13.3 Postpartum Infection

Question 1

Postpartum infection

Answer 1

• Occurs 28 days within after miscarriage/abortion/or birth
• Fever on 2+ days of the first 10 days postpartum
• Common ones are UTI, wound infection, endometritis, mastitis

Question 2

Endometritis

Answer 2

• Infection of lining of uterus

Signs
- Fever, Increased pulse, chills, anorexia, pelvic pain, foul-smelling, profuse lochia

Treatment
- IV broad spectrum antibiotics, hydration, rest, pain relief

Question 3

Wound infection

Answer 3

• Erythema, edema, warmth, tenderness, pain, seropurulent drainage, wound separation

MANAGEMENT
- Cultures, antibiotics, drainage of wound, irrigation of wound with normal saline,

NUSING CARE
- frequent assessments and VS, wound assessment/care, Sitz bath, warm compress, perineal care.

Question 4

UTI

Answer 4

RISKS
- Catheter, frequent pelvic examines, regional anesthesia (spinal/epidural), history

S/S
- Dysuria, frequency, urgency, low grade fever, hematuria, pyuria, costovertebral angle tenderness, flank pain, indicate upper UTI

MANAGEMENT
- Antibiotic therapy, analgesia, hydration

Question 5

PREVENTION OF INFECTION

Answer 5

• Good prenatal nutrition to reduce anemia
• Proper perineal hygiene
• Thorough hand hygiene
• Strict adherence to aseptic technique