Postpartum Flashcards

Review postpartum complications, fundal and lochia changes, breastfeeding, and physical changes.

1
Q

Immediate complication

What are 2 life-threatening postpartum complications of cesarean section?

A

Bleeding and Infection

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Immediate complication

How many saturated pads per hour is considered hemorrhage?

A
  • > than 1 pad per hour or
  • one pad that gets saturated within 15 minutes
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Immediate complication

How much blood loss is considered hemorrhage for a vaginal delivery and a cesarean delivery?

A
  • Vaginal delivery: > 500 mL after delivery
  • Cesarean delivery: > 1000 mL after delivery
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

How should pads be measured for postpartum hemorrhage?

A
  • weigh pad before and after use
  • note time in between pad changes
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Interventions:

Postpartum hemorrhage

A

Interventions for postpartum hemorrhage:

  • uterine massage
  • empty pt bladder
  • measure pads
  • give oxytocin as ordered
  • monitor VS, I&O, O2 sat, LOC
  • contact provider if it doesn’t resolve
  • pad count (weigh/keep)
  • Keep IV patent, give IV bolus as ordered
  • anticipate possible transfusion
  • draw labs as ordered (CBC, type and crossmatch, coagulation studies)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What maternal temperature is considered normal during the first 24 hours after birth?

A

98.6o - 100.4o F (36o - 38o C)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Interventions:

Postpartum infection

A
  • assess vital signs
  • get cultures of blood, sputum, or lochia
  • antibiotics
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are the normal assessment findings for the fundus on day one after delivery?

A

The fundus should be firm, midline, and at the umbilicus.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

How far down should the fundus decrease per day?

A

The fundus should decrease 1 cm downward per day.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are the interventions if the fundus is boggy or NOT midline?

A
  • have the client urinate
  • gently massage the fundus until firm
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is lochia?

A

Lochia is vaginal discharge after pregnancy.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Describe:

Lochia rubra

A

The first vaginal discharge that is red that occurs from birth of baby to about 2-3 days postpartum.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Describe:

Lochia serosa

A

The second vaginal discharge that is brownish-pink or brown that occurs from 3 - 10 days postpartum.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Describe:

Lochia alba

A

The third vaginal discharge that is yellow to white in color that occurs from about 1-2 weeks postpartum.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Describe abnormal postpartum lochia that indicates infection.

A
  • a very bad odor
  • yellow/green/gray in color
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

When do postpartum clients start ovulating again?

A

Postpartum clients can start ovulating soon after birth even without having their period yet and while breastfeeding.

Teach clients about contraceptives to prevent pregnancy too soon.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is colostrum?

A

Colostrum is the first milk that comes in for breastfeeding:

  • birth to about 3 days
  • thick, early creamy milk
  • full of vitamins, minerals and proteins
  • contains immunoglobulins and antioxidants
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What is engorgement?

A

Engorgement is when the breasts are very full of milk

It can be painful and uncomfortable for the mother.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What are the interventions for engorgement if the client will not be breastfeeding?

A
  • cabbage
  • wear a snug bra (binder no longer recommended)
  • apply ice packs
  • analgesics
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

When will engorgement resolve?

A

About 36 hours after it started.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is the correct way a newborn should latch onto a breast?

A

Newborn mouth should be over entire areola

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

How long should a breastfeeding baby feed for each breast?

A

Baby feeds on each breast for 15 - 20 minutes.

A breastfeeding session would last between 30 and 40 minutes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

How often should moms breastfeed a newborn?

A

Breastfeed newborns every 2 - 3 hours.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

How often should caretakers bottle feed a newborn?

A

Bottle feed a newborn every 3 - 4 hours.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

If a newborn has to breastfeed every 2 hours and the client started breastfeeding at 1 PM. When would the next breastfeeding session start?

A

The next breastfeeding session would start at 3 PM

Start at the time of when the client started breastfeeding, not when it ended

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

How does the mom break the suction from a breastfeeding baby?

A

Break the breastfeeding suction by inserting a finger between the mouth and the breast.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

How long is breastmilk or formula the only food given to the baby?

A

Breastmilk or formula is the only food for 4 - 6 months.

