1229 Exam 4: Postpartum Flashcards
postpartum
(puerperium) begins after the delivery of the placenta and ends when the body returns to the prepregnant state. (aprox. 6 weeks)
physiological maternal changes during postpartum:
uterine involution lochia flow cervical involution decrease in vaginal distention changes in ovarian function and menstration breast changes urinary tract changes GI tract changes cardiovascular changes
Physical Risk during the postpartum period:
hemorrhage shock infection constipation fatigue UTI Thrombophlebitis
Hormone released from the pituitary gland, coordinates and strengthens uterine contractions
Oxytocin
A firm and contracted uterus prevents what?
bleeding and hemorrhage
afterpains
uncomfortable uterine pains during postpartum
Decreased estrogen is associated with:
breast engorgement
diaphoresis
diuresis
diminished vaginal lubrication
focused physical assessment:
breast
uterus (fundal height, uterine placement and consistency)
bowel and GI function
bladder function
lochia (color, odor, consistency, and amount)
episiotomy (edema, ecchymosis, approximation)
vitals and pain
teaching needs
fudus immediately after delivery
firm, midline with the umbilicus, and approximately at the level of the umbilicus
fudus 12 hours postpartum
1 cm above umbilicus midline and firm
fundus every 24 hours postpartum
should descend approx. 1 to 2 cm (finger breaths)
fundus by day six
should be half way between the symphysis pubis and he umbilicus
fundus by day ten
should lie within the true pelvis and should not be palpable.
uterine involution
uterus returns to its prepregnant state. (aprox 1000g to 60g)
locating the fundus
- explain procedure to pt.
- wears gloves
- cup non dominant hand just about the symphysis pubis to support the lower segment of the uterus
- with dominant hand, palpate the pt’s abdoomen to locate.
(usually start a few inches above umbilicus)
*document fundal height, location, and uterine consistency
Lochia stages
lochia ruba, lochia serosa, lochia alba
bright red color, bloody consistency, fleshy odor, may contain small clots, transient flow increases during breastfeeding and upon rising last 1 to 3 days after deliver
lochia ruba
pinkish brown color and serosanguineous consistency. last from approximately day 4 -10 after delivery.
lochia serosa
yellowish, white creamy color, fleshy odor. lasts from approximately day 11 up to and beyond 6 weeks postpartum.
lochia alba
< 2.5 cm of blood
scant
< 10 cm of blood
light
> 10 cm of blood
moderate
one pad saturated within 2 hours
heavy
one pad saturated in fifteen mins or less/ pooling of blood under buttocks
excessive blood loss
excessive spurting of bright red blood from the vagina
possibly indicating a cervical or vaginal tear
numerous large clots and excessive blood loss
hemorrhage
fould odor
infection