NSG 333 Chapter 15: Postpartum Adaptations

A woman who gave birth to her infant 1 week ago calls the clinic to report pain with urination and increased frequency. What response should the nurse prioritize?

"After birth it is easier to develop an infection in the urinary system; we need to see you today." The urinary system is more susceptible to infection during the postpartum period. The woman needs to be checked to rule out a urinary infection. The other responses are incorrect because they do not acknowledge her in an appropriate manner.

A nurse on the postpartum floor is conducting a class on danger signs for postpartum women after discharge. The nurse recognizes that further teaching is needed when a new mother makes which statement?

"I am breastfeeding so I can anticipate that there will be reddened, painful areas in my breasts when I am engorged." Breast engorgement may be uncomfortable but there should never be reddened, painful areas on either breast and, if this occurs, the health care provider needs to be called. This is not normal and the mother needs further teaching. Development of a fever or the lochia becoming foul-smelling both indicate a possible infection and the physician needs to be notified. The mother is correct in stating that the episiotomy should heal over the next few weeks.

After teaching a group of pregnant women about the skin changes that will occur after the birth of their newborn, the nurse understands there is a need for additional teaching when one of the women makes which statement?

"I can't wait for these stretch marks to disappear after I give birth." Stretch marks gradually fade to silvery lines but do not disappear completely. As estrogen and progesterone levels decrease, the darkened pigmentation on the abdomen, face, and nipples gradually fades.

A mother just gave birth 3 hours ago. The nurse enters the room to continue hourly assessments and finds the client on the phone telling the listener about her fear while driving to the hospital and not making it in time. The mother finishes the call, and the nurse begins her assessment with which phrase?

"It sounded like you had quite a time getting here. Would you like to continue your story?" The mother is going through the taking-in phase of relating events during her pregnancy and birth. The nurse can facilitate this phase by allowing the mother to express herself. Diverting the conversation, admonishing the mother, or warning of potential problems does not accomplish this facilitation.

A new mother is concerned because it is 24 hours after birth and her breasts have still not become engorged with breast milk. How should the nurse respond to this concern?

"It takes about 3 days after birth for milk to begin forming." The formation of breast milk (lactation) begins in a postpartal woman regardless of her plans for feeding. For the first 2 days after birth, an average woman notices little change in her breasts from the way they were during pregnancy, since midway through pregnancy she has been secreting colostrum, a thin, watery, prelactation secretion. On the third day postpartum, her breasts become full and feel tense or tender as milk forms within breast ducts and replaces colostrum. There is no need to recommend formula feeding to the mother. Mastitis is inflammation of the lactiferous (milk-producing) glands of the breast; there is no indication that the client has this condition. Lactational amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual flow that occurs in many women during the lactation period.

The postpartum client and her husband are excited about their new baby. However, they are also concerned about getting pregnant again too soon and ask about using birth control. Which instruction should the nurse include in their discharge education to address this issue?

"Ovulation may return as soon as 3 weeks after birth." Ovulation may start at soon as 3 weeks after birth. The client needs to be aware and use a form of birth control. She needs to be cleared by her health care provider prior to intercourse if she has a vaginal birth, but in the event that she has intercourse, needs to be prepared for the possibility of pregnancy. Ovulation can occur without the return of the menstrual cycle, and ovulation does return sooner than 6 months after birth.

A woman comes to the clinic. She gave birth about 2 months ago to a healthy term male newborn. During the visit, the woman tells the nurse, "I've noticed that I'm a bit uncomfortable now when we have sexual intercourse. Is there anything that I can do?" The woman's menstrual period has not yet resumed. Which suggestion by the nurse would be most appropriate?

"You might try using a water-soluble lubricant to ease the discomfort." Discomfort during sex and localized dryness usually plague most postpartum women until menstruation returns. Water-soluble lubricants can reduce discomfort during intercourse. Although it may take some time for the woman's body to return to its prepregnant state, telling the woman this does not address her concern. Telling her that dyspareunia is normal and that it takes time to resolve also ignores her concern. Kegel exercises are helpful for improving pelvic floor tone but would have no effect on vaginal dryness.

The nurse is preparing to assess a client who is 1 day postpartum. The nurse predicts the client's fundus will be at which location on assessment?

