Post Partum Assessment and Care Flashcards
5 Main Physiologic Events following stage 4 of labor
- uterus involutes
- lochia is present
- breasts begin milk production
- intestines are sluggish for a few days as body redistributes fluid and abdomen is more open
- Ovarian function and menstruation return
How long does uterus involution take?
6 weeks
How long until ovarian function and menstruation return in non-lactating mother?
6-12 weeks
What does BUBBLERS stand for?
8 point PP assessment
1. breast
2. uterus
3. bladder
4. bowels
5. lochia
6. episiotimy/perineum
7. reaction
8. signs
When is colostrum vs milk produced?
colostrum: later stages of pregnancy
milk: 3rd day pp
When should baby be put to breast?
First hour
Signs of mastitis
red streaks, red spots, sore, warm/tender spot, malaise if systemic
What should a non-breastfeeding mother be taught?
Avoid stimulation of the nipples
- tight bra to prevent milk from filling ducts
- cabbage/something cold to constrict blood flow
What is uterus involution?
rapid compression of uterus to non pregnancy state
sealing off of placental site
What are patients at risk for if involution does not occur?
PP hemorrhage
What impedes uterine involution?
- overextension of uterus (twins, large BW, polyhydraminos, multiparous)
- long labor/oxytocin induction
- retained placental fragments
Why would an oxytocin induction impede uterine involution?
The uterus is used to having the oxytocin promote contractions; without it, it may not contract
What enhances involution?
- oxytocin with anterior shoulder
- fundal assessments/massage
- uncomplicated birth
- complete placental expulsion
- breast feeding
- early ambulation
Boggy uterus
a finding upon physical examination where the uterus is more flaccid than would be expected.
What is a boggy uterus associated with?
Uterine atony
What is uterine atony
occurs when your uterus doesn’t contract (or tighten) properly during or after childbirth. It’s a serious complication that can cause life-threatening blood loss. Uterine atony (or the muscular tone of your uterus) describes a uterus that is soft, or lacking tone.
INVOLUTION NOT OCCURING
During a PP fundal assessment, within 12 hours where should the fundus be and what is not normal?
At or below umbilicus; above umbilicus is not normal
What type of palpation must be used for PP fundal assessment?
Deep
What three things are you assessing in PP fundal assessment
- position
- firmness
- midline
What would cause uterus to not be midline during PP fundal assessment?
bladder can displace uterus left or right impeding ability of uterus to go where it wants to go; assure it is empty
What can the massage/stimulation associated with PP fundal assessment cause?
Contraction/increased involution
Describe the anticipated progress of fundal involution day to day
Height of the fundus about one finger breadth below umbilicus (approx. 1cm) each day
Are you concerned if at at day 4 the fundus is 7 cm below umbilicus?
No
Can be involuted more quickly AT OR BELOW; only concern is decrease in rate
What are afterpains?
Involution contractions in multiparous women associated with breastfeeding due to oxytocin increases contractions
What does pain during PP palpation of fundus indicate?
Not contractions, may indicate infection
When should you administer pain medication to a breast feeding women to decrease afterpains?
1/2 hour before or PRN
What is diastasis recti abdominis?
occurs when the rectus abdominis muscles (six-pack ab muscles) separate during pregnancy from being stretched
What is the tupler technique?
The purpose of the program is to heal the weakened connective tissue between the separated abdominal muscles.
Consists of elevator exercise, contraction exercise, and head lift exercise
What is the webster techniques?
a chiropractic method used during pregnancy to address issues related to pelvic alignment. It involves specific adjustments and manipulations aimed at reducing pelvic misalignments and tension in the ligaments and muscles. By promoting optimal pelvic balance, the Webster Technique may help alleviate discomfort and potentially contribute to a smoother and safer childbirth.
Do you need to perform fundal palpation for a c-section/tubal ligation mom?
May or may not assess fundus post-op; belief was increased risk and pain
If not palpating fundus, how can we assess bleeding risk in c-section moms?
- vitals
- lochia
- pain
- risk factors
True or false: the risk of PP hemorrhage is increased in C section moms
false: Risk of hemorrhage is less because uterus is completely emptied in surgery
Pain not associated with incision in c-section mom is associated with
infection or bleeding
Capacity of bladder PP
Increased
Sensation of bladder PP
decreased
What are PP moms at risk for related to their bladder?
Urinary retention related to swelling/bruising, leading to UTI and deterring involution
When is spontaneous bowel movement anticipated PP?
2-3 days
When does elimination return to normal PP?
Within 1 week
When is lochia rubra expected
days 1-3
Describe colour, odour, consistency of lochia rubra
dark red venous blood, stale odour, clots < loonie