Postpartum practice questions

Select all of the physiological maternal changes that occur during the PP period. Cervical involution ceases immediately Vaginal distention decreases slowly Fundus begins to descend into the pelvis after 24 hours Cardiac output decreases with resultant tachycardia in the first 24 hours Digestive processes slow immediately.

1 and 3. In the PP period, cervical healing occurs rapidly and cervical involution occurs. After 1 week the muscle begins to regenerate and the cervix feels firm and the external os is the width of a pencil. Although the vaginal mucosa heals and vaginal distention decreases, it takes the entire PP period for complete involution to occur and muscle tone is never restored to the pregravid state. The fundus begins to descent into the pelvic cavity after 24 hours, a process known as involution. Despite blood loss that occurs during delivery of the baby, a transient increase in cardiac output occurs. The increase in cardiac output, which persists about 48 hours after childbirth, is probably caused by an increase in stroke volume because Bradycardia is often noted during the PP period. Soon after childbirth, digestion begins to begin to be active and the new mother is usually hungry because of the energy expended during labor.

On completing a fundal assessment, the nurse notes the fundus is situated on the client's left abdomen. Which of the following actions is appropriate? Ask the client to empty her bladder Straight catheterize the client immediately Call the client's health provider for direction Straight catheterize the client for half of her uterine volume

1. A full bladder may displace the uterine fundus to the left or right side of the abdomen. Catheterization is unnecessary invasive if the woman can void on her own.

As part of the postpartum assessment, the nurse examines the breasts of a primiparous breastfeeding woman who is one day postpartum. An expected finding would be: Soft, non-tender; colostrum is present Leakage of milk at let down Swollen, warm, and tender upon palpation A few blisters and a bruise on each areola

1. Breasts are essentially unchanged for the first two to three days after birth. Colostrum is present and may leak from the nipples.

Which of the following behaviors characterizes the PP mother in the taking in phase? Passive and dependant Striving for independence and autonomy Curious and interested in care of the baby Exhibiting maximum readiness for new learning

1. During the taking in phase, which usually lasts 1-3 days, the mother is passive and dependent and expresses her own needs rather than the neonate's needs. The taking hold phase usually lasts from days 3-10 PP. During this stage, the mother strives for independence and autonomy; she also becomes curious and interested in the care of the baby and is most ready to learn.

A nurse is preparing to assess the uterine fundus of a client in the immediate postpartum period. When the nurse locates the fundus, she notes that the uterus feels soft and boggy. Which of the following nursing interventions would be most appropriate initially? Massage the fundus until it is firm Elevate the mothers legs Push on the uterus to assist in expressing clots Encourage the mother to void

1. If the uterus is not contracted firmly, the first intervention is to massage the fundus until it is firm and to express clots that may have accumulated in the uterus. Pushing on an uncontracted uterus can invert the uterus and cause massive hemorrhage. Elevating the client's legs and encouraging the client to void will not assist in managing uterine atony. If the uterus does not remain contracted as a result of the uterine massage, the problem may be distended bladder and the nurse should assist the mother to urinate, but this would not be the initial action.

Which of the following factors might result in a decreased supply of breast milk in a PP mother? Supplemental feedings with formula Maternal diet high in vitamin C An alcoholic drink Frequent feedings

1. Routine formula supplementation may interfere with establishing an adequate milk volume because decreased stimulation to the mother's nipples affects hormonal levels and milk production.

A nurse performs an assessment on a client who is 4 hours PP. The nurse notes that the client has cool, clammy skin and is restless and excessively thirsty. The nurse prepares immediately to: Assess for hypovolemia and notify the health care provider Begin hourly pad counts and reassure the client Begin fundal massage and start oxygen by mask Elevate the head of the bed and assess vital signs

1. Symptoms of hypovolemia include cool, clammy, pale skin, sensations of anxiety or impending doom, restlessness, and thirst. When these symptoms are present, the nurse should further assess for hypovolemia and notify the health care provider.

