Postpartum Infection: Puerperal Infection

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Questions and Answers

Match the following symptoms with their corresponding condition:

Rigid Abdomen = Peritonitis High fever = Peritonitis Rapid pulse = Peritonitis Vomiting = Peritonitis

Match the following management techniques with the condition they are used for:

Insertion of a nasogastric tube = Peritonitis Intravenous fluid or total parenteral nutrition = Peritonitis Analgesics for pain relief = Peritonitis Antibiotics = Peritonitis

Match the following consequences with the condition they result from:

Interference with future fertility = Peritonitis Scarring and adhesions in the peritoneum = Peritonitis Separation of fallopian tubes from ovaries = Peritonitis Difficulty in ova entering the tubes = Peritonitis

Match the following characteristics with the condition they are associated with:

Infection spreads through the lymphatic system or fallopian tubes = Puerperal infection Abscess may form in cul-de-sac of Douglas due to gravity = Puerperal infection Most common in nursing mothers = Mastitis Organism enters through cracked and fissured nipples = Mastitis Signup and view all the answers

Match the infection with its definition:

Puerperal infection = Infections of the reproductive tract Endometritis = Infection of the endometrium, the lining of the uterus Perineum infection = Infection at the suture line on the perineum from episiotomy or laceration repair Signup and view all the answers

Match the common causes of puerperal infection with the respective bacteria:

Group B streptococci = Puerperal infection Escherichia coli = Puerperal infection Staphylococcal = Puerperal infection Signup and view all the answers

Match the risk factors with the respective type of infection:

Premature rupture of membrane = Endometritis Retained placental fragments within the uterus = Puerperal infection Postpartal hemorrhage = Puerperal infection Signup and view all the answers

Match the management approach with the correct type of infection:

Administration of an appropriate antibiotic like clindamycin = Endometritis Encouragement to drink additional fluid, analgesic for pain relief = Puerperal infection Signup and view all the answers

Match the signs and symptoms with the correct type of infection:

Chills, dark brown lochia, tachycardia = Endometritis Fever in 3rd-4th postpartal day, lower abdominal pain, uterine tenderness = Puerperal infection Signup and view all the answers

Match the potential complications with the respective type of infection:

Spread to involve peritoneum (peritonitis) or circulatory system (septicemia) = Puerperal infection Bacteria gaining access to uterus through vagina at time of birth or postpartal period = Endometritis Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of mastitis with its description:

Lactational Mastitis = Breast infection occurring during breastfeeding Periductal Mastitis = Most common type of breast infection in non-breastfeeding women Signup and view all the answers

Match the common bacteria with the type of mastitis it is associated with:

Staphylococcus aureus = Lactational Mastitis Blocked duct women = Periductal Mastitis Signup and view all the answers

Match the signs and symptoms with mastitis:

Breast tenderness = Signs and symptoms of mastitis Fever = Signs and symptoms of mastitis Signup and view all the answers

Match the measures to prevent cracked and fissured nipples with their descriptions:

Making sure the baby is positioned correctly and grasps the nipple properly = Preventive measure for cracked and fissured nipples Using Vitamin E ointment to soften nipples daily = Preventive measure for cracked and fissured nipples Signup and view all the answers

Match the action with its correct preventive measure for cracked and fissured nipples:

Releasing a baby's grasp on the nipple before removing from the breast = Preventive measure for cracked and fissured nipples Washing hands between handling perineal pads and touching the breast = Preventive measure for cracked and fissured nipples Signup and view all the answers

Match the following signs and symptoms with their corresponding conditions:

Pain, heat, and feeling of pressure in the suture line = Inflammation in the suture line Fever = Peritonitis Suture line may be open with purulent drainage present = Episiotomy wound infection REEDA assessment includes = Assessing episiotomy wound healing Signup and view all the answers

Match the following management strategies with their corresponding conditions:

Remove perineal sutures and allow for drainage = Episiotomy wound infection Packing gauze for drainage = Episiotomy wound healing Systemic or topical antibiotic = Peritonitis Analgesic management = Pain relief post episiotomy Signup and view all the answers

Match the following descriptions with their corresponding terms:

The peritoneal cavity is lined by a thin membrane called the peritoneum = Peritoneal cavity A space within the abdomen containing fluid to allow organ movement = Peritoneal cavity Inflammation and infection of the peritoneal cavity = Peritonitis Often a complication of endometritis = Peritonitis Signup and view all the answers

Match the following recommendations with their corresponding management strategies:

Sitz baths, moist warm compresses = Episiotomy wound healing Change perineal pads frequently = Proper perineal washing Encourage ambulation = Postpartum recovery Proper perineal washing = Hygiene post episiotomy Signup and view all the answers

Match the following actions with their purposes in management:

Proper perineal washing = Prevent infection post delivery Encourage the woman to ambulate = Speed up recovery process Change perineal pads frequently = Maintain cleanliness post episiotomy Sitz baths, moist warm compresses = Promote healing of episiotomy wound Signup and view all the answers

