding occurs later in the first year of life and Dad can become involved when the infant is better able to recognize him. 4. Maternal infant bonding takes priority over paternal infant bonding.

2. Time for bonding with their newborns is a frequent concern for fathers of breastfed babies. It is common for fathers to express concern about having less intimate contact time. These feelings are normal, but they do not go away in a few days. The father of the baby has to dedicate time to spend with the infant where he can talk to, hold, cuddle, and/or play with the infant. These strategies provide the infant with the contact and stimulation to establish a close bond between them. Bonding occurs from the moment of birth and continues in various ways between mother, father, and infant. Infants recognize and respond to touch, light, and voice immediately after birth. Bonding between both parents is equally important and one does not take priority over the other.

A primiparous client, 20 hours after childbirth, asks the nurse about starting postpartum exercises. Which of the following would be most appropriate to include in the nurse's instructions? 1. Start in a sitting position, then lie back, and return to a sitting position, repeating this five times. 2. Assume a prone position, and then do push-ups by using the arms to lift the upper body. 3. Flex the knees while supine, and then inhale deeply and exhale while contracting the abdominal muscles. 4. Flex the knees while supine, and then bring chin to chest while exhaling and reach for the knees by lifting the head and shoulders while inhaling.

3. After an uncomplicated birth, postpartum exercises may begin on the first postpartum day with exercises to strengthen the abdominal muscles. These are done in the supine position with the knees flexed, inhaling deeply while allowing the abdomen to expand and then exhaling while contracting the abdominal muscles. Exercises such as sit-ups (sitting, then lying back, and returning to a sitting position) and push-ups or exercises involving reaching for the knees are ordinarily too strenuous for the first postpartum day. Sit-ups may be done later in the postpartum period, after approximately 3 to 6 weeks.

A postpartum primiparous client is having difficulty breast-feeding her infant. The infant latches on to the breast, but the mother's nipples are extremely sore during and after each feeding. The client needs further instruction about breast-feeding when she states: 1. "The baby needs to have as much of the nipple and areola in his mouth as possible to prevent sore and cracked nipples." 2. "I can put breast milk on my nipples to heal the sore areas." 3. "As long as some of my nipple is in the baby's mouth, the baby will receive enough milk." 4. "Feeding the baby for a half-hour on each side will not make my breasts sore."

3. As much of the mother's nipple and areola need to be in the infant's mouth in order to establish a latch that does not cause nipple cracks or fissures. Having the nipple and the areola deep in the infant's mouth decreases the stress on the end of the nipple, therefore decreasing pain, cracking, and fissures. Breast milk has been found to heal nipples when placed on the nipple at the completion of a feeding. The length of time the baby feeds on each nipple is not a factor as long as the nipple is correctly placed in the infant's mouth.

A client is in the first hour of her recovery after a vaginal birth. During an assessment, the lochia is moderate, bright red, and is trickling from the vagina. The nurse locates the fundus at the umbilicus; it is firm and midline with no palpable bladder. The client's vital signs remain at their baseline. Based on this information, the nurse would implement which of the following actions? 1. Increase the IV rate. 2. Recheck the admission hematocrit and hemoglobin levels. 3. Report the findings to the health care provider. 4. Document the findings as normal.

3. At any point in the postpartum period, the lochia should be dark in color, rather than bright red. The volume should not be great enough to trickle or run from the vagina. The information provided states the fundus is firm, midline, and at the umbilicus, which are the expected outcomes at this point postpartum. These findings would indicate to the nurse that the bleeding is not coming from the uterus or from uterine atony. The bladder is not palpable, which indicates that the bleeding is not related to a full bladder, which is further validated by the fundus being at the umbilicus. The most likely etiology is cervical or vaginal lacerations or tears. The nurse is unable to do anything to stop this type of bleeding and must notify the health care provider. Increasing the IV rate will not decrease the amount or type of vaginal bleeding. Rechecking the hematocrit and hemoglobin will only provide background information for the nurse and identify the beginning levels for this mother, rather than where she is now. It will do nothing to stop the bleeding. The bleeding level and color is not normal and documenting such findings as normal is incorrect.

