Class 7: Postpartum Assessment - Postpartum Period Flashcards
what is included in assessments of the postpartum period (3)
- BUBBLLEE
- VS
- lab work
what is the freq of VS and BUBBLLEE assessment in postpartum
- done when admitted to postpartum unit
- protocol for freq –> no specific number
what does each letter of BUBBLLEE stand for
Breasts
Uterine fundus
Bladder function
Bowel function
Lochia
Legs (extremities)
Episiotomy/laceration or c-section incision
Emotional status
what is included in assessment of breasts (2)
- firmness
- nipples
what is included in assessment of uterine fundus (2)
- location
- consistency
what is included in assessment of bowel function (2)
- passing gas
- bowel mvmt
what is included in assessment of lochia (2)
- amount
- color
what is included in assessment of legs (2)
- peripheral edema? (normal)
- rule out venous thromboembolism
what is included in assessment of episiotomy/laceration or c-section incision (3)
- assess perineum
- discomfort
- condition of repair (if done)
what is included in assessment of emotional status (3)
- mood
- fatigue
- confidence
see slide 13 for nursing care priorities in postpartum, too long for slides
..
describe the firmness of breasts for days 1-2 postpartum
- soft –> no milk yet
describe the firmness of breasts for days 2-3 post-partum
- getting firmer –> filling
describe the firmness of breasts for days 3-5 postpartum
- full
- soften w breast feeding (d/t release of pressure)
describe what the assessment of the nipples should be postpartum (3)
- should be intact intact
- should be no soreness reported
- note any cracks, blisters, or abrasions
what could cracks, blisters, or abrasions of the nipples mean?
- could be an issue w latching
before milk is present, what are newborns fed with?
- colostrum
what is included in education regarding the changes to breasts postpartum (5)
- during pregnancy & after birth breasts become bigger and heavier
- 1st days after giving birth, breasts may become swollen due to increasing breast milk and fluid
- imp to wear a supportive bra to keep you comfortable
- first milk breasts make = colostrum
- during the first few days after birth, breasts make small amt colostrum, enough for the small newborn
if the mother is not breastfeeding, what education should be given? (2)
- your breasts will slowly become smaller within first week or two
- put cold face cloths or ice packs on breasts to help lessen the swelling
describe placement of hands for uterine (fundal) assessment ? why is hand placement imp?
- 1 hand @ fundus
- other hand supports uterus @ symphysis pubis –> imp to prevent prolapsed/inverted uterus
what should be assessed at the same time as uterine (fundal) assessment
- lochia
describe involution of the uterus at the end of the 3rd stage (~2h after birth)
how much does it weigh?
- fundus at the umbilicus or 1-2 cm before umbilicus
- weighs 1000g
describe involution 12 hrs after birth
- may rise to 1cm above umbilicus
describe involution 24 hrs after birth
- uterus is about the same size that it was at 20 weeks gestation
describe involution after 2 weeks postpartum
what is the weight?
- uterus no longer abdominally palpable, below symphysis pubis
- 350 g
by 6 weeks postpartum, the uterus weighs??
- 60-80 g
involution of the uterus should be ~___ cm/day
- 1-2 cm
how is fundal height documented?
in reference to the umbilcus
ex. 2/u = 2cm over umbilcus, @u or u/u = fundus at lvl of umbilicus
what is assessed r/t uterine assessment? (3)
- placement
- size/shape
- tone
what should be the placement of the uterine?
- should be midline on the abdomen
deflection of the uterus could indicate? what concerns does this cause?
- a distended bladder
= concerns about poor contractions to control bleeding
what should the size/shape of the uterus be? (2)
- round
- size of a grapefruit
larger uterine size could indicate?
- hemorrhage
what should the tone of the uterus be?
- firm (like grapefruit)
if the uterus is soft/boggy, what is the concern
- concern of hemorrhage
what are nursing interventions for a boggy uterus (3)
- fundal massage
- notify primary HCP
- uterotonics as ordered
prevention of excessive bleeding includes information for which parts of BUBBLLEE (3)? maintenance of uterine tone is connected to?
- U: uterus
- L: lochiaq
- E: episiotomies/lacerations
- maintenance of uterine tone is connected to vaginal bleeding
what is deflection of the uterus?
- uterus higher, deflected to side (usually R)
what are afterpains?
- cramps of the womb that feel like belly pain
what do afterpains mean?