During the 3rd PP day, which of the following observations about the client would the nurse be most likely to make? The client appears interested in learning about neonatal care The client talks a lot about her birth experience The client sleeps whenever the neonate isn't present The client requests help in choosing a name for the neonate.

1. The third to tenth days of PP care are the "taking-hold" phase, in which the new mother strives for independence and is eager for her neonate. The other options describe the phase in which the mother relives her birth experience.

Methergine or pitocin are prescribed for a client with PP hemorrhage. Before administering the medication(s), the nurse contacts the health provider who prescribed the medication(s) in which of the following conditions is documented in the client's medical history? Peripheral vascular disease Hypothyroidism Hypotension Type 1 diabetes

1. These medications are avoided in clients with significant cardiovascular disease, peripheral disease, hypertension, eclampsia, or preeclampsia. These conditions are worsened by the vasoconstriction effects of these medications.

Which of the following findings would be expected when assessing the postpartum client? Fundus 1 cm above the umbilicus 1 hour postpartum Fundus 1 cm above the umbilicus on postpartum day 3 Fundus palpable in the abdomen at 2 weeks postpartum Fundus slightly to the right; 2 cm above umbilicus on postpartum day 2

1. Within the first 12 hours postpartum, the fundus usually is approximately 1 cm above the umbilicus. The fundus should be below the umbilicus by PP day 3. The fundus shouldn't be palpated in the abdomen after day 10.

A nurse is preparing a list of self-care instructions for a PP client who was diagnosed with mastitis. Select all instructions that would be included on the list. Take the prescribed antibiotics until the soreness subsides. Wear supportive bra Avoid decompression of the breasts by breastfeeding or breast pump Rest during the acute phase Continue to breastfeed if the breasts are not too sore.

2, 4, and 5. Mastitis are an infection of the lactating breast. Client instructions include resting during the acute phase, maintaining a fluid intake of at least 3 L a day, and taking analgesics to relieve discomfort. Antibiotics may be prescribed and are taken until the complete prescribed course is finished. They are not stopped when the soreness subsides. Additional supportive measures include the use of moist heat or ice packs and wearing a supportive bra. Continued decompression of the breast by breastfeeding or pumping is important to empty the breast and prevent formation of an abscess.

A postpartum nurse is preparing to care for a woman who has just delivered a healthy newborn infant. In the immediate postpartum period the nurse plans to take the woman's vital signs: 1. Every 30 minutes during the first hour and then every hour for the next two hours. 2. Every 15 minutes during the first hour and then every 30 minutes for the next two hours. 3. Every hour for the first 2 hours and then every 4 hours 4. Every 5 minutes for the first 30 minutes and then every hour for the next 4 hours.

2.

A PP nurse is providing instructions to a woman after delivery of a healthy newborn infant. The nurse instructs the mother that she should expect normal bowel elimination to return: One the day of the delivery 3 days PP 7 days PP within 2 weeks PP

2. After birth, the nurse should auscultate the woman's abdomen in all four quadrants to determine the return of bowel sounds. Normal bowel elimination usually returns 2 to 3 days PP. Surgery, anesthesia, and the use of narcotics and pain control agents also contribute to the longer period of altered bowel function.

A nurse is monitoring a new mother in the PP period for signs of hemorrhage. Which of the following signs, if noted in the mother, would be an early sign of excessive blood loss? A temperature of 100.4*F An increase in the pulse from 88 to 102 BPM An increase in the respiratory rate from 18 to 22 breaths per minute A blood pressure change from 130/88 to 124/80 mm Hg

2. During the 4th stage of labor, the maternal blood pressure, pulse, and respiration should be checked every 15 minutes during the first hour. A rising pulse is an early sign of excessive blood loss because the heart pumps faster to compensate for reduced blood volume. The blood pressure will fall as the blood volume diminishes, but a decreased blood pressure would not be the earliest sign of hemorrhage. A slight rise in temperature is normal. The respiratory rate is increased slightly.

