Exam #3 Study Guide: Postpartum Infections

Questions and Answers

What are some complications that can arise from breastfeeding if not managed properly?

Chronic fatigue

Weight loss

Fungal infections (correct)

Breast abscess (correct)

In which situation is breastfeeding contraindicated?

Mother who is traveling

Mother with a cold

Mother with mild flu

Newborn with galactosemia (correct)

What should mothers do if they are infected and continue breastfeeding?

Avoid all contact with the infant

Stop breastfeeding immediately

Use formula exclusively

Wear a mask and practice hand hygiene (correct)

What initial treatment can help alleviate symptoms of engorgement?

Applying ice packs Signup and view all the answers

How does the physiological process of engorgement manifest?

Congestion of veins and lymphatic vessels Signup and view all the answers

Which breastfeeding position is described as the football or clutch hold?

Under the arm Signup and view all the answers

Which of these conditions has been shown to have minimal risk of transmission through breast milk?

COVID-19 Signup and view all the answers

What factor may contribute to pain during breastfeeding?

Improper feeding position Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of hemorrhagic shock?

Hemorrhage Signup and view all the answers

Which intervention is crucial when managing hemorrhagic shock?

Restoring circulating blood volume Signup and view all the answers

What is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality related to postpartum complications?

Postpartum infection Signup and view all the answers

What should never be done forcefully when handling the placenta after childbirth?

Pull it out Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reason for postpartum urinary tract infections (UTIs)?

Trauma experienced during labor Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a part of the management for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH)?

Causing extended bed rest Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of mastitis in a postpartum individual?

Localized breast pain Signup and view all the answers

What is considered the most effective approach for postpartum infection treatment?

Prevention Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a strategy for managing hypovolemic shock?

Fluid or blood replacement therapy Signup and view all the answers

What predisposing factor can lead to mastitis?

Inadequate breast emptying Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following treatments is recommended for mastitis?

Antibiotics like dicloxacillin Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended intervention to help reduce uterine distention in PPH management?

Empty the bladder Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary importance of adhering to aseptic techniques during childbirth and postpartum care?

To prevent infection Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential treatment for severe cases of postpartum hemorrhage?

Uterine artery embolization Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of hyperinsulinemia in infants of diabetic mothers?

Increased amounts of glucose stimulating fetal pancreas insulin release Signup and view all the answers

Which congenital anomaly is associated with infants of mothers with pregestational diabetes?

Dystocia due to macrosomia Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes cephalhematoma from caput succedaneum?

Cephalhematoma does not cross suture lines due to its subperiosteal position Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is NOT commonly seen in infants of diabetic mothers?

Hypertension Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about subgaleal hemorrhage is true?

It occurs under the fetal scalp and can hold significant blood volume Signup and view all the answers

What complication can arise from maternal hyperglycemia affecting lung development in the neonate?

Increased likelihood of respiratory distress syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What is defined as the presence of a fever of 38° C (100.4° F) in the first 10 postpartum days, excluding the first 24 hours after birth?

Postpartum Infection Signup and view all the answers

Which postpartum infection is characterized by infection of the uterine lining and is the most common type?

Endometritis Signup and view all the answers

When managing endometritis, which pair of antibiotics is typically administered?

Gentamicin & Clindamycin Signup and view all the answers

What percentage range of postpartum women may experience urinary tract infections (UTIs)?

2% to 4% Signup and view all the answers

Which complication is often linked to postpartum infections and can occur after cesarean birth?

Wound Infection Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT commonly associated with mastitis?

Transient fever Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a major cause of obstetric morbidity and mortality worldwide?

Postpartum Hemorrhage Signup and view all the answers

What common procedure may lead to urinary tract infections postpartum?

Foley Catheterization Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Postpartum Infections

Puerperal infection includes any genital tract infection occurring within 28 days after miscarriage, abortion, or birth.
Defined by a fever of 38° C (100.4° F) in the first 10 postpartum days, with increased heart rate and fatigue.
Endometritis is the most common postpartum infection, characterized by fundal tenderness and fever; may result from prolonged rupture of membranes.
Treatment typically involves IV broad-spectrum antibiotics like Gentamicin and Clindamycin, with no routine cultures.
Wound infections post-discharge from cesarean births occur in 3% to 5% of cases, presenting as cellulitis or abscesses.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) manifest as dysuria, burning, and frequency, affecting 2% to 4% of postpartum women.

Key Points on Postpartum Complications

Postpartum hemorrhage causes significant maternal morbidity and is a leading reason for ICU admissions.
Hemorrhagic shock results from severe blood loss, jeopardizing organ perfusion and survival.
Immediate management involves standardized protocols, restoring blood volume, and eliminating the cause of hemorrhage.
Uterine massage is critical to prevent complications from retained placental tissue.
Appropriate management includes administering uterotonics, lab tests, and potentially surgical interventions.

Mastitis

Defined as an infectious breast process with flu-like symptoms and localized breast pain, commonly affecting upper outer quadrants around 2-4 weeks postpartum.
Contributing factors include inadequate breast emptying, sore/cracked nipples, stress, and fatigue.
Treatment includes rest, antibiotics (dicloxacillin, cephalexin), pain relief methods, and continued breastfeeding.
Complications can lead to breast abscesses or chronic mastitis; early treatment is essential.

Breastfeeding Considerations

Generally safe during maternal illness; COVID-19 isn't transmitted through breast milk, but precautions are advised.
Breastfeeding is contraindicated for infants with galactosemia and mothers with untreated brucellosis, active tuberculosis, active herpes simplex lesions on breasts, or HIV (in developed countries).

Engorgement

A physiological condition stemming from venous and lymphatic congestion post-birth, usually resolving within 24 hours with proper treatment.
Recommended interventions include ice packs and cabbage leaves to reduce swelling.

Infant of Diabetic Mother

Hyperinsulinemia due to maternal diabetes leads to increased fetal insulin production, causing potential complications.
Congenital anomalies associated with pregestational diabetes include macrosomia, respiratory distress syndrome, and hypoglycemia.

Neonatal Head Assessment

Caput succedaneum appears as subcutaneous edema from pressure during delivery, while cephalhematoma is a collection of subperiosteal blood that does not cross suture lines.
A serious condition is subgaleal hemorrhage, capable of holding significant blood volumes, which demands careful evaluation in newborns.

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Description

Prepare for Exam #3 with this study guide focused on postpartum infections. Learn about the definitions, symptoms, and clinical criteria for identifying these infections within the critical first 28 days after childbirth. Enhance your understanding of puerperal infections and their implications for maternal health.