Chapter 21: Postpartum Complications NCLEX

B (Treatment of excessive bleeding requires the collaboration of the physician and the nurses. Do not leave the client alone.)

A multiparous woman is admitted to the postpartum unit after a rapid labor and birth of a 4000 g infant. Her fundus is boggy, lochia is heavy, and vital signs are unchanged. The nurse has the woman void and massages her fundus, but her fundus remains difficult to find, and the rubra lochia remains heavy. The nurse should: a. continue to massage the fundus. b. notify the physician. c. recheck vital signs. d. insert a Foley catheter.

B (A rapid labor and delivery may cause exhaustion of the uterine muscle and prevent contraction.)

A postpartum client would be at increased risk for postpartum hemorrhage if she delivered a: a. 5-lb, 2-oz infant with outlet forceps. b. 6.5-lb infant after a 2-hour labor. c. 7-lb infant after an 8-hour labor. d. 8-lb infant after a 12-hour labor.

C (Tenderness, heat, and swelling are classic signs of thrombophlebitis that appear at the site of the inflammation.)

The mother-baby nurse must be able to recognize what sign of thrombophlebitis? a. Visible varicose veins b. Positive Homans' sign c. Local tenderness, heat, and swelling d. Pedal edema in the affected leg

A (Methergine provides long-sustained contraction of the uterus.)

The nurse should expect medical intervention for subinvolution to include: a. oral methylergonovine maleate (Methergine) for 48 hours. b. oxytocin intravenous infusion for 8 hours. c. oral fluids to 3000 mL/day. d. intravenous fluid and blood replacement.

B (Almost all instances of acute mastitis can be avoided by proper breastfeeding technique to prevent cracked nipples.)

The perinatal nurse assisting with establishing lactation is aware that acute mastitis can be minimized by: A. Washing the nipples and breasts with mild soap and water once a day B. Using proper breastfeeding techniques C. Wearing a nipple shield for the first few days of breastfeeding D. Wearing a supportive bra 24 hours a day

D (Postpartum blues affects 50% to 70% of new mothers. It is believed to be related to hormonal fluctuations after childbirth.)

Which condition is a transient, self-limiting mood disorder that affects new mothers after childbirth? a. Postpartum depression b. Postpartum psychosis c. Postpartum bipolar disorder d. Postpartum blues

D (A temperature elevation to greater than 100.4° F on 2 postpartum days not including the first 24 hours indicates infection.)

Which temperature indicates the presence of postpartum infection? a. 99.6° F in the first 48 hours b. 100° F for 2 days postpartum c. 100.4° F in the first 24 hours d. 100.8° F on the second and third postpartum days

C (Leg exercises promote venous blood flow and prevent venous stasis while the client is still on bed rest.)

Which nursing measure would be appropriate to prevent thrombophlebitis in the recovery period after a cesarean birth? a. Roll a bath blanket and place it firmly behind the knees. b. Limit oral intake of fluids for the first 24 hours. c. Assist the client in performing leg exercises every 2 hours. d. Ambulate the client as soon as her vital signs are stable.

B (Rationale: Cardiac output increases immediately after delivery as blood that had been diverted to the uterus reenters the central circulation. A client who cannot tolerate these changes may experience cardiac decompensation and cardiac failure. After delivery, renal function increases. There is usually not an increase in pain after delivery except for small increments attributable to uterine cramps, perineal discomfort and breast tenderness. Although hepatic blood flow decreases to normal levels after delivery, this does not affect cardiac function.)

A client with cardiac disease delivers a baby. Afterwards, the nurse assesses the client for signs of cardiac decompensation. During the postpartum period, which condition can cause cardiac decompensation? A. Increased pain B. Increased cardiac output C. Decreased renal function D. Decreased hepatic blood flow

B (The initial management of excessive postpartum bleeding is firm massage of the uterine fundus.)

A primary nursing responsibility when caring for a woman experiencing an obstetric hemorrhage associated with uterine atony is to: A. Establish venous access B. Perform fundal massage C. Prepare the woman for surgical intervention D. Catheterize the bladder

B (Undetected lacerations will bleed slowly and continuously. Bleeding from lacerations is uncontrolled by uterine contraction.)

A steady trickle of bright red blood from the vagina in the presence of a firm fundus suggests: a. uterine atony. b. lacerations of the genital tract. c. perineal hematoma. d. infection of the uterus.

B (Rationale: Based on the signs and symptoms presented by the client (especially the elevated temperature), the physician should be notified because the client probably has mastitis, an infection in the breast. An antibiotic that is tolerated by the infant as well as the mother may be prescribed. The mother should continue to nurse on both breasts but should start the infant on the unaffected breast while the affected breast lets down.)