- they are keeping the womb firm and lessen the bleeding
describe when afterpains are felt the most (3)
- have them most often the first week after you have the baby
- may be stronger w each added birth
- may increase with breastfeeding (d/t release of oxytocin = more contractions)
to lessen the soreness of afterpains, what can be done? (3)
- do deep breathing like in labor
- walk slowly when up and about
- keep your bladder empty
what is included in assessment of the bladder?
assess for distension by:
- visualization
- palpation
bladder distension appears as?
- round, suprapubic bulge
describe palpation of a distended bladder
- may be able to palpate bladder
what impact might a distended bladder have on the uterus tone? placement? lochia?
- uterus boggy
- uterus above umbilicus and to right
- lochia heavier
what are postpartum interventions for the bladder? (3)
- assist woman to void spontaneously
- if unable, catheterize as needed/ordered
- use bladder scanner to assess urine retention
what are normal findings r/t the bladder postpartum? (4)
- should be able to void sponatneously within 8 hrs of birth
- no distension
- able to empty bladder completely
- no dysuria or signs of infection (freq, urgency)
if the uterus is displaced above the umbilicus and well to one side of the midline, we should suspect?
- a distended bladder
due to postpartum diuresis within 12 hrs after birth, they may void up to ____ mL/day
- 3000 mL/day
why are we concerned w bladder distension PP
- due to risks for uterine bleeding
bladder distension is a risk due to the following intrapartum factors (4)
- epidural
- trauma d/t extensive vaginal or perineal lacerations/episiotomy or instrument assisted birth
- prolonged labor
- indwelling cath during labor
what are other risk factors for bladder distension
- fear of discomfort
what is included in nursing care r/t bladder distension
- measure first several voids and document
how much should the first several voids be?
- at least 150 mLs/void
what are nursing interventions to help the birther empty bladder spontaneously (5)
- listen to running water
- squeeze bottle of warm water –> spray perineum
- shower or sitz bath
- analgesics if ordered
- catheter if necessary (if others dont work)
what is included in education r/t the bladder? (4)
- pass urine often to avoid distension
- kegel exercises can help improve the passing of urine
- after baby is born, your body needs to get rid of the extra fluid and does so by sweating & passing water
- may pass lrg amts of urine for 2-5 days after your baby is born
in education r/t bladder, the birther should talk to your HCP is you: (5)
- have pain while passing urine
- have trouble passing urine
- cannot pass urine
- cannot control ur urine
- have a fever
the birther should have a BM by …
- day 2 or 3 after birth –> may not have a BM while in hospital
describe the abdomen PP
- should be soft
in the case of a c-section, the nurse should….. r/t bowels
- nurse should be able to auscultate BS in all four quadrants
why is there a risk of constipation PP (5)
- medications
- dehydration (d/t labor process)
- perineal lacerations/episiotomy
- hemorrhoids
- fear of discomfort (esp. if had episiotomy/perineal laceration)
gas pains are more common w…
- c-section
you should provide education r/t bowel movements to the birther including: (4)
- consuming adequate roughage
- increasing fluid intake
- ambulation
- risk of opioid analgesics
what are interventions for constipation PP? when esp should these be used?
- stool softeners/laxatives
- during early postpartum period esp w extensive perineal repair
describe appetite PP
- usually have good appetite
describe use of prenatal vitamins and iron supplements PP (2)
- should be continued until 6 weeks after birth
- may be longer if breast or chest feeding
describe caloric requirements PP for lactating vs nonlactating persons
- lactating: additional 350-400 / day
- nonlactating: 1800-2200 /day
what might increase the caloric requirements PP (3)
- if multiple babies
- exercising freq
- under weight
what is included in education PP r/t constipation (4)
- lots of fluids
- diet high in fiber
- be active
- constipation may lead to hemorrhoids and pain
what are examples of foods high in fiber
- fresh veggies and fruit
- whole grain/bran
what are ways to lessen hemorrhoids and pain PP (3)
- avoid constipation
- using a special ointment (buy in pharmacy)
- sitz baths/soaks in clean tube
what is a way to prevent gas pains PP (3)
- eat a balanced diet
- avoid pop
- lie down on L side
define: lochia
- vaginal discharge after delivery
lochia is composed of.. (5)
- leukocytes
- epithelial cells
- decidua
- auto-lysed protein
- bacteria
what is a normal amt of lochia
- scant to moderate w few clots
what is assessed r/t lochia (4)
- color
- amt
- odor
- clots
when is lochia rubra present? color?
- day 1-3
- dark red
when is lochia serosa present? color?
- day 3-10 (or longer)
- pink/brownish red
when is lochia alba present? color?
- day 10 for up to 4-8 weeks
- yellowish-white
blood loss after birth is assessed by?