After the nurse teaches a primiparous client planning to return to work in 6 weeks about storing breast milk, which of the following client statements indicates the need for further teaching? 1. "I can let the milk sit out in a bottle for up to 10 hours." 2. "I'll be sure to label the milk with the date, time, and amount." 3. "I can safely store the milk for 3 days in the refrigerator." 4. "I can keep the milk in a deep freeze in clean glass bottles for up to 1 year."

3. Stored breast milk can be safely kept in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or in a deep freeze at 0°F (−18°C) for 12 months. Breast milk should be stored in glass containers because immunoglobulin tends to stick to plastic bottles. Breast milk can remain without refrigeration or loss of nutrients for up to 10 hours. The containers should be labeled with date, time, and amount to prevent inadvertent administration of spoiled milk. Frozen breast milk should be thawed in the refrigerator for a few hours, placed under warm tap water, and then shaken.

After being treated with heparin therapy for thrombophlebitis, a multiparous client who gave birth 4 days ago is to be discharged on oral warfarin. After teaching the client about the medication and possible effects, which of the following client statements indicates successful teaching? 1. "I can take two aspirin if I get uterine cramps." 2. "Protamine sulfate should be available if I need it." 3. "I should use a soft toothbrush to brush my teeth." 4. "I can drink an occasional glass of wine if I desire."

3. Successful teaching is demonstrated when the client says, "I should use a soft toothbrush to brush my teeth." Heparin therapy can cause the gums to bleed, so a soft toothbrush should be used to minimize this adverse effect. Use of aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications should be avoided because of the increased risk for possible hemorrhage. Protamine sulfate is the antidote for heparin therapy. Vitamin K is the antidote for warfarin excess. Alcohol can inhibit the metabolism of oral anticoagulants and should be avoided.

A breast-feeding primiparous client with a midline episiotomy is prescribed ibuprofen (Motrin) 200 mg orally. The nurse instructs the client to take the medication: 1. Before going to bed. 2. Midway between feedings. 3. Immediately after a feeding. 4. When providing supplemental formula.

3. Taking ibuprofen 200 mg orally immediately after breast-feeding helps minimize the neonate's exposure to the drug because drugs are most highly concentrated in the body soon after they are taken. Most mothers breast-feed on demand or every 2 to 3 hours, so the effects of the ibuprofen should be decreased by the next breast-feeding session. Taking the medication before going to bed is inappropriate because, although the mother may go to bed at a certain time, the neonate may wish to breast-feed soon after the mother goes to bed. If the mother takes the medication midway between feedings, then its peak action may occur midway between feedings. Breast milk is sufficient for the neonate's nutritional needs. Most breast-feeding mothers should not be encouraged to provide supplemental feedings to the infant because this may result in nipple confusion.

In response to the nurse's question about how she is feeling, a postpartum client states that she is fine. She then begins talking to the baby, checking the diaper, and asking infant care questions. The nurse determines the client is in which postpartal phase of psychological adaptation? 1. Taking in. 2. Taking on. 3. Taking hold. 4. Letting go.

3. The client is in the taking hold phase with a demonstrated focus on the neonate and learning about and fulfilling infant care and needs. The taking in phase is the first period after birth where there is emphasis on reviewing and reliving the labor and birth process, concern with self, and needing to be mothered. Eating and sleep are high priorities during this phase. Taking on is not a phase of postpartum psychological adaptation. Letting go is the process beginning about 6 weeks postpartum when the mother may be preparing to go back to work. During this time, she can have other individuals assume care of the infant and begin the separation process.