A ten-day postpartum breastfeeding client telephones the postpartum unit complaining of a reddened, painful breast and elevated temperature. Based on assessment of the client's complaints, the nurse tells the client to: A. "Stop breastfeeding because you probably have an infection." B. "Notify your physician because you may need medication." C. "Continue breastfeeding because this is a normal response in breastfeeding mothers." D. "Breastfeed only with the unaffected breast."

A (Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE))

A thrombosis results from the formation of a blood clot or clots inside a blood vessel and is caused by inflammation or partial obstruction of the vessel. Three thromboembolic conditions are of concern during the postpartum period and include all except: a) Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) b) Superficial venous thrombosis c) Deep vein thrombosis d) Pulmonary embolism

A (A WBC count in the upper ranges of normal (20,000 to 30,000) may indicate an infection.)

A white blood cell (WBC) count of 28,000 cells/mm3 on the morning of the first postpartum day indicates: a. possible infection. b. normal WBC limit. c. serious infection. d. suspicion of sexually transmitted disease.

B (Firmness of the uterus is necessary to control bleeding from the placental site. The nurse should first assess for firmness and massage the fundus as indicated.)

A woman delivered a 9-lb, 10-oz baby 1 hour ago. When you arrive to perform her 15-minute assessment, she tells you that she "feels all wet underneath." You discover that both pads are completely saturated and that she is lying in a 6-inch-diameter puddle of blood. What is your first action? a. Call for help. b. Assess the fundus for firmness. c. Take her blood pressure. d. Check the perineum for lacerations.

C (Rationale: Since the client is already hemorrhaging, it is inappropriate to initiate a pad count. Fundal massage and administration of oxytocics would be indicated if the hemorrhage is due to uterine atony. If a full bladder is displacing the uterus and preventing it from contracting, insertion of an indwelling catheter would be an appropriate response.)

A woman is experiencing an early postpartum hemorrhage. Which of the following actions would be inappropriate? A. Insertion of an indwelling urinary catheter B. Fundal massage C. Pad count D. Administration of oxytocics

C (Pain and tenderness in the extremities, which show warmth, redness, and hardness, is likely thrombophlebitis. A Doppler ultrasound is a common noninvasive way to confirm diagnosis.)

A woman who has recently given birth complains of pain and tenderness in her leg. Upon physical examination, the nurse notices warmth and redness over an enlarged, hardened area. The nurse should suspect _____ and should confirm the diagnosis by _____. A. Disseminated intravascular coagulation; asking for laboratory tests B. von Willebrand disease; noting whether bleeding times have been extended C. Thrombophlebitis; using real time and color Doppler ultrasound D. Coagulopathies; drawing blood for laboratory analysis

C (Adequate fluid intake prevents urinary stasis, dilutes urine, and flushes out waste products.)

Nursing measures that help prevent postpartum urinary tract infection include: a. promoting bed rest for 12 hours after delivery. b. discouraging voiding until the sensation of a full bladder is present. c. forcing fluids to at least 3000 mL/day. d. encouraging the intake of orange, grapefruit, or apple juice.

C (The initial management of excessive postpartum bleeding is firm massage of the uterine fundus.)

The first and most important nursing intervention when a nurse observes profuse postpartum bleeding is to: A. Call the woman's primary health care provider B. Administer the standing order for an oxytocic C. Palpate the uterus and massage it if it is boggy D. Assess maternal blood pressure and pulse for signs of hypovolemic shock

C (Strict adherence by all health care personnel to aseptic techniques during childbirth and the postpartum period is very important and the least expensive measure to prevent infection.)

The most effective and least expensive treatment of puerperal infection is prevention. What is important in this strategy? A. Large doses of vitamin C during pregnancy B. Prophylactic antibiotics C. Strict aseptic technique, including handwashing, by all health care personnel D. Limited protein and fat intake

A (During the early postpartum period, lochia rubra should be moderate to significant. Scant lochia may indicate that large clots are blocking the flow. Thirst, fatigue and a temperature up to 100.4oF (38oC) are normal within the first 24 hours. Immediately after delivery, vasomotor changes may cause a shaking chill.)

The nurse assesses a client who delivered 24 hours ago. Which of the following suggests the need for further assessment? A. Scant lochia rubra B. Chills C. Thirst and fatigue D. A temperature of 100.2oF (37.9oC)

B (If a portion of the placenta is missing, the clinician can explore the uterus, locate the missing fragments, and remove the potential cause of late postpartum hemorrhage.)

