Ch20 study guide, exam 3 (Postpartum Physiologic Changes)

Question 1

profuse sweating that occurs after birth, especially at night, to rid the body of fluid retained during pregnancy

Answer 1

postpartal diaphoresis

Question 2

uncomfortable uterine cramping that occurs during the early postpartum period as a result of periodic relaxation and vigorous contractions

Answer 2

afterpains

Question 3

the lactogenic hormone secreted by the pituitary gland of lactating women

Answer 3

prolactin

Question 4

a pituitary hormone that is responsible for uterine contraction and the let-down reflex

Answer 4

oxytocin

Question 5

surgical incision of the perineum to facilitate vaginal birth

Answer 5

episiotomy

Question 6

maternal vital sign that can be increased immediately after birth and can remain elevated for the first hour after birth

Answer 6

maternal heart rate

Question 7

an anal varicosity

Answer 7

hemorrhoid

Question 8

return of the uterus to a non pregnant state

Answer 8

involution

Question 9

the self-destruction of excess hypertrophied uterine tissue as a result of the decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels following birth

Answer 9

autolysis

Question 10

terms used interchangeably with postpartum to refer to the period of recovery after childbirth that lasts approximately 6 weeks, although the time can vary from woman to woman

Answer 10

puerperium

4th trimester

Question 11

separation of the abdominal wall muscles related to the effect of the enlargement of the uterus on the abdominal musculature

Answer 11

diastasis recti abdominis

Question 12

post childbirth uterine discharge or flow

Answer 12

lochia

Question 13

the bright red, blood uterine discharge that occurs for the first few days following birth (it consists primarily of blood and decidual tissues and trophoblastic debris and may contain small clots)

Answer 13

lochia rubra

Question 14

the pink to brownish uterine discharge that begins about 3 days after birth (it consists of old blood, serum, leukocytes, and tissue debris and continues up to 10 days)

Answer 14

lochia serosa

Question 15

the yellowish white flow that begins about 10 days after birth and continues for 3-6 weeks or even longer (it consists of WBCs and trophoblastic tissue debris)

Answer 15

lochia alba

Question 16

term used to describe distended, firm, tender, and warm breasts during the postpartum period

Answer 16

engorgement

Question 17

failure of the uterus to return to a nonpregnant state

Answer 17

subinvolution

Question 18

the most common causes of subinvolution

Answer 18

retained placental fragments

infection

Question 19

medication usually administered IV or IM immediately after the expulsion of the placenta to ensure that the uterus remains firm and well contracted

Answer 19

exogenous oxytocin (Pitocin)

Question 20

discomfort or pain with intercourse

Answer 20

dyspareunia

Question 21

exercises that help to strengthen perineal muscles and encourage healing

Answer 21

kegel exercises

Question 22

clear, yellowish fluid produces in the breasts before lactation

Answer 22

colostrum

Question 23

increased production of urine that occurs in the postpartum period to rid the body of excess tissue fluid retained during pregnancy

Answer 23

postpartal diuresis

Question 24

lengthening and wearing of the fascial supports of the pelvic structures, which include the uterus, vagina, urethra, bladder, and rectum

Answer 24

pelvic relaxation