While assessing the episiotomy site of a primiparous client on the first postpartum day, the nurse observes a fairly large hemorrhoid at the client's rectum. After instructing the client about measures to relieve hemorrhoid discomfort, which of the following client statements indicates the need for additional teaching? 1. "I should try to gently manually replace the hemorrhoid." 2. "Analgesic sprays and witch hazel pads can relieve the pain." 3. "I should lie on my back as much as possible to relieve the pain." 4. "I should drink lots of water and eat foods that have a lot of roughage."

3. The client needs more teaching when she states, "I should lie on my back as much as possible to relieve the pain." Instead, the client should lie in the Sims position as much as possible to aid venous return to the rectal area and to reduce discomfort. Gentle manual replacement of the hemorrhoid is an appropriate measure to help relieve the discomfort and prevent enlargement. Analgesic sprays and witch hazel pads are helpful in reducing the discomfort of hemorrhoids. Drinking lots of water and eating roughage aid in bowel elimination, minimizing the risk of straining and subsequent hemorrhoidal development or enlargement.

The nurse is assessing a cesarean section client who gave birth 12 hours ago. Findings include a distended abdomen with faint bowel sounds × 1 quadrant, fundus firm at umbilicus, lochia scant, rubra, and pain rated 2 on a scale of 1 to 10. The IV and Foley catheter have been discontinued and the client received medication 3 hours ago for pain. The client can have pain medication every 3 to 4 hours. The nurse should first: 1. Give the client pain medication. 2. Have the client use the incentive spirometry. 3. Ambulate the client from the bed to the hallway and back. 4. Encourage the client to begin caring for her baby.

3. The client should have more active bowel sounds by this time postpartum. Ambulation will encourage passing flatus and begin peristaltic action in the gastrointestinal track. Medicating the client should be evaluated prior to ambulating but it is probably too soon because the last dose was 3 hours ago and her pain assessment rating is fairly low. Pain medications should not have codeine as a component as it decreases peristaltic activity. Incentive spirometry or asking the client to turn, cough, and deep breathe are appropriate to encourage good oxygen exchange in the lungs prior to ambulation, and walking can be used concurrently with these interventions. Participating in infant care is another way to encourage the mother to move about but the primary goal would be to have her walk on the unit, a more purposeful activity.

Which of the following would be most important for the nurse to encourage in a primiparous client diagnosed with endometritis who is receiving intravenous antibiotic therapy? 1. Ambulate to the bathroom frequently. 2. Discontinue breast-feeding temporarily. 3. Maintain bed rest in Fowler's position. 4. Restrict visitors to prevent contamination.

3. The nurse should encourage the client to maintain Fowler's position, which promotes comfort and facilitates drainage. Endometritis can make the client feel extremely uncomfortable and fatigued, so ambulation during intravenous therapy is not as important at this time. The client does not need to discontinue breast-feeding, although she may become quite fatigued and need assistance in caring for the neonate. Typically, breast-feeding would be discontinued only if the mother lacks the necessary energy. The institution's policy regarding visitors is to be followed. However, visitors do not need to be restricted to prevent contamination because the client is not considered to be contagious. The nurse should maintain the client's need for privacy and rest and should respect the client's wishes related to visitors.

A multigravid patient gave birth vaginally 2 hours ago. A family member notifies the nurse that the client is pale and shaky. Which are the priority assessments for the nurse to make? 1. Blood glucose and vital signs. 2. Temperature and level of consciousness. 3. Uterine infection and pain. 4. Fundus and lochia.

4. A client who is pale and shaking could be experiencing hypovolemic shock likely caused by blood loss. A primary cause of blood loss after the birth of an infant is uterine atony. Therefore, the priority assessments should be the fundus of the uterus for firmness and location. In addition, the amount of vaginal bleeding (lochia) should also be assessed. An immediate intervention for uterine atony is fundal massage that will help the uterus to contract and therefore stop additional bleeding. Assessing the client's level of consciousness does not require additional time and can be done by the nurse while the fundus and lochia are assessed. Obtaining vital signs, blood glucose, and temperature are important but should be done either after the fundus has been assessed and massaged or should be obtained by a second responder. Assessing for uterine infection and pain should be done after treatment for hypovolemic shock has been initiated.

