Chapter 17: Postpartum Adaptations and Nursing Care

Question 1

1. Which patient would be most likely to have severe afterbirth pains and request a narcotic analgesic?
   a.
   Gravida 5, para 5
   b.
   Primipara who delivered a 7-lb boy
   c.
   Patient who is bottle feeding her first child
   d.
   Patient who is breastfeeding her second child

Answer 1

ANS: A
The discomfort of afterpains is more acute for multiparas because repeated stretching of muscle fibers leads to loss of uterine muscle tone. The uterus of a primipara tends to remain contracted. Afterpains are particularly severe during breastfeeding, not bottle feeding. The non-nursing mother may have engorgement problems that will cause her discomfort. The patient who is nursing her second child will have more afterpains than her first pregnancy; however, they will not be as severe as the grand multiparous patient.

Question 2

2. Which maternal event is abnormal in the early postpartal period?
   a.
   Diuresis and diaphoresis
   b.
   Flatulence and constipation
   c.
   Extreme hunger and thirst
   d.
   Lochial color changes from rubra to alba

Answer 2

ANS: D
For the first 3 days after childbirth, lochia is termed rubra. Lochia serosa follows, and then at about 11 days, the discharge becomes clear, colorless, or white. The body rids itself of increased plasma volume. Urine output of 3000 mL/day is common for the first few days after birth and is facilitated by hormonal changes in the mother. Bowel tone remains sluggish for days. Many women anticipate pain during defecation and are unwilling to exert pressure on the
perineum. The new mother is hungry because of energy used in labor and thirsty because of fluid restrictions during labor.

Question 3

3. Which fundal assessment finding at 12 hours after birth requires further assessment? a.
   The fundus is palpable at the level of the umbilicus.
   b.
   The fundus is palpable two fingerbreadths above the umbilicus. c.
   The fundus is palpable one fingerbreadth below the umbilicus. d.
   The fundus is palpable two fingerbreadths below the umbilicus.

Answer 3

ANS: B
The fundus rises to the umbilicus after birth and remains there for about 24 hours. A fundus that is above the umbilicus may indicate uterine atony or urinary retention. The fundus palpable at the umbilicus is an appropriate assessment finding for 12 hours postpartum. The fundus palpable one fingerbreadth below the umbilicus is an appropriate assessment finding for 12 hours postpartum. The fundus palpable two fingerbreadths below the umbilicus is an unusual finding for 12 hours postpartum; however, it is still appropriate.

Question 4

4. If the patient’s white blood cell (WBC) count is 25,000/mm3 on her second postpartum day, which action should the nurse take?
   a.
   Document the finding.
   b.
   Inform the health care provider.
   c.
   Begin antibiotic therapy immediately.
   d.
   Have the laboratory draw blood for reanalysis.

Answer 4

ANS: A
An increase in WBC count to 25,000/mm3 during the postpartum period is considered normal and not a sign of infection. The nurse should document the finding. There is no reason to alert the health care provider. Antibiotics are not needed because the elevated WBCs are caused by the stress of labor and not an infectious process. There is no need for reassessment as it is expected for the WBCs to be elevated.

Question 5

5. Postpartal overdistention of the bladder and urinary retention can lead to which complication? a.
   Fever and increased blood pressure
   b.
   Postpartum hemorrhage and eclampsia
   c.
   Urinary tract infection and uterine rupture
   d.
   Postpartum hemorrhage and urinary tract infection

Answer 5

ANS: D
Incomplete emptying and overdistention of the bladder can lead to urinary tract infection. Overdistention of the bladder displaces the uterus and prevents contraction of the uterine muscle. There is no correlation between bladder distention and blood pressure or fever. There is no correlation between bladder distention and eclampsia. The risk of uterine rupture decreases after the birth.

Question 6

6. A postpartum patient asks, “Will these stretch marks ever go away?” Which is the nurse’s best response?
   a.
   “No, never.”
   b.
   “Yes, eventually.”
   c.
   “They will fade to silvery lines but won’t disappear completely.”
   d.
   “They will continue to fade and should be gone by your 6-week checkup.”

Answer 6

ANS: C
Stretch marks never disappear altogether, but they do gradually fade to silvery lines. Stating never is true, but more information can be added, such as the changes that will occur with the stretch marks. Stretch marks do not disappear.

