chapter 21-physiological changes in the post partum patient Flashcards
A woman gave birth to an infant boy 12 hours ago. Where would the nurse expect to locate this woman’s fundus?
a. One centimetre above the umbilicus
b. Two centimetres below the umbilicus
c. Midway between the umbilicus and the symphysis pubis
d. Nonpalpable abdominally
a
Which woman is most likely to experience strong afterpains?
a. A woman who experienced oligohydramnios
b. A woman who gave birth to twins
c. A woman who is bottle-feeding her infant
d. A woman whose infant weighed 2400 g
B
A woman gave birth to a healthy infant boy 5 days ago. What type of lochia would the nurse expect to find when assessing this woman?
a. Lochia rubra
b. Lochia sangra
c. Lochia alba
d. Lochia serosa
D
Which hormone remains elevated in the immediate postpartum period of the breastfeeding woman?
a. Estrogen
b. Progesterone
c. Prolactin
d. Human placental lactogen
C
What is responsible for the diaphoresis and diuresis that a woman experiences during the early postpartum period?
a. Elevated temperature caused by postpartum infection
b. Increased basal metabolic rate after giving birth
c. Loss of increased blood volume associated with pregnancy
d. Increased venous pressure in the lower extremities
C
A woman gave birth to a 2850 g infant boy 2 hours ago. The nurse determines that the woman’s bladder is distended because her fundus is now 3 cm above the umbilicus and to the right of the midline. In the immediate postpartum period, what is the most serious consequence likely to occur from bladder distension?
a. Urinary tract infection
b. Excessive uterine bleeding
c. A ruptured bladder
d. Bladder wall atony
B
Which is the cause of breast engorgement?
a. Overproduction of colostrum
b. Accumulation of milk in the lactiferous ducts
c. Hyperplasia of mammary tissue
d. Congestion of veins and lymphatics
D
What information would indicate to the nurse that the newly delivered woman knows what to expect about her menstrual activity after childbirth?
a. The first menstrual cycle will be lighter than normal and then will get heavier every month thereafter.
b. The first menstrual cycle will be heavier than normal and will return to prepregnant volume within three or four cycles.
c. There will be no menstrual cycle for 6 months after childbirth.
d. The first menstrual cycle will be heavier than normal and then will be light for several months thereafter.
B
Which is the interval between the birth of the newborn and the return of the reproductive organs to their normal nonpregnant state?
a. Involutionary period, because of what happens to the uterus
b. Lochia period, because of the nature of the vaginal discharge
c. Mini-tri period, because it lasts only 3 to 6 weeks
d. Puerperium, or fourth trimester of pregnancy
D
What is the term that refers to the self-destruction of excess hypertrophied tissue in the uterus?
a. Autolysis
b. Subinvolution
c. Afterpain
d. Diastasis
A
What should the nurse be aware of with regard to the postpartum uterus?
a. At the end of the third stage of labour it weighs approximately 500 g.
b. After 2 weeks postpartum it should not be palpable abdominally.
c. After 2 weeks postpartum it weighs 100 g.
d. It returns to its original (prepregnancy) size by 6 weeks postpartum.
B
Which is accurate with regard to afterbirth pains?
a. They are caused by mild, continuous contractions for the duration of the postpartum period.
b. They are more common in first-time mothers.
c. They are more noticeable in births in which the uterus was overdistended.
d. They are alleviated somewhat when the mother breastfeeds.
C
Which is true about lochia?
a. It is similar to a light menstrual period for the first 6 to 12 hours.
b. It is usually greater after Caesarean births.
c. It will usually decrease with ambulation and breastfeeding.
d. It should smell like normal menstrual flow, unless an infection is present.
D
Which description of postpartum restoration or healing times is accurate?
a. The cervix shortens, becomes firm, and returns to form within a month postpartum.
b. The vaginal rugae gradually reappear starting about 3 weeks after childbirth.
c. Most episiotomies heal within a week.
d. Hemorrhoids usually decrease in size within 2 weeks of childbirth.
B
What should the nurse be aware of with regard to postpartum ovarian function?
a. Almost 75% of women who do not breastfeed resume menstruating within a month after birth.
b. Ovulation occurs slightly earlier for breastfeeding women.
c. Because of menstruation/ovulation schedules, contraception considerations can be postponed until after the puerperium.
d. The first menstrual flow after childbirth usually is heavier than normal.
D