Nothing else should be given up until that time.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Can breastfeeding mothers take medications?

A

When breastfeeding, all medications and over-the-counter medications need to be approved by the HCP first before taking.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

What are the complications of breastfeeding?

A
  • cracked nipples
  • mastitis
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

What are the interventions for cracked nipples?

A
  • no soap (dries out the skin)
  • expose breasts to air for part of the day
  • use different breastfeeding positions for baby
  • apply lanolin (emollient)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Describe:

Mastitis

A

Mastitis is an infection of the breast with clogged milk ducts.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Interventions:

Mastitis

A
  • heat or cold packs (to decrease inflammation)
  • supportive bra (no wire bras - too much constriction)
  • still breastfeed or pump every 4 hours
  • antibiotics (doxycycline, cephalexin - Keflex)
  • rest
  • increase fluid intake
  • pain meds (ie. ibuprofen)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

Medications:

Mastitis

A
  • analgesics
  • antibiotics
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

What are the general assessments postpartum?

A

Assess for:

  • bleeding
  • infection
  • pain
  • perineal hematoma
  • incision for cesarean delivery
  • depression
  • DVT (thrombophlebitis)
  • fundal height
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

What are the general interventions postpartum?

A
  • vital signs
  • intake and urinary output
  • encourage fluids/fiber/walking
  • pain relief
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

What are the specific assessments and interventions for the renal system postpartum?

A
  1. assess urine output
  2. may have retention if anesthesia was used
    • encourage urination or straight cath

Client will have frequent urination to get rid of extra fluids.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

What are the specific assessments and interventions for the gastrointestinal system postpartum?

A
  1. assess for constipation
    • ​encourage fluids/fiber/walking
    • stool softeners
  2. give extra 500 calories per day due to breastfeeding
  3. multivitamin for deficiencies
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

What are the specific assessments and interventions for mental health postpartum?

A
  1. assess for postpartum depression
    • therapeutic communication, possible group therapy, and medications
  2. assess for mom/baby bonding
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

What are the specific assessments and interventions for the cardiac system postpartum?

A

Assess for DVT (thrombophlebitis) and pulmonary embolism

Provide life-saving interventions and notify HCP

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

What are the specific assessments and interventions for pain postpartum?

A

Assess for pain

  • ice packs to perineum
  • sitz baths
  • analgesics
  • suppositories if client had episiotomy
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

BUBBLEHE

A

B- Breasts

U - Uterus

B - Bladder

B - Bowel

L - Lochia

E - Episiotomy/Perineum

H - Hemorrhoids

E - Emotional Status

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

What are normal assessment findings postpartum?

A
  • Takes time for uterus to go back to normal
  • Abdominal cramps = normal - uterus shrinking back to pre-pregnancy size - esp when baby is breastfeeding
  • Normal to pass large amounts of urine during the first few days because the body is getting rid of extra fluid from pregnancy - blood focused to uterus now has to recalibrate
  • The first BM may not occur for 2-3 days due to hormones, medications, dehydration, fear and decreased physical activity → Norco – causes constipation (education opportunity)
  • Hair loss is not unusual. Normal growth cycle will return but could take 6-15 months
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

What are some abnormal postpartum assessment findings?

A
  • Soaking more than 1 pad/hour
  • Foul smelling discharge
  • Fever of 100.4 F or higher
  • Severe HA, excessive swelling, visual disturbances
  • Incisional separation or pain that will not go away
  • No BM within 4 days
  • Urination problems (frequency, burning, discomfort, hematuria)
  • Pain, warmth, tenderness in legs (calf area)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

What are some high-risk postpartum complications that can occur?

A
  1. hemorrhage
    1. early
    2. late
  2. infection
    1. endometritis (high risk w/C-sections)
    2. UTI
    3. mastitis
  3. thromboembolitic disease
    1. PE
    2. DVT
  4. psychiatric problems
    1. postpartum blues
    2. Postpartum Depression
    3. Postpartum psychosis
45
Q

What are the “4 T’s” of postpartum hemorrhage?

A

The Four T’s mnemonic can be used to identify and address the four most common causes of postpartum hemorrhage:

  1. Tone (uterine atony)
  2. Trauma (laceration, hematoma, inversion, rupture)
  3. Tissue (retained tissue or invasive placenta)
  4. Thrombin (coagulopathy)
46
Q

How is post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) defined?