Which of the following physiological responses is considered normal in the early postpartum period? Urinary urgency and dysuria Rapid diuresis Decrease in blood pressure Increase motility of the GI system

2. In the early PP period, there's an increase in the glomerular filtration rate and a drop in the progesterone levels, which result in rapid diuresis. There should be no urinary urgency, though a woman may feel anxious about voiding. There's a minimal change in blood pressure following childbirth, and a residual decrease in GI motility.

The nurse is assessing the lochia on a 1 day PP patient. The nurse notes that the lochia is red and has a foul-smelling odor. The nurse determines that this assessment finding is: Normal Indicates the presence of infection Indicates the need for increasing oral fluids Indicates the need for increasing ambulation

2. Lochia, the discharge present after birth, is red for the first 1 to 3 days and gradually decreases in amount. Normal lochia has a fleshy odor. Foul smelling or purulent lochia usually indicates infection, and these findings are not normal. Encouraging the woman to drink fluids or increase ambulation is not an accurate nursing intervention.

Methergine or pitocin is prescribed for a woman to treat PP hemorrhage. Before administration of these medications, the priority nursing assessment is to check the: Amount of lochia Blood pressure Deep tendon reflexes Uterine tone

2. Methergine and pitocin are agents that are used to prevent or control postpartum hemorrhage by contracting the uterus. They cause continuous uterine contractions and may elevate blood pressure. A priority nursing intervention is to check blood pressure. The physician should be notified if hypertension is present.

When performing a PP assessment on a client, the nurse notes the presence of clots in the lochia. The nurse examines the clots and notes that they are larger than 1 cm. Which of the following nursing actions is most appropriate? Document the findings Notify the physician Reassess the client in 2 hours Encourage increased intake of fluids.

2. Normally, one may find a few small clots in the first 1 to 2 days after birth from pooling of blood in the vajayjay. Clots larger than 1 cm are considered abnormal. The cause of these clots, such as uterine atony or retained placental fragments, needs to be determined and treated to prevent further blood loss. Although the findings would be documented, the most appropriate action is to notify the physician.

On which of the postpartum days can the client expect lochia serosa? Days 3 and 4 PP Days 3 to 10 PP Days 10-14 PP Days 14 to 42 PP

2. On the third and fourth PP days, the lochia becomes a pale pink or brown and contains old blood, serum, leukocytes, and tissue debris. This type of lochia usually lasts until PP day 10. Lochia rubra usually last for the first 3 to 4 days PP. Lochia alba, which contain leukocytes, decidua, epithelial cells, mucus, and bacteria, may continue for 2 to 6 weeks PP.

The nurse is assessing a client who is 6 hours PP after delivering a full-term healthy infant. The client complains to the nurse of feelings of faintness and dizziness. Which of the following nursing actions would be most appropriate? Obtain hemoglobin and hematocrit levels Instruct the mother to request help when getting out of bed Elevate the mother's legs Inform the nursery room nurse to avoid bringing the newborn infant to the mother until the feelings of light-headedness and dizziness have subsided.

2. Orthostatic hypotension may be evident during the first 8 hours after birth. Feelings of faintness or dizziness are signs that should caution the nurse to be aware of the client's safety. The nurse should advise the mother to get help the first few times the mother gets out of bed. Obtaining an H/H requires a physicians order.

Which of the following changes best described the insulin needs of a client with type 1 diabetes who has just delivered an infant vaginally without complications? Increase Decrease Remain the same as before pregnancy Remain the same as during pregnancy

2. The placenta produces the hormone human placental lactogen, an insulin antagonist. After birth, the placenta, the major source of insulin resistance, is gone. Insulin needs decrease and women with type 1 diabetes may only need one-half to two-thirds of the prenatal insulin during the first few PP days.

