chapter 15: Postpartum Adaptations

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

A postpartum client reports stress incontinence. What information should the nurse suggest to the client to overcome stress incontinence?

Perform Kegel exercises.

The nurse is questioning the effective bonding of a client and her 2-day-old infant after noting signs of impaired bonding and attachment. Which actions does the nurse find concerning?

Calling the baby "it" or "they"

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

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

a moderate amount of lochia rubra

While making a follow-up home visit to a client in her first week postpartum, the nurse notes that she has lost 5 pounds. Which reason for this loss would be the most likely?

diuresis

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

The nurse is assessing a client at a postpartum visit and notes the client is emotionally sensitive, complains about being a failure, and appears extremely sad. The nurse concludes the client is presenting with which potential condition?

postpartum depression

A nurse is caring for a client on the second day postpartum. The client informs the nurse that she is voiding a large volume of urine frequently. Which factor should the nurse identify as a potential cause for urinary frequency?

postpartum diuresis

The nurse is assessing a client at a postpartum visit. Which hemodynamic change will the nurse expect the client to exhibit?

rise in hematocrit

A nurse is meeting with a client who developed overdistention of the abdominal muscles during her pregnancy. Which action should the nurse prioritize to best assist this client recover from this situation?

suggest proper exercise

A client who had a vaginal birth 2 days ago asks the nurse when she will be able to breathe normally again. Which response by the nurse is accurate?

"Within 1 to 3 weeks, your diaphragm should return to normal, and your breathing will feel like it did before your pregnancy."

A client who recently gave birth to her third child expresses a desire to have her older two children come to the hospital for a visit. What should the nurse say in response to this request?

"As long as they are well, absolutely. Why don't we give you a dose of pain medication beforehand so that you will enjoy the visit?"

A nurse is caring for a female client in the postpartum phase. The client reports "afterpains." Which intervention should the nurse complete first?

Administer pain medications.

The nurse discharging a newly delivered mother and her newborn infant needs to assess the mother's knowledge about how to take care of herself and her baby. This is her second child. Which approach would be best to verify the client's understanding of these topics?

Ask her questions and observe her caring for the baby

The nurse discharging a newly delivered mother and her newborn infant needs to assess the mother's knowledge about how to take care of herself and her baby. This is her second child. Which approach would be best to verify the client's understanding of these topics?

Ask her questions and observe her caring for the baby.

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 primigravida client is surprised by the continued uterine contractions while holding her new baby. Which explanation by the nurse will best explain these contractions?

Seals off the blood vessels at the site of the placenta

The postpartum nurse is assessing clients, all have given birth within the past 24 hours. Which client assessment leads the nurse to suspect the woman is experiencing postpartum blues?

a 30 year old woman who is teary eyed when asked how she and the baby are doing with breastfeeding

The nurse is reviewing the health records of several clients who gave birth during the previous shift. For which client would the nurse monitor more frequently for maternal hemorrhage?

a client diagnosed with placenta succenturiate Placental succenturiate is a concern for maternal hemorrhage if the accessory lobes of the placenta are retained after delivery. The other conditions are not associated with a higher than usual concern for hemorrhage, although all postpartum clients are observed for hemorrhage.

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. Last 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.

A nurse works at a facility that provides care to clients holding various cultural beliefs. The nurse integrates understanding of the areas recognized by other cultures that are not necessarily acknowledged by the Western culture. Which area would the nurse need to incorporate into the plans of care?

balance of hot and cold

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

A client who is 3 days postpartum calls the office and complains of excessive night sweats. Which explanation should the nurse provide for the client?

Body secreting the excess fluids from pregnancy

A nurse is developing a plan of care for a postpartum woman, newborn, and partner to facilitate the attachment process. Which intervention would be appropriate for the nurse to include in the plan?

Ensure early and frequent parent-newborn interactions

A client is exhibiting signs of engorgement, but her milk is still flowing easily. Which suggestion should the nurse prioritize?

Ensure the baby empties the breasts at each feeding

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 preparing a nursing care plan for an immediate postpartum client. Which nursing diagnosis should the nurse prioritize?

