Assessment of postpartum mother

Question 1

What defines the 4th stage of labour?

Answer 1

Delivery of placenta to 1-4 hours after births, a time of recovery.

Question 2

What does the body usually do to prevent post partum hemorrhage?

Answer 2

I constricts maternal blood vessels that were broken after placenta detaches..

Question 3

What are the most important assessments to do during the postpartum time?

Answer 3

Assessment of the fundus, the perineum, lochia, urinary output and vitals.

Question 4

What additional/specific assessments do you need to do for mothers who have had C. section?

Answer 4

LOC, surgical dressing, return of sensation and movement or legs, IV infusion and catheter.

Question 5

What is the primary concern during the immediate postpartum period?

Answer 5

The risk of early postpartum hemorrhage if the uterine muscle fibers do not contract.

Question 6

What causes hemorrhage in the postpartum period?

Answer 6

• Uterus without tone and uncontracted
• Injury to the birth canal
• Concealed hemorrhage
• Overdistension of the uterus
• Atony due to a full bladder or retained placental fragments.

Question 7

Fill in the blank: A full bladder can prevent uterine contraction by lifting the uterus ______ to ______ centimeters above the umbilicus.

Answer 7

2 to 3

Question 8

What is the definition of lochia?

Answer 8

The vaginal discharge after childbirth, consisting of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue.

Question 9

What does a saturated peri-pad indicate?

Answer 9

It contains about 100 milliliters of blood, and saturation of more than one pad per hour is considered excessive.

Question 10

What medications may be administered if the fundus remains uncontracted?

Answer 10

• Oxytocin
• Methergine
• Hemabate
• Cytotec.

Question 11

What are common pain management options for postpartum mothers?

Answer 11

• Acetaminophen
• Ibuprofen
• Narcotics.

Question 12

True or False: Ice may be applied to the perineum to minimize swelling and provide comfort.

Answer 12

True

Question 13

What should be assessed in the patient’s vital signs during the immediate postpartum period?

Answer 13

Blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation.

Question 14

What is the expected urinary output for a postpartum patient?

Answer 14

Approximately 30 to 50 milliliters per hour.

Question 15

What is the significance of monitoring the fundus after delivery?

Answer 15

To ensure it is firm, midline, and at the level of the umbilicus, indicating proper uterine contraction.

Question 16

How often should vital signs be assessed for a Cesarean delivery patient in the first hour?

Answer 16

Every 15 minutes.

Question 17

What does bradycardia refer to?

Answer 17

A heart rate of 60 beats or less per minute.

Question 18

What should be done if a mother reports dizziness or lightheadedness?

Answer 18

Recheck blood pressure and recommend sitting quietly before standing.

Question 19

What is orthostatic hypotension?

Answer 19

A decrease of 20 millimeters of mercury or more in systolic pressure when a mother sits up or stands.

Question 20

What is a common complication associated with the use of instruments like forceps during delivery?

Answer 20

Trauma and excessive bleeding.

Question 21

How can a full bladder be identified during assessment?

Answer 21

• Palpating a bulge over the symphysis pubis
• Locating the uterine fundus above the umbilicus
• Deviation of the fundus from the midline position.

Question 22

What is the role of the incentive spirometer in postpartum care?

Answer 22

To encourage frequent deep breathing and prevent respiratory complications.

Question 23

What is the purpose of applying ice to the perineum?

Answer 23

To minimize swelling and provide comfort.

Question 24

What should be checked in the labia and perineum during assessment?

Answer 24

Presence of edema or bruising caused by trauma during delivery.

Question 25

What is the expected temperature range during the first 24 hours after delivery?

Answer 25

Up to 38 degrees Centigrade or 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.

Question 26

What should be monitored closely in a Cesarean delivery patient regarding the incision?

Answer 26

Intactness of the dressing and drainage.

Question 27

What interventions can promote urination in a postpartum mother?

Answer 27

* Assisting her to the bathroom * Running water over her hands * Listening to running water.

Question 28

What is the importance of careful documentation in postpartum care?

Answer 28

To record the condition of the patient, interventions performed, and compliance with standards of care.

Question 29

What should be recommended if a patient experiences dizziness or lightheadedness?

Answer 29

Recheck blood pressure and recommend sitting quietly on the side of the bed for several minutes before standing up ## Footnote Advise getting up slowly and with assistance to prevent falls.

Question 30

What could an increased pulse in a postpartum patient indicate?

Answer 30

Excitement, hemorrhage, or infection ## Footnote Repeated assessments are needed to verify the cause.

Question 31

Define bradycardia.

Answer 31

A heart rate of 60 beats or less per minute.

Question 32

What should be investigated if tachycardia is present in a postpartum patient?

Answer 32

Estimated blood loss during delivery, hemoglobin, and hematocrit ## Footnote Increased heart rate may indicate hypovolemia or anemia.

Question 33

What should be checked regarding the breasts during postpartum assessment?

Answer 33

Size, shape, color, erectness or inversion of nipples, and signs of trauma such as redness, cracks, or fissures.

Question 34

What does engorgement refer to in the postpartum context?

Answer 34

Swelling and fullness of the breasts, which can occur even if not breastfeeding.

Question 35

What is the recommended feeding style for a newborn?

Answer 35

Feed on demand.

Question 36

How is the fundus assessed postpartum?

Answer 36

For firmness and the progress of involution.

Question 37

What is the expected height of the fundus during the first two days postpartum?

Answer 37

At the level of the umbilicus.

Question 38

What indicates subinvolution in postpartum recovery?

Answer 38

If the uterus does not become smaller each day.

Question 39

What should be checked during the perineal assessment?

Answer 39

Edges of the episiotomy for approximation and signs of infection.

Question 40

What are common relief measures for hemorrhoidal pain postpartum?

Answer 40

Witch hazel pads, anesthetic ointment, rectal suppositories, frequent sitz baths, and using a donut when sitting.

Question 41

What signs indicate urinary retention in a postpartum patient?

Answer 41

Excessive urinary output without strong sensation to void.

Question 42

How can urinary retention be ruled out postpartum?

Answer 42

By measuring each voiding and checking if the fundus is midline, firm, and at the level of the umbilicus or lower.

Question 43

What should be assessed in the legs postpartum?

Answer 43

For edema, varicosities, and signs of thrombophlebitis.

Question 44

What is a common nursing care measure for patients who had a Cesarean delivery?

Answer 44

Assist the mother to change position every two hours.

Question 45

What should be monitored to prevent respiratory complications after Cesarean delivery?

Answer 45

Auscultate all lobes of the lungs and encourage deep breathing and coughing.

Question 46

What should be assessed regarding the surgical incision after Cesarean delivery?

Answer 46

For redness, edema, ecchymosis, discharge, and approximation of the wound.

Question 47

What is important for facilitating bonding between mother and infant?

Answer 47

Holding the infant gently while making eye contact and speaking softly.

Question 48

What should be reviewed with the couple as discharge approaches?

Answer 48

The mother's physical care needs and availability of assistance at home.

Question 49

What are some basic parenting skills that should be covered before discharge?

Answer 49

Feeding, making up formula or breastfeeding, bathing, and safety concerns such as car seat use.

Question 50

True or False: The immediate postpartum period is solely about the mother's physical recovery.

Answer 50

False ## Footnote It is also a time for family adjustment and bonding.

Question 51

What role does the nurse play during the postpartum period?

Answer 51

Providing physical and emotional care and teaching the family how to care for both the mother and the new infant.