A

Worldwide, postpartum hemorrhage is the leading cause of pregnancy related deaths (approximately 140,000 women die each year due to PPH)

It is:

  • >500 mL blood loss following a vaginal delivery
  • > 1000 ml blood loss following a cesarean delivery
  • OR 10% drop in Hematocrit (HCT) from pre-delivery baseline
  • OR PP hemodynamic instability (abnormal/unstable BP, HR, arrhythmia etc. )
  • OR PP blood transfusion needed
47
Q

What are some risk factors for post-partum hemorrhage?

A
  • Uterine atony is a very common cause for Early PPH
  • Over distension of the uterus (macrosomic baby, multiple gestation, polyhydramnios)
  • Exhaustion of uterus muscle (long labors, medicines that cause uterus to relax ie. mag)
  • Use of medications which cause the uterus to relax
  • Placenta problems (placenta acreta, abruptio)
  • Lacerations and hematomas
  • Previous history of PPH doubles or triples the risk of a repeat occurrence
48
Q

What are the clinical signs of post-partum hemorrhage?

A
  • Boggy uterus (hard to find)
  • Saturating a peri pad within one hour
  • multiple clots expressed during fundal massage
  • Decreased Blood pressure
  • Increased heart rate
  • Decreased urinary output/oliguria (shunt from kidneys first –> oligo)
  • Extreme thirst
  • restlessness
  • constant oozing, trickling of bright red blood from vagina
  • skin pale, cool, clammy,
  • dizzy/lightheaded
49
Q

What are the lab tests for PPH?

A
  • Hgb and hct
  • Coagulation profile (PT)
  • Blood type and crossmatch
50
Q

What are the nursing interventions for post-partum hemorrhage? Why?

A
  • VS
  • Assess source of bleeding
    • Fundal height, position, firmness-massage
    • Assess lochia-color quantity and clots (size)
    • Signs of bleeding-lacerations, episiotomy, or hematoma
  • Assess bladder for distension
    • Insert an indwelling catheter
  • Maintain/initiate IV fluids with isotonic solution (LR, NS)
  • Administer o2
  • Elevate Legs
  • Blood transfusion
51
Q

What are the most common risk factors for Early Post-partum hemorrhage?

A

uterine atony, lacerations of perineum

52
Q

What are some first-line treatments for post-partum hemorrhage?

A
  1. Controlled traction on umbilical cord w/prolonged 3rd stage >30 min
  2. uterine massage after birth
  3. administration of Oxytocin after delivery of placenta (IM or IV)

These 3 interventions can prevent 50% of PPH.

53
Q

What are second line meds for PPH?

A
  • Methylergonovine (methergine)
  • Carboprost (hemabate)
  • Misoprostol (cytotec)
54
Q

What are some other treatments for PPH?

A
  • Manual removal of retained placental fragments by Health care provider
    • Uterine Tamponade
    • Bakri Balloon
  • Uterine Artery Embolization
  • Surgical Management - Last resort is a hysterectomy
55
Q

Define early PPH vs. late PPH

A

early: after birth up to 24 hours
late: 24 hours - 6 weeks postpartum

56
Q

What are the main causes for early PPH and late PPH?

A

Early: uterine atony, lacerations

Late: retained placenta

57
Q

What are lacerations a potential cause of and when do you suspect it?

A

Another factor in Early PPH: lacerations of the cervix, vagina or perineum
Suspect lacerations if the uterus is firm and bright red bleeding persists

58
Q

What are hematomas and when would you suspect them?

A
  • Injury to a blood vessel from birth trauma or inadequate hemostasis at the site of repair of an incision or laceration
  • Patients will often have severe pain
59
Q

What is the treatment for a hematoma?

A
  • Ice packs and analgesia
  • Small ones resolve on their own (< 3cm and not expanding)
  • Large ones and ones that are expanding require surgical intervention
60
Q

Describe late PPH.

A
  • Most frequently due to subinvolution or retained placental fragments
  • Lochia fails to progress from rubra to serosa to alba normally
  • Lochia serosa that persists for longer than 2 weeks may be suggestive of subinvolution
  • Placental fragments must be removed!
61
Q

What are the nursing interventions for PPH?