Risk for injury: postpartum hemorrhage related to uterine atony

A client who gave birth 5 days ago reports profuse sweating during the night. What should the nurse recommend to the client in this regard?

"Be sure to change your pajamas to prevent you from chilling."

A 2-day old newborn is crying after being circumcised and the mother is attempting to comfort the infant but he continues to be fussy. Which statement by the nurse would best support the mother's actions?

"Many mothers find that offering a nipple dipped in sugar water helps soothe a baby after a painful procedure." Parents need support when trying to care for their newborn infants. By offering positive phrases and encouraging the mother in her caretaking, the nurse conveys acceptance and confirms the mother's abilities.

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

A multigravida client is still focusing on her difficult labor and discusses it with the nurse at each opportunity, several hours after the birth. Which action should the nurse prioritize after noting the client's partner is spending more time with the infant than the client?

Encourage her to discuss her experience of the birth and answer any questions or concerns she may have

A nurse is caring for a breastfeeding client who reports engorgement. The nurse identifies that the client's condition is due to not fully emptying her breasts at each feeding. Which suggestion should the nurse make to help her prevent engorgement?

Feed the baby at least every two or three hours.

After the abdominal dressing is removed 24 hours following a cesarean delivery, the nurse inspects the incision and observes drainage from the incision, redness along the suture line and moderate edema. Staples are intact. What action would the nurse take?

Let the health care provider know the condition of the incision.

What two elements play the biggest role in becoming a mother after delivery of her newborn?

Love and attachment to the child and engagement with the child

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 is caring for several postpartum clients on the unit. Which client's reaction should the nurse prioritize for possible intervention?

Neglects to engage or provide care or show interest in infant.

A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a postpartum client. Which symptom is a possible complication that the nurse should educate the client about?

Notify the health care provider of increased lochia and bright red bleeding Once the lochia has changed to pink, a change back to bright red may indicate a problem or complication. Palpating the funds to make it soft is not appropriate. The other occurrences are normal and would not need to be reported to the health care provider.

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.

A nurse is assessing a postpartum woman. Which behavior would the nurse interpret as an indication that the woman is entering the taking-hold phase of the postpartum period?

She did her perineal care independently

When assessing the postpartum client 2 hours after giving birth, which finding indicates the need for further action?

The fundus is firm and deviated sharply to the right side of the abdomen.

The nurse is looking at the latest lab work for her postpartum client. The client's predelivery hemoglobin and hematocrit (H & H) was 12.8 and 39, respectively. This morning, the client's values are 8.9 and 30. How would the nurse interpret these lab values?

The health care provider needs to be notified of the latest lab values.

A nurse is providing care to a postpartum woman who is breastfeeding her 1-day old neonate. While observing the interaction, the woman says to the nurse, "I have noticed some tingling in both of my breasts just before my baby starts to feed and then for a bit during the feeding. What is happening?" Which response by the nurse would be appropriate?

What you are feeling is the normal let-down reflex when milk is released." Typically, during the first 2 days after birth, the breasts are soft and nontender. The woman may also report a tingling sensation in both breasts, which is the "let-down reflex" that occurs immediately before or during breastfeeding. This tingling is not a sign of infection or blockage of the milk ducts. Engorgement is a postnatal physiologic painful condition in which distension and swelling of the breast tissue occurs as a result of an increase in blood and lymph supply as a precursor to lactation. Breast engorgement usually peaks in 3 to 5 days postpartum and usually subsides within the following 24 to 36 hours.

A nurse is describing the many changes that will occur during the early postpartum period with a group of young parents. The nurse reviews common reports experienced as the woman's body returns to her prepregnancy state. The nurse determines that the teaching was successful when the participants identify which report as being most common during the first week that will indicate their fluid volume is returning to normal?

diaphoresis The profuse diaphoresis is common during the early postpartum period. Many women will wake up drenched with perspiration. This diaphoresis is a mechanism to reduce the amount of fluids retained during pregnancy and restore prepregnant body fluid levels. It is common, especially at night during the first week after birth. Nocturia, urinary frequency, or urinary urgency are not associated with this fluid shift.

