Deck 12: Postpartum Physiological Assessments and Nursing Care

Question 1

In an attempt to improve the effectiveness of postpartum teaching, the nurse uses the AWHONN acronym POST BIRTH. Which teaching points require the patient to call for 911 assistance? Select all that apply.

A)Bleeding that soaks a pad per hour
B)A bad headache with vision changes
C)Thoughts of hurting self or baby
D)Signs an incision is not healing
E)A red, swollen leg painful to touch

Answer 1

Thoughts of hurting self or baby

Question 2

The nurse is palpating a patient's uterus 12 hours after a vaginal delivery. For which reason does the nurse place one hand just above the symphysis pubis?

A)To prevent uterine prolapse.
B)To prevent uterine movement
C)To prevent uterine hemorrhage
D)To prevent uterine inversion

Answer 2

To prevent uterine inversion

Question 3

A postpartum patient calls the OB office 8 days following a vaginal delivery. The patient reports concern regarding vaginal bleeding. Which patient-reported symptom causes the nurse concern?

A)Increased flow noticed with physical activity
B)A description of the lochia as being red in color
C)Discharge that is noted to have a fleshy odor
D)Bleeding that is described as scant

Answer 3

A description of the lochia as being red in color

Question 4

The nurse is discussing contraception with a couple before discharge following the birth of a first child. The couple are uncertain about the method but are certain about avoiding pregnancy for at least 2 years. Which method does the nurse recommend?

A)Emergency contraceptives
B)Oral estrogen/progesterone pill
C)Depo-Provera
D)Natural family planning

Question 5

The nurse in a postpartum unit frequently teaches patients regarding breast care. Which teaching is most helpful to the breastfeeding patient?

A)Run warm water over breasts while in the shower.
B)Wear a supportive bra for 24 hours a day.
C)Express milk by a breast pump or manually.
D)Take analgesics for breast pain management.

Question 6

The nurse is preparing a postpartum patient for discharge. Which patient teaching is most important for the nurse to provide?

A)The signs and symptoms of uterine infection
B)The signs and symptoms of secondary hemorrhage
C)The signs and symptoms of postpartum depression
D)The signs and symptoms of a boggy uterus

Question 7

Prior to discharge from the birthing center, the nurse informs the patient that she will receive vaccines for rubella, hepatitis B, pertussis, and influenza. For which reason does the nurse explain the need for the vaccinations?

A)Discharge with a neonate is discouraged if the mother is not vaccinated.
B)Vaccinating the mother will protect the neonate from serious illnesses.
C)The mother's immune system has been suppressed during pregnancy.
D)Vaccination is more easily accomplished while the mother is under medical care.

Question 8

The nurse is reviewing the medical record for a patient who is postpartum. The nurse notices the patient is rubella-nonimmune. Which information does the nurse present to the patient? Select all that apply.

A)The risks to the fetuses of any future pregnancies.
B)The patient will need to be immunized before discharge.
C)Breastfeeding should be avoided for 24 hours after immunization.
D)Maternal immunization carries over to the neonate.
E)Pregnancy should be avoided for 4 weeks.

Question 9

The nurse is providing postpartum care to a patient 24 hours after a vaginal delivery. Which action does the nurse perform prior to assessing the patient's uterus?

A)Place the patient on the left side.
B)Assess the passage of lochia.
C)Ask the patient to void.
D)Administer a dose of oxytocin.

Question 10

The nurse is performing a uterus assessment on a patient who is 20 hours postpartum. The nurse finds the fundus of the uterus to be soft and boggy. In addition, the uterus is displaced to the left and moderate bleeding is noted. If the uterus does not respond to uterine massage, which actions does the nurse implement? Select all that apply.

A)Assist the patient to the bathroom to void.
B)Reassess to determine response to treatment.
C)Administer oxytocin as prescribed.
D)Place an emergency call to the HCP.
E)Make the patient NPO for surgery.

Question 11

The nurse is assessing patients who are postpartum. Which patients does the nurse identify as being at increased risk for respiratory complications? Select all that apply.

A)The patient who was placed on bedrest for threatened abortion
B)The patient with preeclampsia treated with magnesium sulfate
C)The patient with a preexisting diagnosis of diabetes mellitus
D)The patient who delivered a neonate after regional anesthesia
E)The patient who received large amounts of IV fluid due to blood loss

Question 12

The nurse is collecting the urine of a postpartum patient who is passing large clots. For which reason does the nurse examine the large collected clots?

A)To validate the presence of clotting
B)To determine the presence of tissue
C)To obtain an accurate description
D)To document the number of clots

Question 13

The nurse is providing teaching to a patient who is breastfeeding a newborn. The patient expresses interest in maintaining a healthy nutritional status for both her and her baby. Which information does the nurse present to meet the patient's need? Select all that apply.

A)Increase caloric intake by 500 to 1,000 per day.
B)Drink 2 to 3 liters of fluid each day.
C)Abstain from the intake of alcohol.
D)Eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
E)Avoid the intake of processed foods.

Question 14

The nurse is preparing to perform a visual assessment of the perineum of a postpartum patient. The nurse will use the REEDA acronym. Which specific assessments are covered by REEDA? Select all that apply.

A)Perineal coloration
B)Suture line appearance
C)Amount of swelling
D)Description of pain
E)Soft tissue trauma

Question 15

After pregnancy and birth, a mother may notice a condition called diastasis recti abdominis, which is a(n) ____________________ of the rectus muscle.

Question 16

A patient who is 12 hours postpartum after a vaginal delivery continues to have difficulty in initiating urination. The nurse is aware that an integrative method used when a woman is unable to void is peppermint oil. In which manner will the peppermint oil be used?

A)A thin layer is applied to the urinary meatus.
B)A small amount on a cotton ball is left at the bedside.
C)A small amount is added to the water of a vaporizer.
D)A saturated cotton ball is placed in a "hat" on the toilet.

Question 17

A multiparous patient reports severe uterine cramps the first day after a vaginal delivery. The nurse is aware the patient is breastfeeding and associates the patient's pain primarily with which occurrence?

A)An increase in oxytocin release related to the newborn suckling
B)The presence of intense afterbirth pains related to multiparity
C)An expected response to the daily administration of oxytocin
D)The efforts of the uterus to return to a prepregnancy condition

Question 18

The nurse is providing care to a patient who is postpartum. Using anatomy and physiology knowledge, which expectation does the nurse relate to the cardiovascular system?

A)Patient reporting of being cold related to blood loss
B)WBC laboratory level of 30,000/mm a few hours after delivery
C)Risk for hemorrhage due to decrease in circulating clotting factors
D)A normal postpartum hemoglobin laboratory value of less than 11 g/dL

Question 19

A postpartum patient states, "I am really in pain." For which sources of pain will the nurse specifically assess the patient? Select all that apply.

A)Uterine contractions
B)Perineal trauma
C)Breast engorgement
D)Hemorrhoids
E)General soreness