The nurse knows that a measure for preventing late postpartum hemorrhage is to: a. administer broad-spectrum antibiotics. b. inspect the placenta after delivery. c. manually remove the placenta. d. pull on the umbilical cord to hasten the delivery of the placenta.

A (Late PPH may be the result of subinvolution of the uterus, pelvic infection, or retained placental fragments.)

The perinatal nurse caring for the postpartum woman understands that late postpartum hemorrhage is most likely caused by: A. Subinvolution of the placental site B. Defective vascularity of the decidua C. Cervical lacerations D. Coagulation disorders

A (Uterine atony is marked hypotonia of the uterus. It is the leading cause of postpartum hemorrhage.)

The perinatal nurse is caring for a woman in the immediate postbirth period. Assessment reveals that the woman is experiencing profuse bleeding. The most likely etiology for the bleeding is: A. Uterine atony B. Uterine inversion C. Vaginal hematoma D. Vaginal laceration

B, C, D, E (Postpartum hemorrhage often results in anemia, and iron therapy may need to be initiated. Exhaustion is common after hemorrhage. It may take the new mother weeks to feel like herself again. Fatigue may interfere with normal parent-infant bonding and attachment processes. The mother is likely to require assistance with housework and infant care. Excessive blood loss increases the risk for infection.)

The visiting nurse must be aware that women who have had a postpartum hemorrhage are subject to a variety of complications after discharge from the hospital. These include: (Choose those that apply.) a. dehydration. b. anemia. c. exhaustion. d. failure to attach to her infant. e. postpartum infection.

B (Magnesium sulfate administration during labor poses a risk for PPH. Magnesium acts as a smooth muscle relaxant, thereby contributing to uterine relaxation and atony.)

What woman is at greatest risk for early postpartum hemorrhage? A. A primiparous woman (G 2 P 1 0 0 1) being prepared for an emergency cesarean birth for fetal distress B. A woman with severe preeclampsia on magnesium sulfate whose labor is being induced C. A multiparous woman (G 3 P 2 0 0 2) with an 8-hour labor D. A primigravida in spontaneous labor with preterm twins

D (Hemorrhage may result in hemorrhagic shock. Shock is an emergency situation in which the perfusion of body organs may become severely compromised, and death may occur. The presence of adequate urinary output indicates adequate tissue perfusion.)

When caring for a postpartum woman experiencing hemorrhagic shock, the nurse recognizes that the most objective and least invasive assessment of adequate organ perfusion and oxygenation is: A. Absence of cyanosis in the buccal mucosa B. Cool, dry skin C. Diminished restlessness D. Urinary output of at least 30 ml/hr

A (Early and frequent feedings prevent stasis of milk, which contributes to engorgement and mastitis.)

Which measure may prevent mastitis in the breastfeeding mother? a. Initiating early and frequent feedings b. Nursing the infant for 5 minutes on each breast c. Wearing a tight-fitting bra d. Applying ice packs before feeding

D (Venous congestion begins as soon as the woman stands up. The stockings should be applied before she rises from the bed in the morning.)

Which statement by a postpartal woman indicates that further teaching is not needed regarding thrombus formation? a. "I'll stay in bed for the first 3 days after my baby is born." b. "I'll keep my legs elevated with pillows." c. "I'll sit in my rocking chair most of the time." d. "I'll put my support stockings on every morning before rising."

B (Rationale: When caring for a client who has suffered perinatal loss, the nurse should provide opportunity for her to bond with the dead infant and for the infant to become part of the family unit. Parents not given that opportunity may have fantasies about the infant that are worse than reality. If the child has gross deformities, the nurse should prepare the client for these. If the client doesn't ask about her child, the nurse should encourage her to do so and provide any information she seems ready to hear. The client needs a full explanation of all factors related to the experience so she can grieve appropriately. Allowing the father to determine which information the client is given is inappropriate.)

A client gives birth to a stillborn infant at 36 weeks. When caring for this client, which strategy by the nurse would be most helpful? A. Be selective in providing the information that the client seeks B. Encourage the client to see, touch and hold the dead infant C. Provide information about the possible causes of the stillbirth only if the client requests it D. Let the child's father decide what information the mother receives.

C (The organisms are localized in the breast tissue and are not excreted in the breast milk.)

A mother with mastitis is concerned about breastfeeding while she has an active infection. The nurse should explain that: a. the infant is protected from infection by immunoglobulins in the breast milk. b. the infant is not susceptible to the organisms that cause mastitis. c. the organisms that cause mastitis are not passed to the milk. d. the organisms will be inactivated by gastric acid.