Match the following signs and symptoms with the correct type of thrombophlebitis:

Redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, pain along the vein = Superficial vein disease Calf tenderness, leg edema, change in color, pain when walking = Deep vein thrombosis Elevated fibrinogen level = Risk Factors Obesity = Risk Factors Signup and view all the answers

Match the following management techniques with their respective actions:

Cold or ice compress = Reduce inflammation Warm compress = Increase blood flow Wear support bra = Provide comfort and support Continued breastfeeding = Promote healing Signup and view all the answers

Connect the risk factor with the correct classification of thrombophlebitis:

Dilatation of lower extremity veins = Superficial vein disease Prolonged time spent in delivery = Deep vein thrombosis Smoking = Superficial vein disease Management Antibiotics = Deep vein thrombosis Signup and view all the answers

Match the following descriptions with the correct term:

Inflammation of the lining of a blood vessel with the formation of blood clots = Thrombophlebitis This is when a blood clot forms in a vein closer to the skin's surface = Superficial vein disease This happens when a blood clot forms in a vein deep inside your leg or pelvis = Deep vein thrombosis Notice redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, and pain along the vein = Signs and Symptoms Signup and view all the answers

Match the following actions with their purpose in thrombophlebitis management:

Management Antibiotics = Treat infection if present Wear support bra = Provide support to affected area Warm compress = Increase blood circulation THROMBOPHLEBITIS = Inflammation of blood vessel lining with clot formation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Infection of the Perineum

Infection can occur when a woman has a suture line on her perineum from an episiotomy or a laceration repair
Bacterial invasion can occur through the suture line, causing infection
Signs and symptoms include pain, heat, and a feeling of pressure in the suture line, fever, inflammation, and purulent drainage
Management involves removing perineal sutures to open and allow for drainage, packing gauze, systemic or topical antibiotics, analgesic management, sitz baths, and frequent perineal washing

Peritonitis

Peritonitis is inflammation and infection of the peritoneal cavity, often as a complication of endometritis
The peritoneal cavity is a space within the abdomen lined by a thin membrane called the peritoneum
Infection spreads through the lymphatic system or directly through the fallopian tubes or uterine wall to the peritoneal cavity
Signs and symptoms include rigid abdomen, abdominal pain, high fever, rapid pulse, and vomiting
Management involves inserting a nasogastric tube to prevent vomiting and rest the bowel, intravenous fluid or total parenteral nutrition, analgesics for pain relief, and antibiotics

Mastitis

Mastitis is infection of the breast, most common in nursing mothers
The organism causing the infection usually enters through cracked and fissured nipples
Signs and symptoms include breast tenderness, pain or burning sensation, skin redness, fever, and breast milk becoming scant
Measures to prevent cracked and fissured nipples include proper breastfeeding technique, releasing a baby's grasp on the nipple before removing the baby from the breast, washing hands, exposing nipples to air, and using Vitamin E ointment to soften nipples
Management involves antibiotics, continued breastfeeding, cold or ice compress, warm compress, and wearing a support bra

Puerperal Infection

Puerperal infections are infections of the reproductive tract, a major cause of maternal mortality
Definition: a puerperal infection is always potentially serious, because it can spread to involve the peritoneum (peritonitis) or the circulatory system (septicemia)
Common causes include Group B streptococci, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcal
Risk factors include premature rupture of membrane, retained placental fragments within the uterus, postpartal hemorrhage, preexisting anemia, and prolonged and difficult labor
Management focuses on the use of an appropriate antibiotic after culture and sensitivity testing of the isolated organism

Endometritis

Endometritis is an infection of the endometrium, the lining of the uterus
Bacteria gain access to the uterus through the vagina and enter the uterus either at the time of birth or during the postpartal period
Risk factors include premature rupture of membrane, prolonged labor, chorioamnionitis, repeated cervical examinations, postpartum hemorrhage, cesarean delivery, and HIV infection
Signs and symptoms include fever, chills, dark brown and foul-smelling lochia, tachycardia, lower abdominal pain, and uterine tenderness
Management involves administration of an appropriate antibiotic, oxytocin agents, encouraging fluid intake, analgesics for pain relief, and assessing normal color, quantity, and odor of lochia discharge

Thrombophlebitis

Thrombophlebitis is inflammation of the lining of a blood vessel with the formation of blood clots
Risk factors include elevated fibrinogen level, dilatation of lower extremity veins, prolonged time spent in delivery, obesity, and smoking
Classification includes superficial vein disease and deep vein thrombosis
Signs and symptoms include redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, and pain along the vein, calf tenderness, leg edema, change in color, and pain when walking

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Description

Explore the definition and management of puerperal infections, a major cause of maternal mortality. Learn how these infections can potentially spread and become serious complications during the postpartum period.