1 cm below the umbilicus The fundus of the uterus should be at the umbilicus after birth. Every day after birth it should decrease 1 cm until it is descended below the pubic bone.

A nurse is assessing a postpartum client and notes an elevated temperature. Which temperature protocol should the nurse prioritize?

100.5ºF (38.1ºC) at 48 hours postbirth and remains the same the third day postpartum A temperature that is greater than 100.4ºF (38ºC) on two postpartum days after the first 24 hours puts the client at risk for a postpartum infection. A fever in the first 24 hours of birth is considered normal and could be caused by dehydration and analgesia.

The nurse is performing an assessment on a 2-day postpartum client and discovers a boggy fundus at the umbilicus and slightly to the right. The nurse determines that this is most likely related to which situation?

Bladder distention Most often the cause of a displaced uterus is a distended bladder. Ask the client to void and then reassess the uterus. According to the scenario described, the most likely cause of the uterine findings would not be uterine atony. A full bowel or poor bladder tone would not cause a boggy and displaced fundus.

A new mother is in the second developmental stage of becoming a mother and is becoming independent in her actions. Which action by the nurse would best foster this stage?

Demonstrating how to do cord care on the newborn When a mother enters the independent period of the second stage of becoming a mother, the nurse can assist her best by supporting her and praising her when she cares for the newborn. By demonstrating cord care to her, it empowers her to do the cord care the next time it is needed. The nurse's job is to not take over but to assist the mother in caring for her newborn.

The nurse is preparing a postpartum client for discharge 72 hours after birth. The client reports bilateral breast pain around the entire breast on assessment. The nurse predicts this is related to which cause after noting the skin is intact and normal coloration?

Engorgement The client is only 72 hours postbirth and is reporting bilateral breast tenderness. Milk typically comes in at 72 hours after birth, and with the production of the milk comes engorgement. Mastitis or blocked milk ducts do not typically develop until there is fully established breastfeeding. Oxytocin would not be responsible for this.

A nurse is performing an assessment on a female client who gave birth 24 hours ago. On assessment, the nurse finds that the fundus is 2 cm above the umbilicus and boggy. Which intervention is a priority?

Have the client void, and then massage the fundus until it is firm. The fundus in a postpartum client should decrease 1 cm below the umbilicus each day. The fundus should also be firm to decrease the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. All of the listed interventions are appropriate, but a firm fundus is the priority.

A concerned client tells the nurse that her husband, who was very excited about the baby before its birth, is apparently happy but seems to be afraid of caring for the baby. What suggestion should the nurse give to the client's husband to resolve the issue?

Hold the baby frequently. The nurse should suggest that the father care for the newborn by holding and talking to the child. Reading up on parental care and speaking to his friends or the primary care provider will not help the father resolve his fears about caring for the child.

The nurse is teaching a discharge session to a group of postpartum clients. When asked how long to expect the bleeding, which time frame should the nurse point out?

In approximately 10 days The lochia may persist for 6 weeks after delivery; however, it should change in color and amount. For 3 to 4 days, lochia rubra is present in small to moderate amounts, mostly blood and dark red in color. Lochia serosa is present on days 4 to 10, decreasing to small amounts, brownish to pinkish in color. The lochia alba is present after 10 days and becomes white or pale yellow because the bleeding has stopped. This may continue until the end of the 6 weeks.

A client reports pain in the lower back, hips, and joints 10 days after the birth of her baby. What instruction should the nurse give the client after birth to prevent low back pain and injury to the joints?

Maintain correct posture and positioning. The nurse should recommend that clients maintain correct position and good body mechanics to prevent pain in the lower back, hips, and joints. Avoiding carrying her baby and soaking several times per day is unrealistic. Application of ice is suggested to help relieve breast engorgement in nonbreastfeeding clients.

The nurse is admitting to the floor a woman who just gave birth. What medical and pregnancy history would the labor and delivery nurse include in the report?

Maternal blood type Medical and pregnancy history would include information pertinent to the mother, which would be the mother's blood type, Rh, and rubella status. History of the length of labor are part of the labor and birthing history. The infant's Apgar scores and birth weight are part of the newborn history.

Healthy bonding behaviors are important to note when the nurse is assessing the new family. What statement or action would the nurse consider a warning sign that the mother and infant were not attaching as they should?