A
  • Uterine massage
  • Empty the patient’s bladder
  • Oxytocin as ordered
  • Monitor VS, I&O, O2 sat, LOC
  • If not resolved quickly, contact Health care provider
  • Pad count (weigh or keep)
  • Keep iv patent, give iv bolus as ordered but anticipate possible transfusion
  • Draw labs as ordered (CBC, type and Crossmatch, coagulation studies…)
62
Q

Define postpartum endometritis.

A
  • Infection of the uterine lining
  • Associated with childbirth
63
Q

What are the risk factors PP endometritis?

A
  • Cesarean birth (had uterus opened up)
  • Chorioamnionitis
  • Pprom
  • Compromised health status (ie. immunosupression, anemia)
  • Manual removal of placenta (doctor can introduce bacteria)
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Anemia
64
Q

What would you find on assessment for pp endometritis?

A
  • uterine tenderness on palpation
  • foul smelling lochia
  • tachycardia
  • chills
  • fever
65
Q

What is the treatment for pp endometritis?

A
  • IV abx
  • if fever persists after 48 hours, keep testing
66
Q

How is pp cystitis defined and what are the risk factors?

A
  • Lower urinary tract infection, Typically caused by E. coli
  • Trauma to Urinary tract
  • Urinary retention
  • Contamination during catheterization
67
Q

How do we prevent and treat pp cystitis?

A
  • Keep bladder empty during labor and postpartum period - good for them to get up and walk
  • Avoid catheterization if possible but Use careful aseptic technique when you must do it
  • Clean catch specimen for Culture & sensitivity (C&S) if infection suspected
  • Antibiotics to treat
68
Q

Define pp mastitis.

A
  • Infection of the interlobular connective tissue of lactating women
  • Onset typically between 2-8 weeks after delivery
69
Q

What are the s/s of pp mastitis?

A
  • Warm, reddened, painful area on the breast
  • Fever, chills, headache, flu-like aches and malaise (tiredness, discomfort)
  • can have bright yellow milk
  • can lose supply if severe
70
Q

How can you prevent pp mastitis?

A
  • Handwashing before breastfeeding
  • Supportive but non-constricting bra
  • Frequent and complete emptying of breast milk - feed q2hrs
  • Avoid trauma to nipples
    • Learn correct latch technique
    • Keep nipples dry between feedings
71
Q

How do you treat pp mastitis?

A
  • Keep breastfeeding
  • Antibiotics (ie. doxycycline, cephalexin - Keflex)
  • Rest
  • Increased fluid intake
  • Warm or ice packs - open draining wound, probably cold, whatever makes them feel comfortable
  • Pain medications such as ibuprofen (b/c antiinflammatory)
72
Q

Define thromboembolic disease and common types seen pp.

A

Blood clots (often DVT or PE)

73
Q

What are the main causes of thromboembolic disease?

A
  • Venous stasis
  • hypercoagulability
  • injury to epithelium of blood vessel
74
Q

What are the risk factors of thromboembolic disease?

A
  • Cesarean birth (12 hours in bed post c-section)
  • Prolonged immobility
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Varicose veins
  • diabetes
75
Q

What are the s/s of a DVT?

A
  • Leg pain/tenderness (but not always)
  • Unilateral swelling, warmth, redness
  • Calf tenderness
76
Q

What are the s/s of a PE?

A
  • Apprehension/anxiety
  • Pleuritic chest pain (severe, not heart)
  • Dyspnea
  • Tachypnea
  • Hemoptysis
  • Peripheral edema
  • Distended neck veins
  • elevated temp
  • Hypotension
  • Hypoxia
  • Diaphoresis
77
Q

What is the tx of a DVT?

A
  • Immediate administration of anticoagulants
    • Heparin or Low molecular weight heparin
  • Maintenance with warfarin is started at 1-5 days
  • Strict bed rest and elevation of affected limb are required
  • Once symptoms have subsided, ENCOURAGE walking (Have patient wear support Hose but NOT when there are symptoms)
  • Do not massage affected extremity
  • Measure the leg circumferences
  • Administer analgesics (NSAIDs)
78
Q

What is the tx of a PE?