A PP nurse is assessing a mother who delivered a healthy newborn infant by C-section. The nurse is assessing for signs and symptoms of superficial venous thrombosis. Which of the following signs or symptoms would the nurse note if superficial venous thrombosis were present? Paleness of the calf area Enlarged, hardened veins Coolness of the calf area Palpable dorsalis pedis pulses

2. Thrombosis of the superficial veins is usually accompanied by signs and symptoms of inflammation. These include swelling of the involved extremity and redness, tenderness, and warmth.

A nurse is caring for a PP client with a diagnosis of DVT who is receiving a continuous intravenous infusion of heparin sodium. Which of the following laboratory results will the nurse specifically review to determine if an effective and appropriate dose of the heparin is being delivered? Prothrombin time Internationalized normalized ratio Activated partial thromboplastin time Platelet count

3. Anticoagulation therapy may be used to prevent the extension of thrombus by delaying the clotting time of the blood. Activated partial thromboplastin time should be monitored, and a heparin dose should be adjusted to maintain a therapeutic level of 1.5 to 2.5 times the control. The prothrombin time and the INR are used to monitor coagulation time when warfarin (Coumadin) is used.

A nurse is caring for a PP woman who has received epidural anesthesia and is monitoring the woman for the presence of a vulva hematoma. Which of the following assessment findings would best indicate the presence of a hematoma? Complaints of a tearing sensation Complaints of intense pain Changes in vital signs Signs of heavy bruising

3. Because the woman has had epidural anesthesia and is anesthetized, she cannot feel pain, pressure, or a tearing sensation. Changes in vitals indicate hypovolemia in the anesthetized PP woman with vulvar hematoma. Heavy bruising may be visualized, but vital sign changes indicate hematoma caused by blood collection in the perineal tissues.

A nurse is preparing to perform a fundal assessment on a postpartum client. The initial nursing action in performing this assessment is which of the following? Ask the client to turn on her side Ask the client to lie flat on her back with the knees and legs flat and straight. Ask the mother to urinate and empty her bladder Massage the fundus gently before determining the level of the fundus.

3. Before starting the fundal assessment, the nurse should ask the mother to empty her bladder so that an accurate assessment can be done. When the nurse is performing fundal assessment, the nurse asks the woman to lie flat on her back with the knees flexed. Massaging the fundus is not appropriate unless the fundus is boggy and soft, and then it should be massaged gently until firm.

Which of the following complications may be indicated by continuous seepage of blood from the vagina of a PP client, when palpation of the uterus reveals a firm uterus 1 cm below the umbilicus? Retained placental fragments Urinary tract infection Cervical laceration Uterine atony

3. Continuous seepage of blood may be due to cervical or vaginal lacerations if the uterus is firm and contracting. Retained placental fragments and uterine atony may cause subinvolution of the uterus, making it soft, boggy, and larger than expected. UTI won't cause vaginal bleeding, although hematuria may be present.

A nurse is assessing a client in the 4th stage if labor and notes that the fundus is firm but that bleeding is excessive. The initial nursing action would be which of the following? Massage the fundus Place the mother in the Trendelenburg's position Notify the physician Record the findings

3. If the bleeding is excessive, the cause may be laceration of the cervix or birth canal. Massaging the fundus if it is firm will not assist in controlling the bleeding. Trendelenburg's position is to be avoided because it may interfere with cardiac function.

A client is complaining of painful contractions, or afterpains, on postpartum day 2. Which of the following conditions could increase the severity of afterpains? Bottle-feeding Diabetes Multiple gestation Primiparity

3. Multiple gestation, breastfeeding, multiparity, and conditions that cause overdistention of the uterus will increase the intensity of after-pains. Bottle-feeding and diabetes aren't directly associated with increasing severity of afterpains unless the client has delivered a macrosomic infant.