Question 7

7. A pregnant patient asks when the dark line on her abdomen (linea nigra) will go away. The nurse knows the pigmentation will fade after birth due to
   a.
   increased estrogen.
   b.
   increased progesterone.
   c.
   decreased human placental lactogen.
   d.
   decreased melanocyte-stimulating hormone.

Answer 7

ANS: D
Melanocyte-stimulating hormone increases during pregnancy and is responsible for changes in skin pigmentation; the amount decreases after birth. Estrogen levels decrease after birth. Progesterone levels decrease after birth. Human placental lactogen production continues to aid in lactation. However, it does not affect pigmentation.

Question 8

8. Which clinical finding should the nurse suspect if the fundus is palpated on the right side of the abdomen above the expected level?
   a.
   Distended bladder
   b.
   Normal involution
   c.
   Been lying on her right side too long
   d.
   Stretched ligaments that are unable to support the uterus

Answer 8

ANS: A
The presence of a full bladder will displace the uterus. A palpated fundus on the right side of the abdomen above the expected level is not an expected finding. Position of the patient should not alter uterine position. The problem is a full bladder displacing the uterus.

Question 9

9. Which situation would require the administration of Rho(D) immune globulin?
   a.
   Mother Rh-negative, baby Rh-positive
   b.
   Mother Rh-negative, baby Rh-negative
   c.
   Mother Rh-positive, baby Rh-positive
   d.
   Mother Rh-positive, baby Rh-negative

Answer 9

ANS: A
An Rh-negative mother delivering an Rh-positive baby may develop antibodies to fetal cells that entered her bloodstream when the placenta separated. The Rho(D) immune globulin works to destroy the fetal cells in the maternal circulation before sensitization occurs. When the blood types are alike as with mother Rh-negative, baby Rh-negative, no antibody formation would be anticipated. If the Rh-positive blood of the mother comes in contact with the Rh-negative blood of the infant, no antibodies would develop because the antigens are in the mother’s blood, not the infant’s.

Question 10

10. If the rubella vaccine is indicated for a postpartum patient, which instructions should be provided?
    a.
    No specific instructions
    b.
    Drinking plenty of fluids to prevent fever
    c.
    Recommendation to stop breastfeeding for 24 hours after the injection
    d.
    Explanation of the risks of becoming pregnant within 28 days following injection

Answer 10

ANS: D
Potential risks to the fetus can occur if pregnancy results within 3 months after rubella vaccine administration. The mother does need to understand potential side effects and that pregnancy is discouraged for 3 months. The mother should be afebrile before the vaccine. Small amounts of the vaccine do cross the breast milk, but it is believed that there is no need to discontinue breastfeeding.

Question 11

11. Which measure is optimal in order to prevent abdominal distention following a cesarean birth?
    a.
    Rectal suppositories
    b.
    Carbonated beverages
    c.
    Early and frequent ambulation
    d.
    Tightening and relaxing abdominal muscles

Answer 11

ANS: C
Activity can aid the movement of accumulated gas in the gastrointestinal tract. Rectal suppositories can be helpful after distention occurs; however, do not prevent it. Carbonated beverages may increase distention. Ambulation is the best prevention. Abdominal strengthening will not prevent distention.

Question 12

12. To assess fundal contraction 6 hours after cesarean birth, which technique should the nurse utilize?
    a.
    Assess lochial flow rather than palpating the fundus.
    b.
    Palpate forcefully through the abdominal dressing.
    c.
    Place hands on both sides of the abdomen and press downward.
    d.
    Gently palpate, applying the same technique used for vaginal deliveries.

Answer 12

ANS: D
Assessment of the fundus is the same for vaginal and cesarean deliveries. Forceful palpation should never be used. The top of the fundus, not the sides, should be palpated and massaged. Assessing lochial flow is not adequate; the fundus also needs to be checked.