The nurse, assessing the lochia of a client, attempts to separate a clot and identifies the presence of tissue. Which observation would indicate the presence of tissue?

difficult to separate clots If tissue is identified in the lochia, it is difficult to separate clots. Yellowish-white lochia indicates increased leukocytes and decreased fluid content. Easily separable lochia indicates the presence of clots only. Foul-smelling lochia indicates endometritis.

The nurse, assessing the lochia of a client, attempts to separate a clot and identifies the presence of tissue. Which observation would indicate the presence of tissue?

postpartum diuresis The nurse should identify postpartum diuresis as the potential cause for urinary frequency. Urinary overflow occurs if the bladder is not completely emptied. Urinary tract infection may be accompanied by fever and a burning sensation. Trauma to pelvic muscles does not affect urinary frequency.

A postpartum woman is experiencing subinvolution. When reviewing the client's history for factors that might contribute to this condition, which factors would the nurse identify? Select all that apply.

prolonged labor uterine infection hydramnios

Which factor might result in a decreased supply of breast milk in a postpartum client?

supplemental feedings with formula

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.

A nurse notes a woman's prelabor vital signs were: temperature 98.8° F (37.1° C); BP 120/70 mm Hg; heart rate 80 bpm. and respirations 20 breaths/min. Which assessment findings during the early postpartum period should the nurse prioritize?

BP 90/50 mm Hg, heart rate 120 bpm, respirations 24 breaths/min. The decrease in BP with an increase in HR and RR indicate a potential significant complication and are out of the range of normal from birth and need to be reported immediately. Shaking chills can occur due to stress on the body and is considered a normal finding. A fever of 100.4° F (38° C) or higher should be reported. The other options are considered to be within normal limits after giving birth to a baby.

A woman comes to the clinic for her first postpartum visit. She gave birth to a healthy term neonate 2 weeks ago. As part of this visit, the woman has a complete blood count drawn. Which result would the nurse identify as a potential problem?

white blood cell count 14,000/mm3 (14 ×109/L) The white blood cell count, which increases in labor, remains elevated for the first 4 to 6 days after birth but then falls to 6,000 to 10,000/mm3 (6 to 10 ×109/L). An elevated white blood cell count would be suspicious for infection. The hemoglobin, hematocrit and platelet levels are within normal parameters for this woman.

While visiting a client at home on the 10th day postpartum, the nurse assesses the client's lochia. Which color would the nurse expect the lochia to be?

yellowish white

When assessing a new father's adaptation to his new role, which statement would indicate that he is in the reality stage?

"I didn't realize all that went into being a dad. I wasn't prepared for this."

A mother's chart notes that she is non-immune on her rubella status. The nurse explains what this means to the client. Which statement by the mother indicates that more teaching is needed?

"I need to have three shots to get my rubella levels up."

A client gave birth to a healthy boy 2 days ago. Both mother and baby have had a smooth recovery. The nurse enters the room and tells the client that she and her baby will be discharged home today. The client states, "I do not want to go home." What is the nurse's most appropriate response?

Ask the client to explain why she does not want to go home. It is important for the nurse to identify the client's concerns and reasons for wanting to stay in the hospital. Open-ended questioning facilitates both effective and therapeutic communication and allows the nurse to address concerns appropriately. Asking about supports at home implies that the nurse has made assumptions about why the client may not want to go home. Informing the care provider or telling the client that discharge is hospital policy is not appropriate at this time because the nurse has not addressed the underlying reason for the client's comment. The client may have safety-related concerns, undisclosed fears, or a need for increased support before discharge. It is imperative that the nurse not make assumptions but further explore concerns.

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

A postpartum woman is experiencing subinvolution. When reviewing the client's history for factors that might contribute to this condition, which factors would the nurse identify? Select all that apply.

uterine infection prolonged labor hydramnios

The nurse is making a home visit to a woman who is 4 days postpartum. Which finding would indicate to the nurse that the woman is experiencing a problem?

uterus 1 cm below umbilicus By the fourth postpartum day, the uterus should be approximately 4 cm below the umbilicus. Being only at 1 cm indicates that the uterus is not contracting as it should. Lochia serosa is normal from days 3 to 10 postpartum. After birth the vagina is edematous and thin with few rugae. It eventually thickens and rugae return in approximately 3 weeks. Diaphoresis is common during the early postpartum period, especially in the first week. It is a mechanism to reduce fluids retained during pregnancy and restore prepregnant body fluid levels.