- the extent of perineal pad saturation
how many cm of pad saturation is classified as scant bleeding? light? mod? large?
- scant: 5 cm
- light: 10 cm
- moderate: 15 cm
- large: >15 cm
what do large amts of lochia usually indicate?
- uterine atony
- OR cervical/vaginal laceration that has not been repaired
what would indicate excessive bleeding PP (2)
- perineal pad that is saturated in 15 min or less
- or pooling of blood under buttocks noted
what is the main cause of excessive blood loss PP
- uterine atony
what should be done if there are signs of excessive bleeding PP (3)
- further assessment
- intervention likely required
- PCP should be notified
nurses tend to overestimate or underestimate blod loss PP?
- overestimate
estimation of the amt of blood on a perineal pad always needs to be considered in terms of…
- the timeframe
ex. was the pad soaked in 1 hr or 8h?
what are the more accurate measurements of blood loss?
- serial measurements of hgb and hct
- weighing perineal pads and blood clots –> 1g = 1mL of blood
in order to assess the measurement of blood loss by weighing the perineal pad, what must we know?
- must know the weight of the pad without blood
what is included in education r/t lochia in PP period (4)
- the amt of lochia will slowly lessen in amt and change in color
- right after delivery will be red like your period
- after first few days will change from red to pink & lessen in amt (may take up to 6 weeks)
- lochia should not have bad smell or odor
when should the birther be educated to contact the HCP r/t lochia (2)
- if becomes a lot heavier
- if has an odour
what is assessed for r/t legs? (2)
- assess for peripheral edema/swelling (could be present)
- assess for VTE
what are signs of VTE (4)
- redness
- tenderness
- pain
- warmth
VTE is an increased concern with…. due to?
- c-section
- due to decreased mvmt after birth
what may be included for interventions due to the risk of VTE? (3)
- low molecular weight heparin
- TED stockings
- promote early ambulation
what is encouraged to reduce incidence of VTE
- encouragement of free mvmt once anesthesia wears off
before the pt ambulates, what should be assessed? (5)
- assess for dizziness (d/t risk of orthostatic hypotension in early PP)
- be aware of baseline BP
- amt of blood loss
- type, amt, and timing of analgesics prior to ambulation
- ensure have strength/motor fnxn due to epidural
what education should be given r/t activity PP (2)
- before c-section will have to put on stockings
- walking is good exercise that helps with blood flow in legs
what education should be given about the first 2 weeks after c-section r/t activity (3)
avoid:
- straining, bending, pulling, or lifting heavy objects
- only lift baby
- avoid driving until you feel comfortable
what education should be provided r/t self-readiness and activity (3)
- avoid activity ex. swimming until your wound has healed and/or lochia has stopped
- slowly increase your activity (ex. walking)
- avoid vacuuming, sweeping etc. for several weeks
what should be assessed r/t perineum if there were no lacerations or episiotomies? normal includes?
- assess for swelling
- normal could include minimal edema
what should be assessed r/t episiotomy or laceration repairs?
- intactness –> are edges well approximated?
- any signs of infection
- any hematomas?
what are signs of infection r/t episiotomy or laceration repairs? (3)
- redness
- warmth
- drainage
what should not be present when assessing episiotomy or laceration repairs (4)? what should be done if these are present?
- pronounced edema
- bruising
- hematoma
- signs of infection
= notify PCP
what nursing intervention can be done for swelling of the perineum?
- offer ice pack
- usually in 1st 2h for a max of ~15 min
what assessments should be done r/t c-section incision PP? (3)
- dressing should be clean and dry
- suture line intact
- monitor for S&S of infection
what should be assessed r/t rectal area PP? (2)
- no hemorrhoids should be present
- if hemorrhoids present, should be soft and pink
what is a 1st degree laceration
- involves skin & structures to the muscles
what is a 2nd degree laceration
- extends thru the muscle
what is a 3rd degree laceration
- extends thru anal sphincter
what is a 4th degree laceraion
- involves anterior rectal wall
what degree of perineal lacerations are considered extensive repairs?