Question 13

13. The nurse has completed a postpartum assessment on a patient who delivered 1 hour ago. Which amount of lochia consists of a moderate amount?
    a.
    Saturated peripad
    b.
    10 to 15 cm (4- to 6-inch) stain on the peripad
    c.
    2.5 to 10 cm (1- to 4-inch) stain on the peripad
    d.
    Less than a 1-inch stain on the peripad

Answer 13

ANS: B
Because estimating the amount of lochia is difficult, nurses frequently record flow by estimating the amount of lochia in 1 hour using the following labels:
Scant—less than 2.5 cm (1-inch) stain on the peripad
Light—less than a 10 cm (4 inch) stain
Moderate—less than a 15 cm (6 inch) stain
Heavy—saturated peripad
Excessive—saturated peripad in 15 minutes
Determining the time interval that the peripad is in place is also important. Lochia is less for women who have had a cesarean birth because some of the endometrial lining is removed during surgery.

Question 14

14. The postpartum nurse has completed discharge teaching for a patient being discharged after an uncomplicated vaginal birth. Which statement by the patient indicates that further teaching is necessary?
    a.“I may not have a bowel movement until the 2nd postpartum day.”
    b.
    “If I breastfeed and supplement with formula, I won’t need any birth control.”
    c.
    “I know my normal pattern of bowel elimination won’t return until about 8 to 10 days.”
    d.
    “If I am not breastfeeding, I should use birth control when I resume sexual relations with my husband.”

Answer 14

ANS: B
For some women, ovulation resumes as early as 3 weeks postpartum. Therefore contraceptive measures are important considerations when sexual relations are resumed for lactating and nonlactating women. Further teaching would be needed if the patient does not feel any need for birth control with breastfeeding and supplementing with formula. The first stool usually occurs within 2 to 3 days postpartum. Normal patterns of bowel elimination generally resume by 8 to 14 days after birth.

Question 15

15. The nurse is caring for a postpartum patient who delivered by the vaginal route 12 hours ago. Which assessment finding should the nurse report to the health care provider?
    a.
    Pulse rate of 50
    b.
    Temperature of 38C (100.4F)
    c.
    Firm fundus, but excessive lochia
    d.
    Lightheaded when moving from a lying to standing position

Answer 15

ANS: C
Excessive lochia in the presence of a contracted uterus suggests lacerations of the birth canal. The health care provider must be notified so that lacerations can be located and repaired. Bradycardia, defined as a pulse rate of 40 to 50 beats per minute (bpm), may occur as the large amount of blood that returns to the central circulation after birth of the placenta. A temperature of up to 38C (100.4F) is common during the first 24 hours after childbirth and may be caused by dehydration or normal postpartum leukocytosis. The resulting engorgement of abdominal blood vessels contributes to a rapid fall in BP of 15 to 20 mm Hg systolic when the woman moves from a recumbent to a sitting position. This change causes mothers to feel dizzy or lightheaded or to faint when they stand.

Question 16

16. To facilitate adequate urinary elimination during the postpartum period, the nurse should incorporate which intervention into the plan of care?
    a.
    Have the patient drink carbonated beverages to promote urinary excretion.
    b.
    Tell the patient that because of postpartum diuresis there is less risk to develop dehydration.
    c.
    Limit fluid intake to prevent polyuria.
    d.
    Teach the patient to perform pelvic floor exercises to combat potential stress incontinence.

Answer 16

ANS: D
Educating the patient to use pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises) will help strengthen pelvic floor muscles. Carbonated beverages will lead to increased gas and potential gastrointestinal discomfort. During the postpartum period, the patient is at greater risk for dehydration and thus should increase fluids. Limitation of fluids is not warranted during the postpartum period.

Question 17

17. When assessing the A of the acronym REEDA, the nurse should evaluate the a.
    skin color.
    b.
    degree of edema.
    c.
    edges of the episiotomy.
    d.
    episiotomy for discharge.

Answer 17

ANS: C
In the acronym REEDA, the A refers to approximation of the edges of the episiotomy; the other letters of the acronym refer to other components of wound assessment: R = redness, E = edema, E = ecchymosis, and D = drainage.

Question 18

18. Which assessment finding 24 hours after vaginal birth would indicate a need for further intervention?
    a.
    Pain level 5 on scale of 0 to 10
    b.
    Saturated pad over a 2-hour period
    c.
    Urinary output of 500 mL in one voiding
    d.
    Uterine fundus 2 cm above the umbilicus

Answer 18

ANS: D
By the second postpartum day, the fundus descends by approximately 1 cm/day and should be 1 cm below the umbilicus; pain level of 5, saturated pad over a 2-hour time period, and urinary output of 500 mL in one voiding are normal findings in the postpartum patient.