A
  • Bedrest
  • Place client in semi fowler’s position
  • Administer o2 by mask
  • Anticoagulant therapy
  • Other medications that may be used
    • Thrombolytic therapy -Alteplase (activase), steptokinase (Steptase)
79
Q

What meds are used to break up a PE (thrombolytic therapy)?

A
  • Alteplase (activase)
  • steptokinase (Steptase)
80
Q

What are the 3 pp psychiatric disorders and what is their incidence/timeline?

A
  1. Postpartum Blues
    • The mildest of the three
    • Also known as “Adjustment Reaction with depressed mood”
    • Or “baby blues”
    • Occurs in as many as 85% of mothers
    • Typically begins 2-4 days after delivery and resolves within 10-14 days
  2. Postpartum depression
    • Also known as “Peripartum major mood episodes”
    • Occurs in 10-20% of all PP women
    • Typically begins about 4th week after delivery but can occur anytime in the first year
  3. Postpartum psychosis
  • Most serious of the three
  • Also known as “Postpartum mood episodes with psychotic features”
  • Occurs in 1-2 per 1000 women
  • Symptoms usually show up within a few days of delivery
  • considered an emergency
81
Q

What are the 3 phases of psychologic adjustments for new moms?

A
  1. Taking in (2-3 days)
    • Preoccupied with own needs, passive, dependent
    • Touches and explores infant
    • Needs to discuss her L&D experience
  2. Taking hold (3-10 days)
    • Obsessed with body functions, initiates self care
    • Rapid mood swings
    • Responds to instruction about infant care and self care
  3. letting go (10 days - 6 weeks)
    • Mothering functions have been established
    • Sees infant as a unique person
82
Q

What are the s/s of postpartum blues?

A
  • Mood swings
  • difficulty sleeping
  • anorexia
  • a feeling of letdown
83
Q

What are the risk factors of pp blues?

A
  • changing hormone levels
  • pain
  • fatigue
  • an unsupportive environment or insecurity
84
Q

What should you do to encourage mothers experiencing pp blues?

A

Positive reinforcement of good behaviours

85
Q

What are the s/s of pp depression?

A
  • Similar to symptoms of postpartum blues but PERSISTS
  • Feelings of worthlessness
  • Lack of interest in usual activities
  • Lack of concern over personal appearance
  • Irritability or hostility toward baby
  • Thoughts of suicide
86
Q

What are the risk factors of pp blues?

A
  • History of depression prior to pregnancy
  • History of bipolar disorder
  • Stressful life events
  • Lack of social support or a stable life partner
  • Loss of newborn
  • First pregnancy or young mother
87
Q

What is the tx of pp depression?

A
  1. Individual or group therapy, plus…
  2. Antidepressants (some are bf safe)
    1. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
    2. Tricyclic antidepressants
88
Q

What are the s/s of postpartum psychosis?

A
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Depersonalization*
  • Confused, irrational
  • Hallucinations, delusions
  • Psychomotor disturbances:
  • Stupor
  • Agitation
  • rapid and incoherent speech
89
Q

What are the risk factors of pp psychosis?

A
  • History of previous postpartum psychosis
  • History of bipolar disorder
  • Family history of either condition above
90
Q

What is the Tx of pp psychosis?

A
  • Keep mom and baby safe!
  • inpatient psychiatric care
  • Antipsychotic medications
  • Psychotherapy
  • Social support
91
Q

What are the nursing interventions for psychological issues?

A
  • Observe patient with the baby, by herself, with her family and friends
  • Review history
  • Note adequacy of coping skills
  • Note degree of self-esteem
  • Recognize early signs of problems
  • Support positive parenting behaviors
  • Discuss patients plans for baby and self
  • Refer to social services if necessary
92
Q

What are the 3 types of lochia and when are they seen?

A
  1. Lochia rubra, <3 day pp and should not recur
  2. Lochia serosa, 3-10 days pp
  3. Lochia alba, 1-2 weeks pp
93
Q

What are abnormal findings pertaining to lochia?