Mother states she wanted a boy this time, not another girl. It is important to differentiate between a new parent who is nervous and anxious about her new role and one who is rejecting her parenting role. Warning signals of poor attachment include turning away from the newborn, refusing or neglecting to provide care, and disengagement from the newborn.

A client who gave birth about 12 hours ago informs the nurse that she has been voiding small amounts of urine frequently. The nurse examines the client and notes the displacement of the uterus from the midline to the right. As long as there is a prescription, what intervention would the nurse perform next?

Perform urinary catheterization. Displacement of the uterus from the midline to the right and frequent voiding of small amounts suggests urinary retention with overflow. Catheterization may be necessary to empty the bladder to restore tone. An IV and oxytocin are indicated if the client experiences hemorrhage due to uterine atony from being displaced. The health care provider would be notified if no other interventions help the client.

The nurse is conducting a postpartum examination on a client who reports pain and is unable to sit comfortably. The perineal exam reveals an episiotomy without signs of a hematoma. Which action should the nurse prioritize?

Place an ice pack. The labia and perineum may be bruised and edematous after birth; the use of ice would assist in decreasing the pain and swelling. Applying a warm washcloth would bring more blood as well as fluid to the sore area, thereby increasing the edema and the soreness. Applying a witch hazel pad needs the order of the health care provider. Notifying a health care provider is not necessary at this time as this is considered a normal finding.

Which interventions would the nurse take to reduce the incidence of infection in a postpartum woman? Select all that apply.

Teach proper positioning of the infant for breastfeeding. Encourage intake of fluids following delivery and after discharge. Wash her hands before and after caring for the client. To reduce the incidence of postpartum infection, the nurse would always wash her hands before and after caring for the client or her infant. The nurse should also recommend adequate fluid intake to encourage urination and prevent urinary retention, which can lead to a UTI. By teaching proper positioning of the infant for breastfeeding, the frequency of cracked nipples is reduced and cracked nipples can cause mastitis. Peripads are changed more frequently than every 12 hours and perineal care is provided. Early ambulation, rather than little activity, is recommended to strengthen the mother's immune system.

A new mother tells the postpartum nurse that she thinks her baby does not like her since it cries often when she holds it. How should the nurse respond to this statement?

Tell the mother that it is natural to have feelings of uncertainty when adjusting to a new baby. Negative comments are often made by mothers who lack confidence in their mothering abilities and are experiencing hormonal fluctuations. The best response by the nurse is to acknowledge the mother's concerns and be accepting and supportive to her. Trying to force attachment will only make the situation worse. The mother does not need psychological counseling nor should the nurse dismiss the mother's concerns.

The nurse is preparing discharge for a client who plans to bottle-feed her infant. Which instruction should the nurse prioritize for this client in the discharge teaching?

Wear a tight, supportive bra. The client trying to dry up her milk supply should do as little stimulation to the breast as possible. She needs to wear a tight, supportive bra and use ice. Running warm water over the breasts in the shower will only stimulate the secretion, and therefore the production, of milk. Massaging the breasts will stimulate them to expel the milk and therefore produce more milk, as will expressing small amounts of milk when the breasts are full.

A nurse is caring for a non-breastfeeding client in the postpartum period. The client reports engorgement. What suggestion should the nurse provide to alleviate breast discomfort?

Wear a well-fitting bra. The nurse should suggest the client wear a well-fitting bra to provide support and help alleviate breast discomfort. Application of warm compresses and expressing milk frequently are suggested to alleviate breast engorgement in breastfeeding clients. Hydrogel dressings are used prophylactically in treating nipple pain.

A new mother asks the nurse what she is allowed to do when she goes home from the hospital. Which statement by the nurse would be correct?

You should not lift anything heavier than your infant in its carrier. New mothers need their rest. They should focus on caring for their newborn and themselves. Nurses should suggest that the mother not overexert herself and limit any heavy lifting. However, mild exercise can be resumed within 1 week after delivery if approved by the physician. Performing postpartum exercises to strengthen muscle groups and walking are good exercises to begin with.

When assessing the uterus of a 2-day postpartum client, which finding would the nurse evaluate as normal?

a moderate amount of lochia rubra The client should have lochia rubra for 3 to 4 days postpartum. The client would then progress to lochia serosa being expelled from day 3 to 10. Lastly, the client would have lochia alba from day 10 to 14 until 3 to 6 weeks.