Question 19

19. The nurse is providing care to a patient who delivered a 3525-g infant 14 hours ago. The nurse palpates the fundus of the uterus as firm and at the umbilicus. What is the nurse’s priority action related to this finding?
    a.
    Inform the health care provider.
    b.
    Encourage the patient to urinate.
    c.
    Massage the uterus to expel clots.
    d.
    Document the finding in the patient’s chart.

Answer 19

ANS: D
The location of the uterine fundus helps determine whether involution is progressing normally. Immediately after birth, the uterus is about the size of a large grapefruit or softball and weighs approximately 1000 g (2.2 lb). The fundus can be palpated midway between the symphysis pubis and umbilicus in the midline of the abdomen. Within 12 hours, the fundus rises to approximately the level of the umbilicus. This finding is expected and can be followed with documentation. No further action is needed.

Question 20

20. The nurse is providing care to a patient 2 hours after a cesarean birth. In the hand-off report, the preceding nurse indicated that the patient’s lochia was scant rubra. On initial assessment, the oncoming nurse notes the patient’s peripad is saturated with lochia rubra immediately after breastfeeding her infant. What is the nurse’s priority action with this finding?
    a.
    Weigh the peripad.
    b.
    Replace the peripad.
    c.
    Contact the health care provider.
    d.
    Document the finding in the patient’s chart.

Answer 20

ANS: C
The lochia of the cesarean birth mother will go through the same phases as that of the woman who had a vaginal birth; however, the amount will be reduced. The finding of a saturated pad is abnormal, even after breastfeeding, and an indication of hemorrhage. The health care provider needs to be notified immediately. Weighing the peripad will give an estimation of the blood loss; but, this assessment can result in a delay of care. Replacing the peripad and documentation of the findings are appropriate when the data are within normal limits.

Question 21

21. The nurse includes the addition of ice sitz baths for the postpartum patient. Which assessment finding indicates the treatment has been effective?
    a.
    No swelling or edema to the perineal area
    b.
    Patient complains that the sitz bath is too cold.
    c.
    Patient reports she took two sitz baths in 12 hours.
    d.
    Edges of the perineal laceration are well approximated.

Answer 21

ANS: A
Sitz baths may be offered two to four times a day to women with episiotomies, painful hemorrhoids, or perineal edema. Sitz baths provide continuous circulation of water and cleanse and comfort the traumatized perineum. Cool water reduces pain caused by edema and may be most effective within the first 24 hours. Ice can be added to cool the water to a comfortable level as the woman sits in it. Approximation of the edges of a wound facilitates wound healing. The purpose of the cold sitz bath is to decrease the edema secondary to tissue trauma.

Question 22

22. Which description best explains the term reciprocal attachment behavior?
    a.
    Behavior during the sensitive period when the infant is in the quiet alert stage
    b.
    Positive feedback that the infant exhibits toward parents during the attachment process
    c.
    Unidirectional behavior exhibited by the infant, initiated and enhanced by eye contact
    d.
    Behavior by the infant during the sensitive period to elicit feelings of “falling in love” from the parents

Answer 22

ANS: B
In this definition, reciprocal refers to the feedback from the infant during the attachment process. The quiet alert state is a good time for bonding; however, does not define reciprocal attachment. Reciprocal attachment deals with feedback behavior and is not unidirectional.

Question 23

23. The postpartum patient who continually repeats the story of her labor, birth, and recovery experiences is performing which of the following tasks?
    a.
    Making the birth experience “real”
    b.
    Accepting her response to labor and birth
    c.
    Providing others with her knowledge of events
    d.
    Taking hold of the events leading to her labor and birth

Answer 23

ANS: A
Reliving the birth experience makes the event real and helps the mother realize that the pregnancy is over and that the infant is born and is now a separate individual. She is in the taking-in phase, trying to make the birth experience seem real. This is to satisfy her needs, not the needs of others.