A (Rationale: Sudden dyspnea, diaphoresis and confusion are the classic signs of the dislodgment of a thrombus (stationary blood clot) from a varicose vein and its travel to and its becoming enlodged in the pulmonary circulation. Chills and fever would indicate infection. A person with a pulmonary embolism would be hypotensive and not hypertensive.)

A woman with a past history of varicose veins has just delivered and the nurse suspects she has developed a pulmonary embolism. Which of the data below would lead to this nursing judgment? A. Sudden dyspnea and confusion B. Hypertension C. Chills and fever D. Leg pain

A (A full bladder displaces the uterus and prevents contraction of the uterus and uterine atony is the primary cause of postpartum hemorrhage. Shock, infection and DIC are not related to bladder distention)

In the fourth stage of labor, a full bladder increases the risk for A. Hemorrhage B. Dissesminated intravascular coagulation C. Infection D. Shock

C (Desmopressin is the primary treatment of choice. This hormone can be administered orally, nasally, and intravenously. This medication promotes the release of factor VIII and vWf from storage.)

Despite popular belief, there is a rare type of hemophilia that affects women of childbearing age. Von Willebrand disease is the most common of the hereditary bleeding disorders and can affect males and females alike. It results from a factor VIII deficiency and platelet dysfunction. Although factor VIII levels increase naturally during pregnancy, there is an increased risk for postpartum hemorrhage from birth until 4 weeks postdelivery as levels of von Willebrand factor (vWf) and factor VIII decrease. The treatment that should be considered first for the client with von Willebrand disease who experiences a postpartum hemorrhage is: A. Cryoprecipitate B. Factor VIII and vWf C. Desmopressin D. Hemabate

C (A parent that is grieving over a recent loss (in the process of detachment) will have the most difficulty bonding with the new baby. Knowledge of parent-infant attachment or being an only child are not related to successful bonding. A job loss does not have the impact that death of a family member does.)

During the early postpartum period, the nurse is evaluating a client's attachment to her neonate. Which type of parent has the most difficulty attaching to her newborn? A. One who has little knowledge of parent-infant attachment B. One who recently lost a job C. One whose father recently died D. One who is an only child

A (500 mL in the first 24 hours after vaginal delivery.)

Early postpartum hemorrhage is defined as a blood loss greater than: a. 500 mL in the first 24 hours after vaginal delivery. b. 750 mL in the first 24 hours after vaginal delivery. c. 1000 mL in the first 48 hours after cesarean delivery. d. 1500 mL in the first 48 hours after cesarean delivery.

D (D&C allows examination of the uterine contents and removal of any retained placenta or membranes.)

If nonsurgical treatment for subinvolution is ineffective, which surgical procedure is appropriate to correct the cause of this condition? a. Hysterectomy b. Laparoscopy c. Laparotomy d. D&C

B (An abnormal odor of the lochia indicates infection in the uterus.)

If the nurse suspects a uterine infection in the postpartum client, she should assess the: a. pulse and blood pressure. b. odor of the lochia. c. episiotomy site. d. abdomen for distention.

A (The diagnosis of DIC is made according to clinical findings and laboratory markers. Physical examination reveals unusual bleeding. Petechiae may appear around a blood pressure cuff on the woman's arm. Excessive bleeding may occur from the site of a slight trauma, such as venipuncture sites.)

In caring for an immediate postpartum client, you note petechiae and oozing from her IV site. You would monitor her closely for the clotting disorder: A. Disseminated intravascular coagulation B. Amniotic fluid embolism C. Hemorrhage D. HELLP syndrome

A (Primary medical management in all cases of DIC involves correction of the underlying cause, volume replacement, blood component therapy, optimization of oxygenation and perfusion status, and continued reassessment of laboratory parameters.)

In caring for the woman with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), what order should the nurse anticipate? A. Administration of blood B. Preparation of the client for invasive hemodynamic monitoring C. Restriction of intravascular fluids D. Administration of steroids

C (Blue cohosh)

Herbal remedies have been used with some success to control PPH after initial management. Some herbs have homeostatic actions, whereas others work as oxytocic agents to contract the uterus. ________________ is a commonly used oxytocic herbal remedy. a) Witch hazel b) Lady's mantel c) Blue cohosh d) Yarrow

D (Placenta abruptio is premature separation of the placenta as opposed to partial or complete adherence. This occurs between the 20th week of gestation and delivery in the area of the decidua basilis. Symptoms include localized pain and bleeding.)