A client has come to the office for her first postpartum visit. On evaluating her blood work, the nurse would be concerned if the hematocrit is noted to have:

acutely decreased. Despite the decrease in blood volume, the hematocrit remains relatively stable and may even increase, reflecting the predominant loss of plasma. An acute decrease in hematocrit is not an expected finding and may indicate hemorrhage.

An adolescent primipara was cautious at first when holding and touching her newborn. She seemed almost afraid to make contact with the baby and only touched it lightly and briefly. However, 48 hours after the birth, the nurse now notices that the new mother is pressing the newborn's cheek against her own and kissing her on the forehead. The nurse recognizes these actions as:

attachment. When a woman has successfully linked with her newborn it is termed attachment or bonding. Although a woman carried the child inside her for 9 months, she often approaches her newborn not as someone she loves but more as she would approach a stranger. The first time she holds the infant, she may touch only the blanket. Gradually, as a woman holds her child more, she begins to express more warmth, touching the child with the palm of her hand rather than with her fingertips. She smooths the baby's hair, brushes a cheek, plays with toes, and lets the baby's fingers clasp hers. Soon, she feels comfortable enough to press her cheek against the baby's or kiss the infant's nose; she has successfully bonded or become a mother tending to her child. Engrossment describes the action of new fathers when they stare at their newborn for long intervals. Involution is the process whereby the reproductive organs return to their nonpregnant state. Engorgement is the tension in the breasts as they begin to fill with milk.

When planning the care for a client during the first 24 hours postpartum, the nurse expects to monitor the client's pulse and blood pressure frequently based on the understanding that the client is at risk for which condition?

hemorrhage The nurse should monitor the pulse and blood pressure frequently in the first 24 hours postpartum because the client is at greatest risk of hemorrhage. Hemorrhoids cause discomfort and contribute to constipation; this does not call for monitoring of pulse and blood pressure frequently. Increased coagulability causes increased risk of thromboembolism in the puerperium. Precipitous labor or instrument-assisted births pose an increased risk for cervical laceration. None of these conditions require monitoring of pulse and blood pressure.

A client in her sixth week postpartum reports general weakness. The client has stopped taking iron supplements that were prescribed to her during pregnancy. The nurse would assess the client for which condition?

hypovolemia The nurse should assess the client for hypovolemia as the client must have had hemorrhage during birth and puerperium. Additionally, the client also has discontinued iron supplements. Hyperglycemia can be considered if the client has a history of diabetes. Hypertension and hyperthyroidism are not related to discontinuation of iron supplements.

A woman who is breastfeeding her newborn reports that her breasts seem quite full. Assessment reveals that her breasts are engorged. Which factor would the nurse identify as the most likely cause for this development?

inability of infant to empty breasts For the breastfeeding mother, engorgement is often the result of vascular congestion and milk stasis, primarily caused by the infant not fully emptying the mother's breasts at each feeding. Cracking of the nipple could lead to infection. Improper positioning may lead to nipple tenderness or pain. Inadequate secretion of prolactin causes a decrease in the production of milk.

The nurse is assessing a postpartum woman and is concerned the client may be hemorrhaging. Which assessment finding is the nurse finding most concerning?

increased heart rate Tachycardia in the postpartum woman warrants further investigation as it can indicate postpartum hemorrhage. Typically the postpartum woman is bradycardic for the first 2 weeks. In most instances of postpartum hemorrhage, blood pressure and cardiac output remain increased because of a compensatory increase in heart rate. Hypotension would be another concerning assessment, especially orthostatic hypotension, as it can also indicate hemorrhage. Red blood cell production ceases early in the postpartum period, causing hemoglobin and hematocrit levels to decrease slightly in the first 24 hours and then rise slowly. Hematocrit would be unreliable as an indicator of hemorrhage.

A nurse is assessing a breastfeeding client in the third week postpartum. During the physical examination, the nurse observes that the rugae in the vagina have not reappeared. Which factor would the nurse identify as the possible cause of delayed return of rugae?

low circulating estrogen level The nurse should identify low circulating estrogen levels as the possible cause of delayed return of rugae. Low circulating progesterone levels initiate lactation. High circulating prolactin levels increase secretion of milk. Oxytocin is responsible for stimulating contractions of the uterus.