Question 24

24. During which stage of role attainment do the parents become acquainted with their baby and combine parenting activities with cues from the infant?
    a.
    Formal
    b.
    Informal
    c.
    Personal
    d.
    Anticipatory

Answer 24

ANS: A
A major task of the formal stage of role attainment is getting acquainted with the infant. The informal stage begins once the parents have learned appropriate responses to their infant’s cues. The personal stage is attained when parents feel a sense of harmony in their role. The anticipatory stage begins during the pregnancy when the parents choose a physician and attend childbirth classes.

Question 25

25. The nurse observes a patient on her first postpartum day sitting in bed while her newborn lies awake in the bassinet. Which action is most appropriate for the nurse to take at this time?
    a.
    Hand the baby to the woman.
    b.Explain “taking-in” to the woman.
    c.
    Offer to hand the baby to the woman.
    d.
    No action, because this situation is perfectly acceptable.

Answer 25

ANS: A
During the taking-in phase of maternal adaptation, in which the mother may be passive and dependent, the nurse should encourage bonding when the infant is in the quiet alert stage. This is done best by simply giving the baby to the mother. She learns best during the taking-hold phase. The woman is dependent and passive at this stage and may have difficulty making a decision. This is expected behavior during the taking-in phase; however, interventions that facilitate infant bonding can be taken.

Question 26

26. The postpartum nurse is observing a patient holding the baby she delivered less than 24 hours ago. The partner is watching his wife and asking questions about newborn care. The 4- year-old big brother is punching his mother on the back. What should the nurse do next?
    a.
    Report the incident to the social services department.
    b.
    Advise the parents that the older son needs to be reprimanded.
    c.
    No action; this is a normal family adjusting to family change.
    d.
    Report to oncoming staff that the mother is probably not a good disciplinarian.

Answer 26

ANS: C
The observed behaviors are normal variations of families adjusting to change. There is no need to report this one incident. Giving advice at this point would make the parents feel inadequate. This is normal for an adjusting family.

Question 27

27. During which phase of maternal adjustment will the mother relinquish the baby of her fantasies and accept the real baby?
    a.
    Letting-go
    b.
    Taking-in
    c.
    Taking-on
    d.
    Taking-hold

Answer 27

ANS: A
Accepting the real infant and relinquishing the fantasy infant occurs during the letting-go phase of maternal adjustment. In the taking-in phase, the mother is primarily focused on her own needs. There is no taking-on phase of maternal adjustment. During the taking-hold phase, the mother assumes responsibility for her own care and shifts her attention to the infant.

Question 28

28. A new father calls the nurse’s station stating that his wife, who delivered last week, is happy one minute and crying the next. He states, “She was never like this before the baby was born.” How should the nurse best respond?
    a.
    Reassure him that this behavior is normal.
    b.
    Advise him to get immediate psychological help for her.
    c.
    Tell him to ignore the mood swings because they will go away.
    d.
    Instruct him in the signs, symptoms, and duration of postpartum blues.

Answer 28

ANS: A
Before providing further instructions, inform family members of the fact that postpartum blues are a normal process to allay anxieties and increase receptiveness to learning. Postpartum blues are a normal process that is short-lived; no medical intervention is needed. Telling him to ignore the moods blocks communication and may belittle the husband’s concerns. Patient teaching is important; however, his anxieties need to be allayed before he will be receptive to teaching.

Question 29

29. To promote bonding and attachment immediately after birth, which action should the nurse take?
    a.
    Assist the mother in feeding her baby.
    b.
    Allow the mother quiet time with her infant.
    c.
    Teach the mother about the concepts of bonding and attachment.
    d.
    Assist the mother in assuming an en face position with her newborn.

Answer 29

ANS: D
Assisting the mother in assuming an en face position with her newborn will support the bonding process. After birth is a good time to initiate breastfeeding, but first the mother needs time to explore the new infant and begin the bonding process. The mother should be given as much privacy as possible; however, nursing assessments must still be continued during this critical time. The mother has just delivered and is more focused on the infant; she will not be receptive to teaching at this time.