The triage nurse in the pediatrician's office returns a call to a mother who is breast-feeding her 4-day-old infant. The mother is concerned about the yellow seedy stool that has developed since discharge home. What is the best reply by the nurse? 1. This type of stool indicates the infant may have diarrhea and should be seen in the office today. 2. The stool will transition into a soft brown formed stool within a few days and is appropriate for breast-feeding. 3. The stool results from the gassy food eaten by the mother. Instruct the mother to refrain from eating these foods while breast-feeding. 4. Soft seedy unformed stools with each feeding are normal for this age infant and will continue through breast-feeding.

4. A soft seedy unformed stool is the norm for a 4-day-old infant. It may surprise the mother as it is a change from the meconium the infant had since birth. This stool is not diarrhea even though it has no form. There is no need for the infant to be seen for this. As long as the infant is breast- feeding, the stools will remain of this color and consistency. Brown and formed stool is common for an infant who is bottle-fed or after the breast-feeding infant has begun eating food.

Four hours after giving spontaneous vaginal birth under epidural anesthesia to a viable neonate, the client states she needs to urinate. The nurse should next: 1. Catheterize the client to obtain an accurate measurement. 2. Palpate the bladder to determine distention. 3. Assess the fundus to see if it is at the midline. 4. Measure the first two voidings and record the amount.

4. After birth, the nurse should plan to measure the client's first two voidings and record the amount to make sure that the client is emptying the bladder. Frequent voidings of less than 150 mL suggest that the client is experiencing urinary retention. In addition, if urinary retention is occurring, the bladder may be palpable and the fundus may be displaced from midline. The client does not need to be catheterized unless there is evidence of urinary retention. Palpation of the bladder before voiding is unnecessary. However, if the client has difficulty voiding or exhibits signs of urinary retention, then bladder palpation is indicated. The fundus can be displaced by a full bladder and should be assessed after the client voids.

The nurse enlists the aid of an interpreter when caring for a primiparous client from Mexico who speaks only Spanish and gave birth to a viable term neonate 8 hours ago. When developing the postpartum dietary plan of care for the client, the nurse would encourage the client's intake of which of the following? 1. Tomatoes. 2. Potatoes. 3. Corn products. 4. Meat products.

4. Because the diet of immigrants from Mexico and Central America commonly includes beans, corn products, tomatoes, chili peppers, potatoes, milk, cheeses, and eggs, the nurse needs to encourage an intake of meats, dark green leafy vegetables, and other high-protein products that are rich in iron. Doing so helps to compensate for the significant blood loss and subsequent iron loss that occurs during the postpartum period. Additionally, fresh fruits, meats, and green leafy vegetables may be scarce, possibly resulting in deficiencies of vitamin A, vitamin D, and iron. Tomatoes are high in vitamin C, potatoes are good sources of carbohydrates and vitamin C, and corn products are high in thiamine, but these are not rich sources of iron.

The nurse is reviewing discharge instructions with a postpartum breast-feeding client who is going home. She has chosen medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera) as birth control. Which statement by the client identifies that she needs further instruction concerning birth control? 1. "I will wait for my 6-week checkup to get my first Depo-Provera shot." 2. "Depo-Provera injections last for 90 days." 3. "My milk supply should be well established before using Depo-Provera." 4. "You will give me my first Depo-Provera shot before I leave today."

4. Depo-Provera is a progestin contraceptive that can reduce the initial production of breast milk. It is given to a breast-feeding woman when she returns for the 6-week postpartum checkup. By this time, the milk supply is well established and will remain at that level. Depo-Provera is effective as a contraceptive for 90 days. Clients who are bottle-feeding may be given Depo-Provera prior to discharge from the hospital.

