Maternal Care During Postpartum Period

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary benefit of breastfeeding related to infant health?

Eliminates all risk of allergic reactions

Helps in establishing abnormal intestinal flora

Provides high levels of artificial milk proteins

Assists in the passage of meconium (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a sign of good positioning during breastfeeding?

Baby is turned away from the breast (correct)

Baby's nose is as close as possible to the nipple

Baby is supported at the head and shoulders

Baby's body is brought to the breast

What could indicate a problem with breastfeeding attachment?

Mouth wide open

Chin not touching the breast (correct)

Areola more visible above than below the mouth

Lower lip turned outward

How long may it take for the abdominal wall to re-establish good muscle tone after delivery?

6 weeks Signup and view all the answers

What is the amount of normal blood loss during a vaginal delivery?

300-500 cc Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of edema during pregnancy?

Swollen feet and ankles Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the postpartum cardiovascular changes?

Hematocrit usually returns to prepregnancy value within 4-6 weeks Signup and view all the answers

What causes varicosities in the lower extremities during pregnancy?

Pressure from the growing uterus Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of excessive bleeding during the postpartum period?

Full bladder displacing the uterus Signup and view all the answers

What is lactosuria, and when is it commonly observed?

Presence of lactose in the urine of nursing mothers Signup and view all the answers

What hormone levels are nearly negligible by 24 hours after delivery?

Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes a potential complication during the postpartum period related to urination?

Urethral edema may cause immediate difficulty voiding. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does early ambulation have in the postpartum period?

Enhances recovery and decreases complications Signup and view all the answers

How is temperature expected to change in the first 24 hours postpartum?

It may slightly increase due to dehydration Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a characteristic of blood pressure changes during the postpartum period?

Elevated blood pressure may indicate pregnancy-induced hypertension. Signup and view all the answers

What are the effects of hormonal changes postpartum on the urinary system?

May lead to difficulty voiding due to urethral edema Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of muscle fiber contraction after childbirth primarily aimed at controlling?

Bleeding from the placental attachment area Signup and view all the answers

How much does the uterus regress per day during the postpartum period?

1 fingerbreadth (1 cm) Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical duration for the endometrium to regenerate fully?

2-3 weeks except for the placental site, which takes about 6 weeks Signup and view all the answers

What change occurs to the shape of the external os after delivery?

It becomes slit-like. Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical time frame for the first menstrual cycle to resume in non-lactating women?

6-10 weeks Signup and view all the answers

What is colostrum, and how long may it continue to be secreted after childbirth?

A thick secretion, for 2-3 days Signup and view all the answers

What stage of lochia occurs after the endometrial surface is sloughed off?

Lochia rubra Signup and view all the answers

What can cause the 'let down' reflex in breastfeeding mothers?

Oxytocin from posterior pituitary Signup and view all the answers

What should be assessed to understand bowel function after childbirth?

Bowel sounds Signup and view all the answers

Which phase is considered optimal for teaching the mother about baby care?

Taking-hold Phase Signup and view all the answers

What emotional concern might a mother experience in the postpartum period?

Abandonment Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of a mother during the Taking-in Phase?

Meeting her own primary needs Signup and view all the answers

What skill must new parents learn to care for their infant?

Changing diapers Signup and view all the answers

How long is the neonatal stage defined?

From birth to 4 weeks Signup and view all the answers

What does bonding involve according to the content?

Identifying familial similarities in the baby Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the pulse rate during the first week postpartum?

It becomes normal. Signup and view all the answers

Which assessment should be conducted to check for signs of bleeding postpartum?

Inspect the perineum. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Apgar Score assess?

Health of the newborn immediately after birth Signup and view all the answers

What should the nurse emphasize about the diet postpartum?

Foods high in iron, protein, and vitamins are essential. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a sitz bath after delivery?

To maintain perineal hygiene. Signup and view all the answers

When should a nurse evaluate vital signs postpartum?

Every 15 minutes for the first hour. Signup and view all the answers

What should women avoid using to wash their breasts if breastfeeding?