The nurse is preparing a new mother to be discharged home after an uncomplicated delivery. During discharge education, which type of lochia pattern should the nurse tell the woman is abnormal and needs to be reported to her health care provider immediately?

moderate lochia serosa on day 4 postpartum, increasing in volume and changing to rubra on day 5 Lochia by day 4 should be decreasing in amount, and the color should be changing to pink tinge. Red rubra on day 4 may indicate bleeding, and the health care provider should be notified. A moderate flow of lochia rubra on day 3 postpartum, changing to serosa on day 5, is a normal finding. Lochia progressing from rubra to serosa to alba within 10 days of delivery is a normal finding. Moderate lochia rubra on day 3, mixed serosa and rubra on day 4, and light serosa on day 5 is a normal finding.

A nurse is caring for a client who is nursing her baby boy. The client reports afterpains. Secretion of which substance would the nurse identify as the cause of afterpains?

oxytocin Secretion of oxytocin stimulates uterine contraction and causes the woman to experience afterpains. Decrease in progesterone and estrogen after placental delivery stimulates the anterior pituitary to secrete prolactin, which causes lactation.

The nurse is used to working on the postpartum floor taking care of women who have had normal vaginal births. Today, however, the nurse has been assigned to help care for women who are less than 24 hours post-cesarean birth. The nurse realizes that some areas will not be assessed. What would the nurse leave out of the client assessments?

perineum Usually a woman who experiences cesarean birth does not have an episiotomy, although rarely this may be the case.

A woman who gave birth to a healthy baby 5 days ago is experiencing fatigue and weepiness, lasting for short periods each day. Which condition does the nurse believe is causing this experience?

postpartum baby blues Postpartum baby blues is common in women after giving birth. It is a mild depression; however, functioning usually is not impaired. Postpartum blues usually peaks at day 4 or 5 after birth. Postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression do not usually start until at least 3 to 4 weeks and up to 1 year following the birth of a baby. Postpartum reaction is a term to include postpartum depression, anxiety, and psychosis.

The nurse in the labor and delivery unit is performing a focused assessment on a client who is 2 hours postpartum. Assessment reveals a headache 3 out of 10 on a scale of 0 to 10. Vital signs: temperature, 99.1°F (37.3°C); heart rate, 101 beats/min; blood pressure, 87/58 mm Hg; capillary refill time, less than 3 seconds. Client reports a small gush of blood the first time out of bed to ambulate to the bathroom. Three perineal pads have been saturated since birth. The client is at highest risk for developing _________ as evidenced by ________ and ____________.

postpartum hemorrhage three perineal pads saturated since birth blood pressure 87/58 mmHg he nurse must be able to recognize expected and unexpected findings in a client who is postpartum. Signs and symptoms of complications such as hemorrhage, deep vein thrombosis, and infections must be identified and interventions prioritized and implemented promptly. Postpartum hemorrhage is excessive bleeding after childbirth. It can be life-threatening if not identified promptly and interventions implemented in a timely manner. Postpartum hemorrhage is a complication that may occur after prolonged labor, multiple births, placenta previa, or abruptio placentae. Three perineal pads saturated since birth is excessive. The first few hours after birth, it is normal to have one saturated pad per hour. A blood pressure 87/58 mm Hg is below normal systolic blood pressure range (90 to 120 mm Hg). Blood pressure is a good indication of fluid volume status and bleeding. Although infection is a complication that can occur in postpartum clients, there are no signs or symptoms of infection. A temperature of 99.1°F (37.3°C) after childbirth is a normal finding. Abruptio placentae is a complication during the intrapartum, not postpartum, period. Postpartum clients are at risk for deep vein thrombosis but there are no signs or symptoms indicating a deep vein thrombosis. A small gush of blood from the vagina the first time out of bed after birth is common. The blood pools while lying supine and then is released upon standing. A heart rate of 101 beats/min is a compensatory mechanism in response to the low blood pressure. A temperature of 99.1°F (37.3°C) is a normal finding after childbirth. A temperature greater than 101°F (38.3°C) is not a normal finding. A client reporting a headache, rating it a 3 out of 10 on scale 1 to 10, is not significant, but the nurse would monitor the pain level. A capillary refill time less than 3 seconds on all extremities is a normal finding. A client reporting that they are tired after childbirth is a normal finding.

