N216 OB Ch 20 Postparum Physiology

Question 1

Postpartal diaphoresis

Answer 1

profuse sweating that occurs after birth, especially at night, to rid the body of retained fluid during pregnancy.

Question 2

Afterpains

Answer 2

uncomfortable uterine cramping that occurs during early postpartum period as a result of periodic relaxation and vigorous contractions.

Question 3

Prolactin

Answer 3

the lactogenic hormone secreted by the pituitary gland of lactating women.

Question 4

Oxytocin

Answer 4

a pituitary hormone that is responsible for uterine contraction and the let-down reflex.

Question 5

Atony

Answer 5

failure of the uterine muscle to contract firmly. it is the most frequent cause of excessive postpartum bleeding.

Question 6

hemorrhoid

Answer 6

an anal varicosity.

Question 7

Involution

Answer 7

the return of the uterus to a nonpregnant state.

Question 8

Autolysis

Answer 8

the self-destruction of excess hypertrophied uterine tissue as a result of the decrease in estrogen and progesterone level following birth.

Question 9

Puerperium; 4th trimester

Answer 9

terms used interchangeably with postpartum to refer to the period of recovery after childbirth that lasts approximately 6 weeks, although the time can vary from woman to woman.

Question 10

Diastasis recti abdomini

Answer 10

separation of the abdominal wall muscles related to the effect of the enlargement of the uterus on the abdominal musculature.

Question 11

Lochia

Answer 11

post-childbirth uterine discharge or flow

Question 12

Lochia rubra

Answer 12

the bright red bloody uterine discharge that occurs for 3-4 days following birth; it consists primarily of blood and decidual tissue and trophoblastic debris and may contain small clots.

Question 13

Lochia serosa

Answer 13

pink to brownish uterine discharge; consists primarily of old blood, serum, leukocytes, and tissue debris and continues for 22-27 days.

Question 14

Lochia alba

Answer 14

the yellowish white flow that begins about 10 days after birth and continues for 2 to 6 weeks; it consists of leukocytes, decidua, and epithelial cells, mucous, serum, and bacteria.

Question 15

Engorgement

Answer 15

terms used to describe distended, firm, tender, and warm breasts during the postpartum period.

Question 16

Subinvolution

Answer 16

failure of the uterus to return to a nonpregnant state. the most common cause are retained placental fragments and infection.

Question 17

Exogenous Oxytocin (Pitocin)

Answer 17

medication usually administered IV or IM immediately after expulsion of the placenta to ensure that the uterus remains firm and well contracted.

Question 18

Dyspareunia

Answer 18

discomfort or pain with intercourse.

Question 19

Kegel exercises

Answer 19

exercises that help strengthen perineal muscles and encourage healing.

Question 20

Colostrum

Answer 20

yellowish fluid produced in the breasts before lactation.

Question 21

Diuresis

Answer 21

increased production of urine that occurs in the postpartum period to rid the body of excess tissue fluid retained during pregnancy.

Question 22

Pelvic relaxation

Answer 22

lengthening and weakening of the fascial support of pelvic structures , which include the uterus, vagina, urethra, bladder, and rectum.