In preparation for discharge, the nurse discusses sexual issues with a primiparous client who had a routine vaginal birth with a midline episiotomy. The nurse should instruct the client that she can resume sexual intercourse: 1. In 6 weeks when the episiotomy is completely healed. 2. After a postpartum check by the health care provider. 3. Whenever the client is feeling amorous and desirable. 4. When lochia flow and episiotomy pain have stopped.

4. For most clients, sexual intercourse can be resumed when the lochia has stopped flowing and episiotomy pain has ceased, usually about 3 weeks postpartum. Sexual intercourse may be painful until the episiotomy has healed. The client also needs instructions about the possibility that pregnancy may occur before the return of the client's menstrual flow. The postpartum check by the health care provider typically occurs 4 to 6 weeks after birth and most women have already had intercourse by this time. Typically, new mothers are exhausted and may not feel amorous or desirable for quite a while. In addition, the mother's physiologic responses may be diminished because of low hormonal levels, adjustments to the maternal role, and fatigue due to lack of rest and sleep.

On the first postpartum day, the primiparous client reports perineal pain of 5 on a scale of 1 to 10 that was unrelieved by ibuprofen 800 mg given 2 hours ago. The nurse should further assess the client for: 1. Puerperal infection. 2. Vaginal lacerations. 3. History of drug abuse. 4. Perineal hematoma.

4. If the client continues to have perineal pain after an analgesic medication has been given, the nurse should inspect the client's perineum for a hematoma, because this is the usual cause of such discomfort. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication used to relieve mild pain. Pain from a perineal hematoma can be moderate to severe, possibly requiring a stronger analgesic, such as acetaminophen with codeine (Tylenol with Codeine). Ice applied to the perineum during the first 24 hours postpartum may decrease the severity of hematoma formation. Application of warm heat, such as a sitz bath three times daily for 20 minutes, also can help to relieve the discomfort when implemented after the first 24 hours. Typically hematomas resolve themselves within 6 weeks. A puerperal infection would be indicated if the client's temperature were 100.4°F (41°C) or higher. Also, lochia most likely would be foul smelling. A continuous trickle of lochia rubra would suggest a possible vaginal laceration. No evidence is presented to suggest a history of drug abuse.

The nurse is caring for a multiparous client after vaginal birth of a set of male twins 2 hours ago. The nurse should encourage the mother and husband to: 1. Bottle-feed the twins to prevent exhaustion and fatigue. 2. Plan for each parent to spend equal amounts of time with each twin. 3. Avoid assistance from other family members until attachment occurs. 4. Relate to each twin individually to enhance the attachment process.

4. It is believed that the process of attachment is structured so that the parents become attached to only one infant at a time. Therefore, the nurse should encourage the parents to relate to each twin individually, rather than as a unit, to enhance the attachment process. Mothers of twins are usually able to breast-feed successfully because the milk supply increases on demand. However, possible fatigue and exhaustion require that the mother rest whenever possible. It would be highly unlikely and unrealistic that each parent would be able to spend equal amounts of time with both twins. Other responsibilities, such as employment, may prevent this. The parents should try to engage assistance from family and friends, because caring for twins or other multiple births (eg, triplets) can be exhausting for the family.

While the nurse is caring for a primiparous client on the first postpartum day, the client asks, "How is that woman doing who lost her baby from prematurity? We were in labor together." Which of the following responses by the nurse would be most appropriate? 1. Ignore the client's question and continue with morning care. 2. Tell the client "I'm not sure how the other woman is doing today." 3. Tell the client "I need to ask the woman's permission before discussing her well-being." 4. Explain to the client that "Nurses are not allowed to discuss other clients on the unit."

4. Legal regulations and ethical decision making require that the nurse maintain confidentiality at all times. The nurse's best response is to explain to the client that nurses are not allowed to discuss other clients on the unit. Ignoring the client's question is inappropriate because doing so would interfere with the development of a trusting nurse-client relationship. Confidentiality must be maintained at all times. Telling the client that the nurse isn't sure may imply that the nurse will find out and then tell the client about the other woman. Asking the other woman's permission to discuss her with another client is inappropriate because confidentiality must be maintained at all times.