A nurse is making a postpartum home visit to a woman who gave birth vaginally about 12 days ago. The woman's partner is present during the visit. When assessing the woman and the family, which finding related to the partner would lead the nurse to suspect that the partner may be experiencing postpartum depression? Select all that apply.

reports of feeling highly stressed reports of frequent headaches statements that the woman is getting all the attention A partner's stress, irritability and frustration in the days, weeks, and months after the birth of the child can turn into depression, just like that experienced by the mother. Unfortunately, partners rarely discuss their feelings or ask for help, especially during a time when they are supposed to be the "strong one" for the new mother. Symptoms of depression appear 1 to 3 weeks after birth and can include feelings of high stress, anxiety, discouragement, fatigue, headaches, and resentment toward the infant and the attention he or she is getting. Partners experiencing these symptoms should understand that it is not a sign of weakness, and professional help can be helpful. Partner statements about not being prepared for the role is a common feeling and part of the role development process indicating reality.

A nurse is preparing a class for a group of new parents on the psychological adaptations that occur after the birth. The nurse should include which signs and symptoms that might suggest postpartum depression? Select all that apply.

restlessness feelings of worthlessness feeling overwhelmed The symptoms of postpartum depression will last longer and are different than the baby blues. Some signs and symptoms of depression include feeling the following: restless, worthless, guilty, hopeless, moody, sad, and overwhelmed.

While providing care to a postpartum client on her first day at home, the nurse observes which behavior that would indicate the new mother is in the taking-hold phase?

showing increased confidence when caring for the newborn Showing increased confidence when caring for the newborn is an important aspect of the taking-hold phase. Recounting her labor experience is usually part of the taking-in phase. Identifying specific features of the newborn is typical of the taking-in phase. Feelings of grief, guilt, and anxiety are part of the letting-go phase where the mother accepts the infant as it is and lets go of any fantasies.

While caring for a client following a lengthy labor and birth, the nurse notes that the client repeatedly reviews her labor and birth and is very dependent on her family for care. The nurse is correct in identifying the client to be in which phase of maternal role adjustment?

taking-in The taking-in phase occurs during the first 24 to 48 hours following the birth of the newborn and is characterized by the mother taking on a very passive role in caring for herself, as well as recounting her labor experience. The second maternal adjustment phase is the taking-hold phase and usually lasts several weeks after the birth. This phase is characterized by both dependent and independent behavior, with increasing autonomy. During the letting-go phase the mother reestablishes relationships with others and accepts her new role as a parent. Acquaintance/attachment phase is a newer term that refers to the first 2 to 6 weeks following birth when the mother is learning to care for her baby and is physically recuperating from the pregnancy and birth.

Rubin identified a series of changes that a new mother makes during the postpartum period. The correct sequence of these changes is:

taking-in, taking-hold, letting-go. The new mother makes progressive changes to know her infant ("taking-in"), review the pregnancy and labor, validate her safe passage through these phases ("taking-hold"), learn the initial tasks of mothering, and let go of her former life to incorporate this new child.

During the second day postpartum, a nurse notices that a client is initiating breastfeeding with her infant and changing her infant's diapers with some assistance from her partner. Which phase does the nurse recognize that the woman is experiencing?

the taking-hold phase The taking-hold phase is characterized by the woman becoming more independent and interested in learning how to care for her infant. Learning how to be a competent parent is an important task. The taking-in phase is characterized by the woman's dependency on and passivity with others. Maternal needs are dominant, and talking about the birth is an important task. The new mother follows suggestions, is hesitant about making decisions, and is still preoccupied with her needs. The letting-go phase is an interdependent phase after birth in which the mother and family move forward as a family system, interacting together. The binding-in phase is a distractor for this question.

A nurse provides care to pregnant women and their families from a wide range of cultural backgrounds and considers their culture and traditions when providing care. As the nurse communicates with the families, the nurse integrates understanding of communication as being more than just speaking and listening. Which aspect must the nurse also consider?

touching Nurses caring for families should consider all aspects of culture, including communication. Communication is more than just an understanding of the person's language but also the meaning of touch and gestures. Nurses must be sensitive to how people respond when being touched and should refrain from it if the client's response indicates that it is unwelcomed.