The nurse is monitoring a postpartum client who says she's concerned because she feels mildly depressed. The nurse recognizes that she is most likely experiencing "postpartum blues," and reassures the client that this symptom is experienced by approximately what percentage of women?

85%

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

A nurse is providing care to a woman who is 6 hours postpartum. The nurse suspects urinary retention based on which finding?

50 to 70 mL urine per void every hour

During a home visit, the client mentions she is still having significant of joint pain. The nurse explains that the changes that softened the pelvic joints to allow for the birth were due to the hormone relaxin. The nurse informs the client that it takes approximately how long for the joints to return to prepregnancy status?

6 to 8 weeks after pregnancy

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

The nursing instructor is leading a discussion on the physical changes to a woman's body after the birth of the baby. The instructor determines the session is successful after the students correctly point out which process results in the return of nonpregnant size and function of the female organs?

Involution Involution is the term used to describe the process of the return to nonpregnancy size and function of reproductive organs. Evolution is change in the genetic material of a population of organisms from one generation to the next. Decrement is the act or process of decreasing. Progression is defined as movement through stages such as the progression of labor.

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 Independence with self-care is an important aspect of the taking-hold phase. During the letting-go phase, the woman assumes responsibility and care for the newborn with increased confidence. 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.

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.

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

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.

The nurse is assessing a postpartum client's vital signs 24 hours after the birth of her infant and notes: respirations 18, pulse 110 bpm, temperature 100.1°F (37.8°C), and blood pressure 128/88. Which assessment finding should the nurse prioritize for further attention?

pulse

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

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

A new mother gave birth to her baby 24 hours ago and today has been content to rest in her hospital bed, hold her baby, allow the nurse to care for her, and to discuss her labor and birth experience with visitors. Which phase of the postpartum restorative period is this client in?

taking-in phase

A nurse is providing care to a postpartum woman during the immediate postpartum period. The nurse recognizes that the mother will need assistance with meeting her basic needs based on the understanding that the mother is most likely in which phase?

taking-in phase

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 is providing discharge education for a new mother regarding constipation. Which statement by the mother indicates that she understands what the nurse explained to her?

"I will increase my intake of fruits and vegetables in my diet. I love to eat them anyhow."

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."

A new mother comes in for her first visit and reports pain and tenderness in her breast just before feeding. Based on her description, the nurse determines she is experiencing breast engorgement. Which instruction should the nurse provide to her?

"Take a warm shower just before feeding your infant."

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 Selected:

"You might try using a water-soluble lubricant to ease the discomfort." Coital discomfort 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.

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 nursing instructor is conducting a class exploring the various changes that occur in the early postpartum period. The instructor determines the session is successful when the students correctly point out which definition of bonding?

A process of developing an attachment and becoming acquainted with each other Bonding in the maternal-newborn world is the attachment process that occurs between a mother and her newborn infant. This is how the mother and infant become engaged with each other and is the foundation for the relationship. Bonding is a process and not a single event. The process of bonding is not a yearlong process, and the family growing closer together after the birth of a new baby is not bonding.

A Chinese mother delivers her newborn and is ready to go home. The grandmother is present and will remain with the mother for 1 month. The grandmother tells the nurse that the mother will not be allowed to leave the house for the first month after delivery. How should the nurse respond to this statement?

Accept the grandmother's statement and do discharge teaching accordingly.

The nurse is inspecting a new mother's perineum. What actions would the nurse take for this client? Select all that apply.

Inspect the episiotomy for sutures and to ensure that the edges are approximated. Note any hemorrhoids. Gently palpate for any hematomas.

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

Which client should the postpartum nurse assess first after receiving shift report?