The nurse is about the give a Type 2 diabetic her insulin before breakfast on her first day postpartum. Which of the following answers best describes insulin requirements immediately postpartum? Lower than during her pregnancy Higher than during her pregnancy Lower than before she became pregnant Higher than before she became pregnant

3. PP insulin requirements are usually significantly lower than prepregnancy requirements. Occasionally, clients may require little to no insulin during the first 24 to 48 hours postpartum.

Which of the following interventions would be helpful to a breastfeeding mother who is experiencing engorged breasts? Applying ice Applying a breast binder Teaching how to express her breasts in a warm shower Administering bromocriptine (Parlodel)

3. Teaching the client how to express her breasts in a warm shower aids with let-down and will give temporary relief. Ice can promote comfort by vasoconstriction, numbing, and discouraging further letdown of milk.

A PP client is being treated for DVT. The nurse understands that the client's response to treatment will be evaluated by regularly assessing the client for: Dysuria, ecchymosis, and vertigo Epistaxis, hematuria, and dysuria Hematuria, ecchymosis, and epistaxis Hematuria, ecchymosis, and vertigo

3. The treatment for DVT is anticoagulant therapy. The nurse assesses for bleeding, which is an adverse effect of anticoagulants. This includes hematuria, ecchymosis, and epistaxis. Dysuria and vertigo are not associated specifically with bleeding.

A new mother received epidural anesthesia during labor and had a forceps delivery after pushing 2 hours. At 6 hours PP, her systolic blood pressure has dropped 20 points, her diastolic BP has dropped 10 points, and her pulse is 120 beats per minute. The client is anxious and restless. On further assessment, a vulvar hematoma is verified. After notifying the health care provider, the nurse immediately plans to: Monitor fundal height Apply perineal pressure Prepare the client for surgery. Reassure the client

3. The use of an epidural, prolonged second stage labor and forceps delivery are predisposing factors for hematoma formation, and a collection of up to 500 ml of blood can occur in the vaginal area. Although the other options may be implemented, the immediate action would be to prepare the client for surgery to stop the bleeding.

Which of the following circumstances is most likely to cause uterine atony and lead to PP hemorrhage? Hypertension Cervical and vaginal tears Urine retention Endometritis

3. Urine retention causes a distended bladder to displace the uterus above the umbilicus and to the side, which prevents the uterus from contracting. The uterus needs to remain contracted if bleeding is to stay within normal limits. Cervical and vaginal tears can cause PP hemorrhage but are less common occurrences in the PP period.

Which type of lochia should the nurse expect to find in a client 2 days PP? Foul-smelling Lochia serosa Lochia alba Lochia rubra

4

A nurse is developing a plan of care for a PP woman with a small vulvar hematoma. The nurse includes which specific intervention in the plan during the first 12 hours following the delivery of this client? Assess vital signs every 4 hours Inform health care provider of assessment findings Measure fundal height every 4 hours Prepare an ice pack for application to the area.

4. Application of ice will reduce swelling caused by hematoma formation in the vulvar area. The other options are not interventions that are specific to the plan of care for a client with a small vulvar hematoma.

Which of the following responses is most appropriate for a mother with diabetes who wants to breastfeed her infant but is concerned about the effects of breastfeeding on her health? Mothers with diabetes who breast-feed have a hard time controlling their insulin needs Mothers with diabetes shouldn't breastfeed because of potential complications Mothers with diabetes shouldn't breastfeed; insulin requirements are doubled. Mothers with diabetes may breastfeed; insulin requirements may decrease from breastfeeding.

4. Breastfeeding has an antidiabetogenic effect. Insulin needs are decreased because carbohydrates are used in milk production. Breastfeeding mothers are at a higher risk of hypoglycemia in the first PP days after birth because the glucose levels are lower. Mothers with diabetes should be encouraged to breastfeed.

