Postnatal Examinations Flashcards
Puerperium
Postnatal period
Continues for six weeks
What happens in the uterus following placenta expulsion?
Uterine cavity collapses
Placenta site is compressed
Ends of blood vessels are sealed
Involution
Process by which uterus returns to its normal pre-pregnancy size and position
Ischaemia
Inadequate blood supply to an organ
Results from contractions and retraction of uterine muscle fibres compressing blood vessels
Autolysis
Destruction of cells and tissues by proteolytic enzymes from myometrial cells
Function of proteolytic enzymes
Breaks does excess uterine fibres
Waster products are excreted as urine
What also removes debris from pregnancy?
Phagocytes- phagocytosis
How does coagulation happen?
Through platelet aggregation
Through release of thromboplastin and fibrin
Why is vasoconstriction in the uterus important?
Further reduces blood loss
Why must a woman’s bladder be empty before performing an involution assessment?
Bladder is above the uterus so may be confused
Examination will be uncomfortable if she needs the toilet due to pressure upon the abdomen
How to perform the involution assessment
1) place lower edge of examining hand at approximately the height of the belly button
2) palpate and move town wards until fungus is located
3) note level, tenderness, tone
What is lochia?
Blood loss and unwanted products from conception and Labour
Lochia ruba
Red
Bloody
Shreds of amnion
Meconium
Lochia serosa
Pinky brown
Mucous
Decidua
Leucocytes
Lochia alba
White/yellow
Mucous
