chapter 12: postpartum nursing care Flashcards
support family dynamic
- include family members in teaching and care
- provide info about sibling rivalry
- observe interactions: identify problems, make recommendations and referrals
puerperium
period following delivery of placenta until reproductive organs return to a nonpregnant state
- usually about 6 weeks
body begins to change immediately after delivery
postpartum shivering: uncontrollable, exact cause unknown, provide w/ a warm blanket, reassure shivering will pass
uterus involution
process where oxytocin continues to be released after placenta delivery, causing uterus to contract and shrink
- size and weight decreases
- fundus descents
- afterpains (intermittent uterine contractions)
- exfoliation: sloughing of dead tissue at the placental site
lochia
vaginal discharge made up of blood, mucus, and tissue
- may last up to 6 wks
- should get lghter in color and amount over time
- cervical os closes slowly and by day 14 is barely dilated
- vagina: after delivery lacks tone, over 4 wks edema decreases and rugae appear
perineum
- bruised and edematous after delivery
- muscle tone restored over 4-6 wks
- kegel exercises promote the return of tone
ovaries and ovulation
- normal function after delivery variable and influenced by breastfeeding
- menstruation delayed and may not resume for weeks or months if breastfeeding
- not breastfeeding: may ovulate as early as 27 days after delivery
- menstruation begins 6-12 wks for bottle feeding women
breasts postpartum
- breasts secrete colostrum before milk is produced
- nipple stimulation causes prolactin to be released, intiating milk production
- between second and fourth day breasts engorged with milk
- breasts may feel warm and tender
- if not breastfeeding needs interventions to suppress milk production
integumentary system
- abdominal skin resumes its pre pregnancy state except for stretch marks
- linea nigra fadesbut may never go away
- melasma fades over days or weeks
- hair loss resolves
Gi system
- hungry and thirsty after delivery
- may have sluggish intestinal peristalsis and constipation
- hemorrhoids can cause pain w/ defecation: stool softener may be prescribed to prevent straining
cardiovascular system
60-80% increase in cardiac output after delivery
- loss of plasma volume causes temporary rise in HGB and HCT
fibrinogen levels increase and remain increased for several days after delivery: increases risk for blood clot development
removal of excess fluid stored during pregnancy:
- diuresis: secretion and passage of large amounts of urine
diaphoresis: excessive perspiration
respiratory system
- diaphragm returns to normal position
- respiratory rate returns to prepregnancy level
- pregnancy nasal congestion disappears quickly
urinary system
- bladder tone decreases
- bladder becomes distended and pushes uterus up andto the side
- displaced uterus can interfere w/ involution and can lead to hemorrhage
musculoskeletal system
- hormone relaxin begins to subside
- hip pain may continue for a few days
- diastis recti of abdominal muscles may occur: separation of abd wall muscles, corrected w/ exercises or surgery
uterine assessment
- palpate fundus: note position and location, never palpate without supporting lower segment
- assess consistency
boggy uterus
support lower uterine segment and massage in circular pattern with flattened other hand until uterus becomes firm
- if massage not effective, large blood clot or extreme uterine atony which can lead to postpartum hemorrhage
- full bladder can lead to uterine atony