Question 1

A new mother inquires about postpartum resources. What resources can the nurse suggest to provide assistance to the new mother?

Accepted Answer

Breastfeeding support groups, lactation consultants, postpartal classes, and internet sites are all relevant resources that can provide support and information to new mothers. Meals on Wheels is typically a service for delivering meals to the elderly or disabled, not specifically for postpartum support.

Question 2

The postpartum patient has chosen to bottle-feed her infant. Nursing actions that aid in lactation suppression include:

Accepted Answer

Ice packs to the axillary area of each breast can help to decrease blood flow, reduce discomfort, and decrease milk production. Warm showers and pumping milk are not recommended as they stimulate milk production, and avoiding wearing a bra for 5-7 days may lead to further discomfort and engorgement.

Question 3

What assessments of the newborn should be completed during the initial home visit?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What assessments of the newborn should be...

Question 4

The postpartum homecare nurse is assessing a new mother, and finds her temperature to be 101.6°F. What is the most important nursing action?

Accepted Answer

A temperature of 101.6°F in a new mother could indicate an infection, such as endometritis. Assessing the odor and color of the lochia and the condition of the perineum can provide critical information about potential postpartum infections, making it the most important nursing action in this scenario.

Question 5

Before a newborn and mother are discharged from the hospital, the nurse informs the parents about routine screening tests for newborns. What is a good reason for having the screening tests done?

Accepted Answer

The screening tests are designed to detect disorders that cause mental retardation, physical handicaps, or death if left undiscovered. Identifying these conditions early can lead to prompt treatment and intervention, which can improve outcomes for affected infants. While some tests may identify specific disorders, such as phenylketonuria or sickle-cell anemia, the overall purpose of screening is to identify any condition that may affect the newborn's health and development.

Question 6

The postpartum nurse is performing a homecare visit to a first-time mother on her third day after delivery. She reports that her nipples are becoming sore. What statement indicates that further teaching is needed?

Accepted Answer

This statement indicates a lack of understanding about breastfeeding and the healing process for sore nipples. Switching to bottle feeding for three days may result in decreased milk supply and can disrupt the baby’s ability to breastfeed effectively. The correct approach would be to seek support from a lactation consultant or medical professional to assess the cause of nipple soreness and provide guidance on proper positioning and latch techniques for effective breastfeeding.

Question 7

The homecare nurse is seeing a patient at 6 weeks postpartum. Which statement by the patient indicates the need for immediate intervention?

Accepted Answer

At 6 weeks postpartum, lochia should have already decreased in flow and be light pink or brown in color. If the patient is still experiencing bright red bleeding and requiring a pad, there may be a risk of postpartum hemorrhage or retained placental tissue and immediate intervention is needed. The other statements are normal findings in the postpartum period.

Question 8

A new mother at 36 hours post-delivery has asked to be discharged to home. The nurse explains that criteria for discharge before the newborn is 48 hours old include:

Accepted Answer

The answer of A new mother at 36 hours post-delivery...

Question 9

The postpartum homecare nurse has performed home visits to four breastfeeding mothers. Which mother is experiencing an expected outcome?

Accepted Answer

Breast engorgement is a common and expected outcome for breastfeeding mothers, and using fresh cabbage leaves inside the bra is a traditional remedy that some find helpful for reducing swelling and pain.

Question 10

The nurse is making an initial visit to a postpartum family's home. The mother states that she is having difficulty with breastfeeding. Which resource should the nurse tell the family about?

Accepted Answer

The mother's difficulty with breastfeeding indicates a need for specialized support from a lactation consultant. The lactation consultant at the hospital is a valuable resource for new mothers experiencing breastfeeding challenges. Choices B, C, and D are not relevant to the mother's current concern.

Question 11

When making a home visit, the nurse should assess the newborn's sleeping arrangements and the crib. Which finding indicates a safety hazard that should be brought to the attention of the parents?

Accepted Answer

A loose-fitting soft mattress can pose a suffocation hazard for a newborn. The other options are all safe sleeping arrangements.

Question 12

The nurse should explain to new parents that their infant's position should be changed periodically during the early months of life to prevent:

Accepted Answer

During the early months of life, an infant's skull bones are not completely fused together, which allows for some degree of movement and flexibility. This means that if an infant spends too much time in one position, the soft bones can become flattened in that area, leading to a permanent flattening of the skull. Changing the infant's position periodically can help prevent this.

Question 13

A breastfeeding postpartum patient reports sore nipples to the nurse during a home visit. The intervention with the highest priority is:

Accepted Answer

The intervention with the highest priority in this situation is infant positioning. Improper positioning of the infant during breastfeeding can lead to sore nipples for the mother. The nurse should assess and correct the positioning, ensuring that the infant is latched properly onto the breast to reduce discomfort and encourage effective feeding. The use of breast shields and pads can provide some relief, but they do not address the root cause of the problem, which is the improper positioning of the infant. The type of soap used is not relevant to this issue.

Question 14

The nurse is assessing a new mother 2 days after a normal vaginal delivery. The mother has chosen not to breastfeed. An abnormal finding would be:

Accepted Answer

A weight loss of only 3 pounds 2 days postpartum is abnormal, as typically more weight is lost due to the delivery of the baby, placenta, and fluid loss.

Question 15

During a home visit, a new mother who is breastfeeding complains that her nipples are sore and cracked. Which measures should the nurse suggest?

Accepted Answer

The answer of During a home visit, a new mother...

Quiz 37: Home Care of the Postpartum Family