Soap. Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended practice to ease pain during urination postpartum?

Squirting warm water over the perineum. Signup and view all the answers

What should be monitored to ensure effective bowel elimination postpartum?

The frequency of bowel movements. Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by an enlarged or bulging fontanel in an infant?

Increased intracranial pressure Signup and view all the answers

What shape is the anterior fontanel?

Diamond Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical closure time for the posterior fontanel?

2-3 months Signup and view all the answers

What is caput succedaneum primarily caused by?

Pressure from the cervix against the presenting part Signup and view all the answers

What defines cephalhematoma?

A collection of blood beneath the periosteum of the skull bone Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is considered normal in newborns but pathologic in older children?

Craniotabs Signup and view all the answers

What does molding refer to in the context of childbirth?

Overlapping of skull bones due to compression Signup and view all the answers

At what age do newborns typically start to produce tears?

3 months Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Maternal Reviewer Pre-Final - Postpartum Period

Postpartum period (puerperium) is the six-week period after childbirth.
During this time, reproductive organs undergo physical and physiological changes called involution, reversing adaptations to pregnancy.
Puerpera refers to the woman in the puerperium. It begins with placental delivery and ends when body systems return to pre-pregnant state.

Care During Puerperium

Vital Signs: Monitor vital signs.
Vaginal Discharges (Lochia): Assess color, amount, and odor of vaginal discharge (lochia). Stages include lochia rubra (days 1-3), lochia serosa (days 3-10), and lochia alba (days 10-14).
Episiotomy: Monitor for healing and any complications.
Bowel Movement: Monitor bowel movements
Fundus of the uterus: Is palpated below the umbilicus after delivery.
Uterine Involution: The uterus shrinks to near pre-pregnancy size.
Uterine involution- decreasing in size
Perineal wound: Care for perineal wound
Extremities Inspection: Inspect lower extremities for any issues.
Early ambulation: Encourage early ambulation.
Family Planning: Discuss family planning options.
Health instructions: Provide health instructions.
Postpartum check-up: Schedule postpartum check-up appointments

Physiology of Puerperium - Body Changes

Reproductive System:
- Uterus: Rapidly shrinks after delivery, palpated near the umbilicus and decreases about 1cm per day. By the end of second week, it can't be palpated.
- Cervix: Flabby immediately after delivery; closes slowly; admits one fingertip by the end of one week after delivery

Psychological Changes

Development of parental love and positive family relationships
Rooming-in
Sibling visits
The phases of the postpartum period. Taking-in, Taking-hold, Letting-go

Additional Notes

Breastfeeding: Establishing early breastfeeding is important.
Hygiene: Establish good hygiene practices, particularly for perineal care.

Maternal Concerns

Abandonment and disappointment
Postpartum blues

Newborn Profile

Newborn period: from birth to 28 days.
Apgar Score: assesses the health of newborn at 1 and 5 minutes.
Weight, length, head circumference, and chest circumference.

Important factors affecting newborn

Weight, length, head circumference, chest circumference
Normal blood loss is 500-1000 cc in single delivery (C-sections greater)

Newborn Assessments & Care

Assesses the newborn thoroughly (Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration)
Cardiorespiratory assessment (respiratory rates, pulse, blood pressure, etc.)
Thermoregulation

Jaundice

Jaundice is a common physiological condition in newborns.
It is caused by excessive breakdown of red blood cells.
Jaundice peaks between 48-72 hours after birth.
It usually disappears within a week.
Bilirubin, the byproduct of RBC breakdown is toxic to the brain.

Newborn Reflexes

Root reflex
Sucking reflex
Swallowing reflex
Extrusion reflex
Moro Reflex (startle reflex)
Babinski reflex

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Description

This quiz focuses on the postpartum period, a crucial six-week phase following childbirth. It covers essential aspects of maternal care including monitoring vital signs, understanding lochia discharge stages, and the importance of uterine involution. Test your knowledge on postpartum health and care practices.