Question 30

30. Which patient is more likely to have less stress adjusting to her role as a mother?
    a.
    A 26-year-old woman who is returning to work in 10 weeks
    b.
    A 35-year-old anxious mother who has had no contact with babies or children
    c.
    A 16-year-old teenager who lives with her parents and has a strained relationship with her mother
    d.
    A 25-year-old woman who knew at 16 weeks of gestation that she was pregnant with twins, who were delivered by cesarean birth

Answer 30

ANS: A
The woman who has the least amount of stress in her life will adjust more quickly to her role as a mother. The anxious mother with no real experience with babies may have a difficult time adjusting to motherhood. The teenager has a significant amount of stress in her life, which could make adjusting to her role as a mother more difficult. The 25-year-old mother has the added stress of twins, which may make motherhood adjustment more difficult.

Question 31

31. Which anticipatory guidance action by the nurse makes role transition to parenthood easier? a.
    Helps the new parents identify resources.
    b.
    Recommends employing babysitters frequently.
    c.
    Tells the parents about the realities of parenthood. d.
    Offers a home phone number and tells parents to call if they have a question.

Answer 31

ANS: A
Available resources within the community can assist the parents in role transition. Some parents may not be able to afford babysitters. Also, this removes them from the parenthood role. Each adult sees parenthood in a different light. They cannot be compared. Searching out resources for the parents is an important task; however, the nurse should not give her personal number to patients.

Question 32

32. Which action should the nurse take in order to provide support and encouragement to the new postpartum patient?
    a.
    Recount how she solved her own problems.
    b.
    Correct the new mother at every opportunity.
    c.
    Praise the mother’s early attempts at infant care.
    d.
    Explain to the new mother that everything will be fine.

Answer 32

ANS: C
Positive reinforcement of the mother’s attempt to provide care to the newborn will promote a healthy self-concept. The mother needs to learn how to solve problems on her own. Each person may use different techniques that work for that person. Correcting her actions would be discouraging to a new mother. She needs encouragement. Saying everything will be fine is blocking communication and further teaching.

Question 33

33. Which should the nurse do to provide support to a patient who must return to full-time employment 6 weeks after a vaginal birth?
    a.
    Discuss child care arrangements with her.
    b.
    Allow her to solve the problem on her own.
    c.
    Reassure her that she’ll get used to leaving her baby.
    d.
    Allow her to express her positive and negative feelings freely.

Answer 33

ANS: D
Allowing the patient to express feelings will provide positive support in her process of maternal adjustment. Discussing child care arrangements is an important step in anticipatory guidance, although this is not the best way to offer support. The new mother should be instrumental in solving the problem; however, allowing her time to express her feelings and talk the problem over will assist her in making this decision. Reassuring her that she will get used to leaving the baby blocks communication and belittles the patient’s feelings.

Question 34

34. The postpartum nurse is reviewing dietary practices for an Asian patient. Which of the following should the nurse expect to observe as a dietary practice for this culture?
    a.
    Special foods brought from home.
    b.
    Preference for fresh fruits.
    c.
    Preference for “cold” foods.
    d.
    Request for ice water instead of hot water.

Answer 34

ANS: A
Specific foods brought from home are a welcome sign of caring in many cultures. Some Asians believe that after childbirth the woman should eat only “hot” foods such as chicken, meat, and fish. Fresh fruit would be considered a “cold” food. Although ice water is commonly given to hospital patients, it is not acceptable to many Asians. For example, Southeast Asian women may refuse cold or ice water and prefer hot water or other warm beverages to keep warm.

Question 35

35. An example of binding in during the postpartum period is a
    a.
    new mother telling her friends all about her labor and birth experience.
    b.
    father looking at his newborn and stating that he “looks like I did when I was a baby.”
    c.
    mother reporting increasing anxiety during the postpartum period because she feels like she is without support.
    d.
    mother wanting some time alone so that she can catch up on needed sleep.

Answer 35

ANS: B
A new mother telling her friends all about her labor and birth experience is an example of binding in or claiming. A new mother telling her friends all about her labor and birth experience is an example of the taking-in phase of maternal adaptation. A mother who reports increasing anxiety during the postpartum period because she feels like she is all alone may be problematic and indicates that the patient is experiencing significant stressors during the postpartum period. A mother wanting some time alone so that she can catch up on needed sleep is a normal reaction to the demands of the newborn and reflects that the patient may need additional support during this time.