It is important for the perinatal nurse to be knowledgeable regarding conditions of abnormal adherence of the placenta. This occurs when the zygote implants in an area of defective endometrium and results in little to no zone separation between the placenta and decidua. Which classification of separation is not recognized as an abnormal adherence pattern? A. Placenta accreta B. Placenta increta C. Placenta percreta D. Placenta abruptio

A, B, D

Medications used to manage postpartum hemorrhage include (choose all that apply): A. Pitocin B. Methergine C. Terbutaline D. Hemabate E. Magnesium sulfate

D (Early PPH is also known as primary, or acute, PPH; late PPH is known as secondary PPH.)

Nurses need to know the basic definitions and incidence data about postpartum hemorrhage. For instance: A. PPH is easy to recognize early; after all, the woman is bleeding. B. Traditionally, it takes more than 1000 ml of blood after vaginal birth and 2500 ml after cesarean birth to define the condition as PPH. C. If anything, nurses and doctors tend to overestimate the amount of blood loss. D. Traditionally, PPH has been classified as early or late with respect to birth.

B (The leading cause of PPH is uterine atony, which complicates one in 20 births. The uterus is overstretched and contracts poorly after the birth.)

Nurses should first look for the most common cause of PPH, _____, by _____. A. Lacerations of the genital tract; checking for the source of blood B. Uterine atony; evaluating the contractility of the uterus C. Inversion of the uterus; feeling for a smooth mass through the dilated cervix D. Retained placenta; noting the type of bleeding

D (Postpartum or puerperal infection is any clinical infection of the genital canal that occurs within 28 days after miscarriage, induced abortion, or childbirth. The definition used in the United States continues to be the presence of a fever of 38° C (100.4° F) or higher on 2 successive days of the first 10 postpartum days, starting 24 hours after birth.)

One of the first symptoms of puerperal infection to assess for in the postpartum woman is: A. Fatigue continuing for longer than 1 week B. Pain with voiding C. Profuse vaginal bleeding with ambulation D. Temperature of 38° C (100.4° F) or higher on 2 successive days starting 24 hours after birth

B (Rho(D) immune globulin (RhoGam) is given to the Rho(D)-negative mother, within 72 hours after delivery of an Rho(D)-positive baby (if the Coombs is negative). RhoGam is never given to the baby.)

The client has just given birth to a healthy, full-term infant. The client is Rho(D) negative and her baby is Rho(D) positive. Which intervention will take place to reduce the possibility of isoimmunization? A. Administering Rho(D) immune globulin to the baby, IM, within 72 hours B. Administering Rho(D) immune globulin to the mother, IM, within 72 hours C. Administering Rho(D) immune globulin to the mother, IM, at her 6-week visit D. Administering Rho(D) immune globulin to the mother, IM, within 3 months

B (Lochia and infectious material are eliminated by gravity drainage.)

The client who is being treated for endometritis is placed in Fowler's position because it: a. promotes comfort and rest. b. facilitates drainage of lochia. c. prevents spread of infection to the urinary tract. d. decreases tension on the reproductive organs.

D (Rationale: A woman that develops postpartum psychosis usually does so within four weeks of delivery. Only 1% of women develop this disorder. Suicide and infanticide are common and the disorder is considered a medical emergency. Delusions and hallucinations accompany the disorder and the woman usually has a past history of a psychiatric disorder and treatment.)

The clinic nurse is caring for a woman who is suspected of developing postpartum psychosis. Which of the following statements characterizes this disorder: A. Symptoms start within several days of delivery B. The disorder is common in postpartum women C. Suicide and infanticide are uncommon in this disorder D. Delusions and hallucinations accompany this disorder

A (Inversion of the uterus and hypovolemic shock are considered medical emergencies.)

What PPH conditions are considered medical emergencies that require immediate treatment? A. Inversion of the uterus and hypovolemic shock B. Hypotonic uterus and coagulopathies C. Subinvolution of the uterus and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura D. Uterine atony and disseminated intravascular coagulation

C (Mastitis is infection in a breast, usually confined to a milk duct. Most women who suffer this are first-timers who are breastfeeding.)

What infection is contracted mostly by first-time mothers who are breastfeeding? A. Endometritis B. Wound infections C. Mastitis D. Urinary tract infections

B (Notify the physician of any increase in the amount of lochia or a return to bright red bleeding.)

What instructions should be included in the discharge teaching plan to assist the client in recognizing early signs of complications? a. Palpate the fundus daily to ensure that it is soft. b. Notify the physician of any increase in the amount of lochia or a return to bright red bleeding. c. Report any decrease in the amount of brownish red lochia. d. The passage of clots as large as an orange can be expected.

B (Degradation of fibrin leads to the accumulation of fibrin split products in the blood.)

What laboratory marker is indicative of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)? A. Bleeding time of 10 minutes B. Presence of fibrin split products C. Thrombocytopenia D. Hyperfibrinogenemia