Postpartum Nursing Care and Assessments

Excessive bleeding from the uterus after childbirth. It can occur within the first 24 hours (primary) or after 24 hours (secondary).

A major cause of primary PPH where the uterus fails to contract and control bleeding.

The top part of the uterus that should be firm and midline for proper involution (returning to normal size).

A soft, spongy feeling of the uterus that indicates poor contraction and potential bleeding.

Steps to address PPH include massaging the fundus to promote contraction, encouraging or assisting with bladder emptying, and administering medications like Oxytocin.

A serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and potential seizures. It can lead to DIC (Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation).

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation is a condition where the blood clotting mechanism is disrupted causing excessive bleeding.

A common breastfeeding complication where the breast tissue becomes inflamed and infected.

The frequency of postpartum assessments changes within the first 24 hours, then becomes a routine schedule every shift.

Assessing for hemorrhage involves monitoring vital signs, lochia, and the fundus.

Lochia rubra is bright red vaginal discharge, present during the first 3 days after delivery.

The fundus, the top portion of the uterus, should be at or below the umbilicus after delivery.

BUBBLE-HE is a mnemonic used to remember important aspects of the postpartum assessment.

REEDA helps assess the condition of the posterior perineum after delivery.

Postpartum infection is indicated by purulent discharge, fever, tachycardia, tachypnea, and pain.

A temporary mood change that occurs in the first 1-2 weeks after childbirth, characterized by mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and fatigue.

A more severe form of depression that occurs after childbirth, lasting longer than baby blues and impacting daily life, characterized by persistent sadness, fatigue, and difficulty bonding with the baby.

A rare but severe mental health condition that occurs after childbirth, involving delusions, hallucinations, and suicidal thoughts, requiring immediate medical attention.

A form of postnatal depression that affects fathers after childbirth, characterized by irritability, fatigue, and low mood.

The vaginal discharge experienced by women after childbirth, transitioning through stages of rubra (red), serosa (pinkish), and alba (white).

Jaundice appearing within the first 24 hours of life, a serious condition often caused by hemolytic disease, infections, or metabolic disorders. It requires prompt attention due to the risk of brain damage.

Treatment involving exposing the baby to special lights (bili lights) to break down bilirubin in the blood, commonly used for pathological jaundice. The baby's eyes are covered to prevent damage.

Muscle weakness or floppy posture in a newborn, a sign of possible neurological issues, hypoxia, infection, or metabolic disturbances. Prompt assessment and neurological evaluation needed.

A bulging soft spot on the baby's head, indicating increased pressure inside the skull (intracranial pressure).

A sunken soft spot on the baby's head, suggesting dehydration in the newborn.

An abnormal breathing pattern in newborns where the chest and abdomen move in opposite directions, a sign of respiratory distress often related to respiratory failure or severe lung disease.

A rapid heart rate in newborns (greater than 180 beats per minute), often a sign of fever, infection, or tachycardia. Prompt evaluation may be needed.

Periodic pauses in breathing, lasting more than 15 seconds in a newborn. This is an emergency, especially in premature infants and might indicate immaturity, respiratory distress, or neurological issues.