- 3rd degree
- 4th degree
what are imp ways to prevent infection PP? (6)
- maintain clean enviro
- maintain good hygiene
- teach care of perineum & lacerations/episiotomy
- encourage prior perineal care
- teach care of c-section incision
- teach to wipe from front to back
what is included in maintaining a clean enviro (2)
- clean bed linens
- change perineal pads frequently
infection can also be an issue for…
- breast tissue –> mastitis
what are signs of mastitis (5)
- redness of breast tissue
- heat
- pain
- fever
- body aches
what is included in education r/t care for perineum
- perineum may receive small tears or is cut during childbirth
- if stitches used, they will soft and do not need to be taken out
- to avoid infection & heal perineum, keep it clean
what is included in education about how to care for the perineum to avoid infection & heal perineum? (7)
- use gentle soap & water while taking a shower or sponge bath, and rinse well and dry w clean towel
- use plastic pericare or squirt bottle to spray or a clean jug to pour water over your perineum to lessen stinging when passing urine or rinse away lochia
- gently wipe perineum from front to back
- change sanitary pad often and always after being on toilet
- try not to touch the inside of pad w fingers
- do not use tampons for at least 4-6 weeks after having baby
- expose perineum to air
what is included in education for incision care after c-section (6)
- dressing is usually removed on day 2, and then can shower
- in shower, let warm water run over wound and gently pat dry w clean towel
- leaving wound uncovered helps it to heal
- do not have a tub bath for 2 weeks after c-section
- wound takes time to heal
- over time, incision will shrink and become paler in color
the birther should be educated to call the HCP with what signs of c-section incision? (5)
if wound:
- opens
- is swollen and red
- becomes more painful
- has fluid (blood, pus) coming from it
- has odor
r/t infection, education should be given to the birther to contact their HCP if: (9)
- chills or fever of 38* or higher that lasts longer than 4 h
- bad smelling vaginal flow
- belly continues to be sore or get more painful
- wound is red, swollen, sore, and/or draining fluid (blood, pus)
- wound or suture have opened
- episiotomy or tear is red, swollen, sore, and/or draining fluid
- breast has a red, swollen, or warm area that feels sore
- need to void often
- pain or burning feeling when you void
what is uterine atony
- failure of uterus to contract firmly
what is the most freq cause of excessive bleeding?
- uterine atony
how can uterine atony lead to excessive bleeding?
- the relaxed uterus will fill w blood and clots, and blood vessels at the placental site are not clamped off = excessive bleeding
- inhibits contractions
what can cause uterine atony?
- retained placental fragments/membranes
what plays an imp role in prevention of excessive bleeding
- VS & assessment monitored closely
describe BP with excessive bleeding PP
- compensatory mechanisms prevent a signif drop in BP until there is a loss of 30-40% of blood volume
what are the most reliable indicators of excessive bleeding PP? (5)
- resps
- pulse
- skin condition
- urinary output
- LOC
what are the most important interventions to address uterine activity? (2)
- maintain uterine tone
- prevent bladder distension –> promote voiding
what are 2 ways to maintain uterine tone
- uterine/fundal massage
- uterotonics
how does fundal massage help maintain uterine tone?
- causes uterus to firm up by activating muscle layer & contractions
describe hand placement w uterine/fundal massage
- upper hand cupped over fundus
- lower hand dips in above symphysis pubis and supports uterus while its massaged gently
the downward pressure during uterine massage can cause?
- increase in vaginal bleeding to remove pooled blood from uterus to allow for increased contractions –> bleeding should slow down
what are birthers taught r/t uterine massage?
- taught to massage own uterus before DC
what uterotonics given for?
- to actively manage and prevent postpartum hemorrhage
- encourages the uterus to “clamp down” on the open blood vessels at the open placental site
what is an example of a uterotonic
- oxytocin
how many units of oxytocin are given for the purpose of uterotonic? what stage of labor is this given?
- 5-10 units IM or IV common after delivery of the anterior shoulder
- or oxytocin IV after delivery of the placenta
- 3rd stage of labor
if excessive bleeding occurs in the presence of a firmly contracted uterus & proper placement, what should we suspect? (3)
suspect another source:
- vaginal/vulval hematomas
- unrepaired lacerations of the vagina or cervix
- bleeding at c-section incision
if there is bleeding at c-section incision, what should be done? (3)
- mark on drsg
- notify PCP
- may require pressure dressing
what should be assessed r/t emotional status/energy lvl PP? (3)
- impact of birth experience, esp. if different than what they had planned
- self-image, sexuality –> invite to discuss feelings
- adaptation to parenthood –> realistic perception of infant’s needs, take pleasure in infant, respond to infant’s cues approp & provide comfort
what are normal assessment findings for emotional status/energy lvls (3)
- should be able to care for self and infant
- able to sleep
- excited, happy, interested/involved in infant care
approx 50-80% of all birthers experience ____ PP? what are signs of this?