Question 36

36. Which of the following behaviors would be applicable to a nursing diagnosis of Risk for Impaired Parenting?
    a.
    En face behavior is observed between father and infant.
    b.
    Mother relates that she feels exhilarated postbirth.
    c.
    Mother states that she feels excessive fatigue as a result of the childbirth experience.
    d.
    Father displays finger tipping behavior toward infant.

Answer 36

ANS: C
Fatigue can contribute to altered parenting, because it may affect the level of interaction between parent and child. En face behavior acknowledges maternal-paternal attachment. A feeling of exhilaration is normal following a changing life cycle event such as childbirth. Finger tipping behavior conveys a sense of identification or claiming behavior.

Question 37

37. A family is concerned about how their 2-year-old son is going to react to the new baby. Which intervention would help facilitate sibling attachment?
    a.
    Have the mother and father spend individual time with their son to allay potential anxiety over the new baby coming in and displacing his position in the family as the only child.
    b.
    Make sure that their son is supervised at all times when the baby is brought home from the hospital and is in his presence.
    c.
    Include the son in helping to take care of the baby and reinforce the label of “big brother” as a special role.
    d.
    Observe the son’s reaction to the baby and let him decide when he wants to be introduced to his new sibling.

Answer 37

ANS: C
Providing the older son with a special role designation and involving him in the care of the baby will facilitate sibling attachment. Spending individual time with the older child is recommended but will not facilitate sibling attachment. Although the older child should be supervised because of his age in terms of infant safety, this level of overprotection may inhibit sibling attachment. Observation of his behavior may be warranted; however, the age of the child (2 years) does not warrant this type of control.

Question 38

38. The nurse is developing a plan of care for the patient’s fourth stage of labor. One nursing intervention is to promote bonding. Specifically, which nursing action will facilitate the bonding process?
    a.
    Encourage the patient to call the baby by his or her first name.
    b.
    Stimulate the grasp reflex by placing the patient’s finger in the infant’s palm.
    c.
    Ask the patient if she wants her baby placed on her chest immediately after birth.
    d.
    Assess for familial characteristics and remark on the resemblance to the patient or the father.

Answer 38

ANS: C
Bonding refers to the rapid initial attraction felt by parents for their infant. It is unidirectional, from parent to child, and is enhanced when parents and infants are permitted to touch and interact during the first 30 to 60 minutes after birth. During this time, the infant is in a quiet, alert state and seems to gaze directly at the parents. Infants are often placed skin to skin on the mother’s chest or abdomen for bonding time immediately after birth. Nurses frequently delay procedures such as measurements and medication administration that would interfere with this time, so that parents can focus on their newborn baby. Attachment follows a progressive or developmental course that changes over time. It is rarely instantaneous. Unlike bonding, attachment is reciprocal—it occurs in both directions between parent and infant.

Question 39

39. A postpartum patient calls the clinic and reports to the nurse feelings of fatigue, tearfulness, and anxiety. What is the nurse’s most appropriate response at this time?
    a.
    “When did these symptoms begin?”
    b.
    “Sounds like normal postpartum depression.”
    c.
    “Are you having trouble getting enough sleep?”
    d.
    “Are you able to get out of bed and provide care for your baby?”

Answer 39

ANS: D
Postpartum blues must be distinguished from postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis, which are disabling conditions and require therapeutic management for full recovery. Nurses need to assess the depression to ascertain if she is unable to cope with daily life. Postpartum blues are self-limiting and frequently occur by the fifth postpartum day and resolve in 2 weeks. The response “Sounds like postpartum depression” does not offer the patient any help or encouragement through this challenging time. Asking if she is getting enough sleep does not add to the assessments already identified in the stem. Enough information exists to determine that she has the signs and symptoms of postpartum blues. The nurse must differentiate between postpartum blues and depression.

Question 40

SATA:
1. Which vaccinations are indicated for the postpartum patient if she does not have immunity? (Select all that apply.)
a.
Pertussis
b.
Rubella
c.
Diphtheria, tetanus (Tdap)
d.
RhoGAM
e.
Varicella

Answer 40

ANS: A, B, C, E
If a patient who has delivered does not have evidence of immunity, CDC recommendations advise that pertussis, rubella, Tdap, and varicella should be administered. RhoGAM is required if there is evidence of sensitization in response to Rh factor identification based on maternal and fetal blood results.

