Test #2 Flashcards
(95 cards)
What are the main components of a post partum assessment
BUBBLE-HEEE
BUBBLE-HEEE breast Uterus-check the fundus, address incision (if one) Bladder Bowels Lochia Episiotomy
Hemorrhoids
Extremities: homans sign,edema, DTR
Epidural site
Emotional status
When assessing a perineal incision What should you check for
REEDA
REEDA:
Redness Edema Echymyosis Discharge Approximation
What indicates milk coming into the breasts on an assessments
The breasts will feel more dense - usually about day 2
Correct position for someone to be in when checking the fundus
Lying flat on their back and knees bent up
When should you assess bowels
Auscultate prior to checking fundus
What are the cardiac changes in a post partum pt
⬆️ cardiac output Bradycardia Stable BP ⬆️ temp (up to 38c/100.4) Hypercoaguable state
What will H&H and WBC lab values look like in a post partum pt
H&H will reflect blood loss. 1gram= 500mL of blood loss
WBC can be up to 25,0000/mm3
what will tachycardia indicate in a post partum pt
hypovolemia
dehydration
hemorrhage
how long to the coagulation factors remain increased on a post partum pt
about 2-3 weeks
why is keeping a post partum woman bladder empty
because a full distended bladder will offset the uterus to either the left or right which inhibits the uterus from contracting and descending into the pelvis and thus increases the risk for post partum hemorrhage
also stagnant urine in the bladder can cause a UTI
what happens to a womans bladder after giving birth
-the bladder has decreased tone causing the bladder to be able to hold more urine
-increased capacity which
ultimately leads to increased risk for retention and infection
within how long after giving birth should a woman void
she should void within 6 hours
in what ways can you promote urination
- provide privacy
- running water
- put hand in warm water
- have her slowly exhale through her fist
- put peppermint oil in a specimen- the peppermint oil will help open up the urinary meatus
why would a post partum pt be at risk for constipation
- shes taking pain meds
- the slowed peristalsis d/t smooth muscle relaxation
- decreased intra-abdominal pressure
women who had an episiotomy or perineal laceration or hemorrhoids may be scared to push bowel movements so they don’t go to the bathroom
what hormone causes smooth muscle relaxation of the intestines
Progesterone
what is a significant GI change in post partum woman
they are more prone to constipation, hemorrhoids, may not have a bowel movement for 2-3 days
their appetite and thirst level increase d/t the NPO before birth but also the expenditure of energy during labor
what could cause tears of the anal sphincter
a midline episiotomy
assisted delivery-using a vacuum or forceps
a large baby
how can you promote bowel elimination
- administer suppositories and/or stool softeners
- get pt up and walking as soon as possible
- increase fluid and fiber intake
- educate pt about bearing down and the fact that if she bears down normally it will not rip out any sutures or tear any of her perineum.
what do you want to assess for after surgery (C-section/tubal ligation)
assess for presence of flatus and/or and distention
what can you do to aid in flatus
- encourage woman to drink warm or at least room temperature liquids
- AVOID ice, carbonated beverages, cold beverages, and apple juice
what is lochia
vaginal discharge that occurs after birth and continues for approximately 4-8 weeks. caused from uterine involution
what is the average lochia discharge amount
240-270mL/8-9oz
what are the 3 stages of lochia
- loch rubra-occurs 3-4 days after birth, deep red
- loch serosa- pinkish brown and is expelled 3-10 days post partum
- lochia alba- creamy white or light brown occurs from 10-14 days but can last up to 6 weeks
what are post partum vaginal changes
the walls of the vagina are thin and smooth
dryness occurs
pts experience dyspareunia