- experience postpartum blues
- may be sad & tearful on days 3-14 for no apparent reason
what is included in pt teaching r/t coping w postpartum blues (7)
- get plenty of rest
- baby blues are normal
- relax techniques
- self care
- share feelings w your partner or other support
- plan activities out of the house
- recognize that you are in a time of learning
what can impact fatigue PP? (4)
can be related to:
- both the physical and psychological
- pain
- anemia
- infection
what is imp in promotion of rest (2)
- address pain as needed
- support the family w boundaries w visitors as need
what is included in education for postpartum emotional changes (3)
- new mothers often expect to feel happy about the baby and are upset that they feel sad, angry, fearful, or anxious
- many mothers experience baby blues that may begin few days after birth –> these go away on their own by time baby is 2 weeks
- baby blues are due to hormone changes and being a mother
what are signs of “baby blues” (7)
- crying often and not always for a reason
- feeling v tired
- having trouble falling asleep
- having trouble thinking clearly or feel out of touch
- feelings very nervous about baby
- feeling annoyed, angry, and not understanding why
- feeling that nothing will ever be the same
when should a birth be educated to see their HCP r/t postpartum emotional changes (2)
- if you feel “down”, hopeless, and/or out of control and the feelings do not go away
- if have thoughts about harming yourself or baby
PP pain can be related ? (6)
- afterpains/cramping
- perineal laceration or episiotomy
- hemorrhoids
- sore nipples
- breast engorgement
- surgical pain w c-section
what is important to guide interventions for pain?
- proper assessment
for discomfort related to afterpains/uterine contractions, what interventions can be used? (2)
- heating pads
- admin of pain meds
for discomfort related to the perineum (lacerations, episiotomies), what interventions can be used? (3)
- ice packs (first 24 hrs)
- cleansing w warm water
- tub bath or sitz bath
for discomfort related to sore nipples or breast engorgement, interventions depend on?
- depends on breast/chest feeding or not
what analgesics might be prescribed for pain PP (3)
- opioids
- NSAIDs
- self med packages –> provided instructions and advised to document when taken
NSAIDs are preferred for which type of birthers?
- breast/chest feeding persons
what type of pain mngmt might be used for people who had a c-section
- may have PCA pump in initial postpartum period
the birther should be educated to call the provider for what kinds of pain? (4)
- in your chest
- in your belly that is getting worse and not going away
- in your legs
- sudden severe headache with or without dizziness and blurred vision
why should someone with sudden severe headache and blurred vision call the HCP?
- worried abt severe pre-eclampsia which can occur for the first time in PP
what exercise supports regaining muscle tone to the pelvic floor
- kegel exercises
what vaccination can be given PP if found non-immune? when is it contraindicated?
- rubella vaccine
- can be given if breast/chest feeding
- contraindicated if immunocompromised
when is Rh immune globulin given PP? dose?
- given within 72 hrs after birth to prevent sensitization in the Rh-negative birth
- usually 300 mcg
Rh immune globulin is considered?
- a blood product = has certain protocol
what impact does Rh immune globulin have on the immune response?
- suppresses immune response
due to the impact of Rh immune globulin on the immune system, what consideration needs to be taken if also receiving rubella vaccine?
- may need a repeat dose of rubella vaccination in 3 months time if has not developed immunity by then
for most birthers, they can safely resume intercourse at how many weeks PP? and once what has happened? most resume by?
- 2-4 weeks PP
- once bleeding has stopped and perineum has healed
- most resume by 5-6 weeks PP
sexual activity PP is affect by?
- perineal discomfort
what is common after birth and what impact does this have sexual activity?
- vaginal dryness = may require lubricant
why is it imp to educate the birther on sexual activity?
- need to discuss sexual activity prior to discharge as many people will resume sexual activity before the postpartum check up w their primary care provider at 6 weeks
why should education r/t contraceptive options be given PP?
- should be discussed prior to d/c bc ovulation can occur prior to the 6 week visit
what is the specific criteria for discharge of the birther (13)
- perineum is healing –> appropriate care provided
- no intrapartum or postpartum complications that require ongoing treatment or observation
- mobile
- adequate pain control
- bladder & bowel functions adequate
- has received Rh immune globulin if needed
- contraception education provided
- care provider and community liaison nurse (public health nurse) aware of discharge
- home enviro has adequate supports/aware of community resources
- rubella immunization, as needed
- demonstrated ability to feed newborn and to provide newborn care
- recognize S&S of illness or concerns r/t newborn
- aware of appointment w newborn care provider arranged
when are appts w the primary care provider done for a vaginal birth? c-section?
- vaginal = 6 weeks PP
- c-section = 2 weeks