The 2-day postpartum client who has a blood pressure of 138/90 mm Hg

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 nurse has received the results of a client's postpartum hemoglobin and hematocrit. Review of the client's history reveals a prepartum hemoglobin of 14 g/dl (140 g/L) and hematocrit of 42% (0.42). Which result should the nurse prioritize?

Hemoglobin 9 g/dl (90 g/L) and hematocrit 32% (0.32) in a woman who has given birth by cesarean First, the nurse needs to determine the amount of blood loss during the delivery. For every 250 ml of blood lost during the delivery process, the hemoglobin should decrease by 1 g/dl (10 g/L) and the hematocrit by 2%. The acceptable amount of blood loss during a normal vaginal delivery is approximately 300 ml to 500 m and for a cesarean delivery approximately 500 mL to 1000 ml. The loss of hemoglobin from 14 gm/dl (140 g/L) to 9 gm/dl (90 g/L) is 5 and for the hematocrit from 42% to 32% is 10. This would indicate the client lost approximately 1250 ml of blood during the cesarean delivery (5 x 250 = 1250); this is too much and should be reported to the health care provider immediately. The other choices would be considered to be within normal range.

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.

A woman who delivered her newborn by cesarean birth is admitted to the postpartum unit. During the delivery, the mother received two doses of morphine sulfate. The nurse notes that the client's respiratory rate is 11 and her oxygen saturation is 93%. What should the nurse do first?

Notify the health care provider of the findings. If the nurse notes abnormal findings on her exam—such as depressed respiratory status like this client is presenting—the nurse will immediately notify a health care provider. Having a peer come in to confirm your findings is always fine but this does not preclude notification of the physician. Asking the charge nurse to look in on the client later indicates there is no urgency to the situation, which there is.

A nurse is caring for the client who gave birth a week ago. The client informs the nurse that she experiences painful uterine contractions when breastfeeding the baby. Which should the nurse do next?

Tell the client to take an NSAID orally.

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.

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

Which intervention would be helpful to a bottle-feeding client who's experiencing hard or engorged breasts?

applying ice

A nurse is monitoring the vital signs of a client 24 hours after birth. She notes that the client's blood pressure is 100/60 mm Hg. Which postpartum complication should the nurse most suspect in this client, based on this finding?

bleeding Blood pressure should also be monitored carefully during the postpartum period because a decrease in BP can also indicate bleeding. In contrast, an elevation above 140 mm Hg systolic or 90 mm Hg diastolic may indicate the development of postpartum gestational hypertension, an unusual but serious complication of the puerperium. An infection would best be indicated by an elevated oral temperature. Diabetes would be indicated by an elevated blood glucose level.

A nurse is reviewing the history of a postpartum woman. The nurse determines that the woman is at low risk for uterine subinvolution based on which findings? Select all that apply.

early ambulation breastfeeding

The nurse is caring for a client who had been administered an anesthetic block during labor. For which risks should the nurse watch in the client? Select all that apply. You Selected:

incomplete emptying of bladder bladder distention urinary retention

The postpartum client is reporting her left calf hurts and it is making it difficult for her to walk. The nurse predicts which factor is contributing to this situation after finding an area of warmth and redness?

increased coagulation factors The woman is showing signs of thromboembolism or deep vein thrombosis, which is a risk for the postpartum client due to the increased hypercoagulable state that occurs during the pregnancy. This hypercoagulable state is the result of increased coagulation factors that the body uses as a protective device; however, it also increases the risk of blood clots in the lower extremities. Increased white blood cell count would be suspicious for an infection. Decreased red blood cell count would be expected due to the loss of blood; however, if it continues, the client should be evaluated for anemia. The stirrups should not cause an injury.

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

The nurse is making a home visit to a woman who is 5 days' postpartum. Which finding would concern the nurse and warrant further investigation?

lochia rubra

A urinalysis is done on a postpartum mother 24 hours after delivery. Which findings would be considered normal for this client? Select all that apply.

moderate glycosuria mild ketonuria Occasional RBCs trace WBCs

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

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.

During the birth, the primary care provider performed an episiotomy. The client is now reporting discomfort. To reduce this discomfort and increase hygiene to the perineum, the nurse would encourage the client to use which intervention?

peribottle and warm water

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.

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