Question 41

SATA:
2. The nurse is planning comfort measures to implement for a patient after a vaginal birth. Which measures should the nurse plan to include in the patient’s care plan? (Select all that apply.)
a.
Sitz baths four times a day
b.
Use of only warm water with the sitz baths
c.
Topical anesthetic spray after perineal care
d.
Ice pack to the perineum for the first 24 hours
e.
Relax the perineal and buttock areas when sitting

Answer 41

ANS: A, C, D
Sitz baths provide continuous circulation of water, cleansing and comforting the traumatized perineum. Ice causes vasoconstriction and is most effective if applied soon after the birth to prevent edema and to numb the area. Anesthetic sprays decrease surface discomfort and allow more comfortable ambulation. Cool water in the sitz bath reduces pain caused by edema and may be most effective within the first 24 hours. The mother should be advised to squeeze her buttocks together, not relax them, before sitting, and to lower her weight slowly onto her buttocks.

Question 42

SATA:
3. The nurse is teaching a non–breastfeeding patient measure to suppress lactation. Which information should the nurse include in the teaching session? (Select all that apply.)
a.
Avoid massaging the breasts.
b.
Allow warm shower water to run over the breasts.
c.
If the breasts become engorged, pumping is recommended.
d.
Ice packs or cabbage leaves can be applied to the breasts to relieve discomfort.
e.
Wear a sports bra 24 hours a day until the breasts become soft.

Answer 42

ANS: A, D, E
The patient should be advised to avoid massaging the breasts because this will stimulate milk production. Instruct the patient to wear a sports bra or other well-fitting bra 24 hours a day until the breasts become soft. Manage breast discomfort by application of ice, or cold cabbage leaves, which reduce vasocongestion. Advise the patient to refrain from allowing warm water to fall directly on the breasts during showers and pumping because these actions will stimulate milk production.

Question 43

4. The nurse is conducting discharge teaching for a patient going home after a cesarean birth. Which signs and symptoms should the patient be taught to report? (Select all that apply.)
   a.
   Mild incisional pain
   b.
   Feeling of pelvic fullness
   c.Lochia changing from red to pink in color
   d.
   Frequency, urgency, or burning on urination e.
   Redness or edema of the abdominal incision

Answer 43

ANS: B, D, E
The signs and symptoms to watch for after a cesarean birth are feelings of pelvic fullness, frequency, urgency or burning on urination, and redness or edema of the abdominal incision. Mild incisional pain is expected and the lochia should change from a bright red (rubra) to a pinkish color (serosa).

Question 44

5. Which of the following are nursing measures that can promote parent-infant bonding and attachment? (Select all that apply.)
   a.
   Provide comfort and ample time for rest.
   b.
   Keep the baby wrapped to avoid cold stress.
   c.
   Position the infant face to face with the mother.
   d.
   Point out the characteristics of the infant in a positive way.
   e.
   Limit the amount of modeling so the mother doesn’t feel insecure.
   ANS: A, C, D

Answer 44

ANS: A, C, D

Provide comfort and ample time for rest, because the mother must replenish her energy and be relatively free of discomfort before she can progress to initiating care of the infant. Position the infant in an en face position and discuss the infant’s ability to see the parent’s face. Face to face and eye to eye contact is a first step in establishing mutual interaction between the infant and parent. Point out the characteristics of the infant in a positive way: “She has such pretty little hands and beautiful eyes.” The baby should be kept warm, but parents should be assisted to unwrap the baby (keeping or rewrapping the body part not being inspected) to inspect the toes, fingers, and body. The nurse should model behaviors by holding the infant close, making eye contact with the infant, and speaking in high-pitched, soothing tones.

Question 45

Med Cal:
1. The postpartum nurse is administering ibuprofen (Advil) to a patient with episiotomy discomfort. The prescribed order is 400 mg of Advil by mouth every 6 to 8 hours PRN for discomfort. The Advil sent by the pharmacy is 200 mg/tablet. How many tablet(s) should the nurse administer to the patient? Record your answer as a whole number. _____ tab(s)

Answer 45

ANS:
2
Use the medication calculation formula to calculate the correct dose.
Formula:
Desired/available volume = mg/dose
400 mg/200 mg 1 tab = 2 tabs