While the nurse is preparing to assist the primiparous client to the bathroom to void 6 hours after a vaginal birth under epidural anesthesia, the client says that she feels dizzy when sitting up on the side of the bed. The nurse explains that this is most likely caused by which of the following? 1. Effects of the anesthetic during labor. 2. Hemorrhage during the birth process. 3. Effects of analgesics used during labor. 4. Decreased blood volume in the vascular system.

4. The client's dizziness is most likely caused by orthostatic hypotension secondary to the decreased volume of blood in the vascular system resulting from the physiologic changes occurring in the mother after birth. The client is experiencing dizziness because not enough blood volume is available to perfuse the brain. The nurse should first allow the client to "dangle" on the side of the bed for a few minutes before attempting to ambulate. By 6 hours postpartum, the effects of the anesthesia should be worn off completely. Typically, the effects of epidural anesthesia wear off by 1 to 2 hours postpartum, and the effects of local anesthesia usually disappear by 1 hour. The client scenario provides no information to indicate that the client experienced any postpartum hemorrhage. Normal blood loss during birth should not exceed 500 mL.

The nurse from the nursery is bringing a newborn to a mother's room. The nurse took care of the mother yesterday and knows the mother and baby well. The nurse should implement which of the following next to ensure the safest transition of the infant to the mother? 1. Assess whether the mother is able to ambulate to care for the infant. 2. Ask the mother if there is anything else she needs for the care of her baby. 3. Check the crib to determine if there are enough diapers and formula. 4. Complete the hospital identification procedure with mother and infant.

4. The hospital identification procedures for mothers and infants need to be completed each time a newborn is returned to a family's room. It does not matter how well the nurse knows the mother and infant; this validation is a standard of care in an obstetrical setting. Assessing the mother's ability to ambulate, asking the mother if there is anything else she needs to care for the infant, and checking the crib to determine if there are enough supplies are important steps that are part of the process of transferring a baby to the mother, but identification verification is a safety measure that must occur first.

A client gave birth 2 days ago and has been given instructions on breast care for bottle- feeding mothers. Which of the following statements indicates that the nurse should reinforce the instructions to the client? 1. "I will wear a sports bra or a well-fitting bra for several days." 2. "When showering, I'll direct water onto my shoulders." 3. "I will use only water to clean my nipples." 4. "I will use a breast pump to remove any milk that may appear."

4. The use of a breast pump to remove milk is contraindicated in bottle-feeding mothers. Nipple and breast stimulation and emptying of the breasts produce milk, rather than eliminate milk production. The bottle-feeding client is discouraged from stimulating the breasts in any way. A sports bra that is well fitting provides support and decreases stimulation. (Binders are not suggested.) Having the water in a shower land on the shoulders of the mother rather than the breasts also decreases stimulation. Only water is necessary to clean nipples when breast or bottle-feeding.

Two hours after the vaginal birth of a viable male neonate under epidural anesthesia, a client with a midline episiotomy ambulates to the bathroom to void. After voiding, the nurse assesses the client's bladder, finding it distended. The nurse interprets this finding based on the understanding that the client's bladder distention is most likely caused by which of the following? 1. Prolonged first stage of labor. 2. Urinary tract infection. 3. Pressure of the uterus on the bladder. 4. Edema in the lower urinary tract area.

4. Urinary retention soon after childbirth is usually caused by edema and trauma of the lower urinary tract; this commonly results in difficulty with initiating voiding. Hyperemia of the bladder mucosa also commonly occurs. The combination of hyperemia and edema predisposes to decreased sensation to void, overdistention of the bladder, and incomplete bladder emptying. A prolonged first stage of labor can contribute to exhaustion and uterine atony, not urinary retention. If the client had a urinary tract infection, she would exhibit symptoms such as dysuria and a burning sensation. After birth, the uterus is contracting, which leads to less pressure on the bladder. Pressure of the uterus on the bladder occurs during labor.