A nurse is providing instructions to a mother who has been diagnosed with mastitis. Which of the following statements if made by the mother indicates a need for further teaching? "I need to take antibiotics, and I should begin to feel better in 24-48 hours." "I can use analgesics to assist in alleviating some of the discomfort." "I need to wear a supportive bra to relieve the discomfort." "I need to stop breastfeeding until this condition resolves."

4. In most cases, the mother can continue to breast feed with both breasts. If the affected breast is too sore, the mother can pump the breast gently. Regular emptying of the breast is important to prevent abscess formation. Antibiotic therapy assists in resolving the mastitis within 24-48 hours. Additional supportive measures include ice packs, breast supports, and analgesics.

Which of the following complications is most likely responsible for a delayed postpartum hemorrhage? Cervical laceration Clotting deficiency Perineal laceration Uterine subinvolution

4. Late postpartum bleeding is often the result of subinvolution of the uterus. Retained products of conception or infection often cause subinvolution. Cervical or perineal lacerations can cause an immediate postpartum hemorrhage. A client with a clotting deficiency may also have an immediate PP hemorrhage if the deficiency isn't corrected at the time of delivery.

After expulsion of the placenta in a client who has six living children, an infusion of lactated ringer's solution with 10 units of pitocin is ordered. The nurse understands that this is indicated for this client because: She had a precipitate birth This was an extramural birth Retained placental fragments must be expelled Multigravida's are at increased risk for uterine atony.

4. Multiple full-term pregnancies and deliveries result in overstretched uterine muscles that do not contract efficiently and bleeding may ensue.

Before giving a PP client the rubella vaccine, which of the following facts should the nurse include in client teaching? The vaccine is safe in clients with egg allergies Breast-feeding isn't compatible with the vaccine Transient arthralgia and rash are common adverse effects The client should avoid getting pregnant for 3 months after the vaccine because the vaccine has teratogenic effects

4. The client must understand that she must not become pregnant for 3 months after the vaccination because of its potential teratogenic effects. The rubella vaccine is made from duck eggs so an allergic reaction may occur in clients with egg allergies. The virus is not transmitted into the breast milk, so clients may continue to breastfeed after the vaccination. Transient arthralgia and rash are common adverse effects of the vaccine.

A postpartum nurse is taking the vital signs of a woman who delivered a healthy newborn infant 4 hours ago. The nurse notes that the mother's temperature is 100.2*F. Which of the following actions would be most appropriate? Retake the temperature in 15 minutes Notify the physician Document the findings Increase hydration by encouraging oral fluids

4. The mother's temperature may be taken every 4 hours while she is awake. Temperatures up to 100.4 (38 C) in the first 24 hours after birth are often related to the dehydrating effects of labor. The most appropriate action is to increase hydration by encouraging oral fluids, which should bring the temperature to a normal reading. Although the nurse would document the findings, the most appropriate action would be to increase the hydration.

A nurse in a PP unit is instructing a mother regarding lochia and the amount of expected lochia drainage. The nurse instructs the mother that the normal amount of lochia may vary but should never exceed the need for: One peripad per day Two peripads per day Three peripads per day Eight peripads per day

4. The normal amount of lochia may vary with the individual but should never exceed 4 to 8 peripads per day. The average number of peripads is 6 per day.

On the first PP night, a client requests that her baby be sent back to the nursery so she can get some sleep. The client is most likely in which of the following phases? Depression phase Letting-go phase Taking-hold phase Taking-in phase

4. The taking-in phase occurs in the first 24 hours after birth. The mother is concerned with her own needs and requires support from staff and relatives. The taking-hold phase occurs when the mother is ready to take responsibility for her care as well as the infants care. The letting-go phase begins several weeks later, when the mother incorporates the new infant into the family unit.

What type of milk is present in the breasts 7 to 10 days PP? Colostrum Hind milk Mature milk Transitional milk

4. Transitional milk comes after colostrum and usually lasts until 2 weeks PP.