A
  • lochia “going backwards”
  • bright red for a long time after delivery
  • clots bigger than egg/golf ball
  • *note that C-sections will have less bleeding dt uterus being “cleaned”
94
Q

How do you assess the breasts pp?

A
  • Determine if breast or bottle feeding
  • inspect for redness or engorgement
  • inspect for fissures, cracks, inversion
  • Palpate lightly for softness
    • slight firmness dt filling
    • tightness can be engorgement (usually 3-4 days pp)
    • warmth or tenderness?
95
Q

What is pt teaching for breastfeeding moms?

A
  • Use supportive bra
  • Keep nipples dry and watch for fissures or cracks*
  • Watch for reddened or tender spots on breast - mastitis, or plugged duct (has to be massaged and emptied to avoid mastitis)
  • Additional teaching during breastfeeding attempts as needed
96
Q

What is pt teaching for non-breastfeeding moms?

A
  • Use supportive bra
  • Avoid breast stimulation
  • Apply cold packs
  • Apply cold, raw cabbage leaves inside bra
97
Q

What are normal vs. abnormal findings of the uterus pp?

A
  • Palpate the position of the fundus in relation to the umbilicus
  • Is fundus firm or boggy?
  • Is fundus in midline? - ask if they’ve voided. If it’s not midline, may indicate full bladder. Have them void first (documentation ex: U-2)
  • Inspect abdominal incision for patients with a cesarean delivery using REEDA mnemonic
  • Excessive pain may indicate infection
98
Q

What does the REEDA mneomic stand for when assessing an incision/laceration?

A

R-Redness

E-Edema

E-ecchymosis

D - discharge/drainage

A - approximation

99
Q

What is patient teaching for uterus pp?

A
  • fundal position
  • firmness
  • how to massage fundus
  • C-section fundus -sore
100
Q

What are assessment findings/interventions for bladder pp?

A
  • Assess bladder for distension frequently due to postpartum diuresis - 2-3 hours = need to void
  • Assess frequency, burning or urgency
  • A boggy uterus, displaced uterus or palpable bladder is a sign of bladder distension
  • Catheterization may be needed if distension is noted and patient can not void
101
Q

What will you teach the pt about bladder to encourage voiding?

A
  • Out of bed - even if c section
    • Ambulation helps them feel better
    • Helps pass gas
    • helps them heal fast if c-section
  • Pouring warm water on perineum
  • Running water in the sink (to mimic sound of urine flow)
  • Encourage relaxation and breathing
  • Encourage frequent voiding
  • Increase the amount of water she drinks - they forget to drink
102
Q

What would you look for when assessing bowels?

A
  • Bowel movements normally return within 2-3 days after childbirth
  • Constipation can increase pressure on sutures and increase discomfort, but won’t pop out sutures if pt has a laceration
  • bowel sounds - can be hypoactive
  • Is pt passing gas?
  • med - Colace/ docusate sodium
103
Q

What do you need ot teach the pt about bowels/BM?

A
  • Help re-establish normal bowel pattern
    • Encourage ambulation
    • Encourage fluids
    • Encourage fresh fruits/vegetables/fiber in diet
  • Stool Softeners
  • Don’t be afraid!
104
Q

How should you assess lochia?

A
  • Have pt lay on side and bend knee and look from back (hemorrhoids can be checked this way too)
  • Assess for character, amount, odor and clots
    • If it smells, indicative of infection
  • Assess for Rubra, Serosa, and Alba
  • Clots and heavy bleeding may be caused by uterine relaxation, retained placenta fragments or an unknown cervical laceration
  • Sample charting:
    • “Scant lochia rubra on pad, no unusual odor noted, no clots expelled during fundal massage.”
105
Q

What would you teach the pt about lochia?

A
  • Inform patient of the normal changes with color and characteristics
  • Effect of position changes
    • Dizziness, gush of fluid when getting up
  • Hygienic measures
    • Wipe front to back, peri bottle, pat dry
    • Peri bottle should have clean water
  • Patients who have a Cesarean birth may experience less bleeding
106
Q

How do you assess the perineum?

A
  • Inspect Perineum area for REEDA
    • R- Redness
    • E- Edema
    • E- Ecchymosis (Bruising)
    • D- Discharge (Drainage)
    • A- Approximation (of wound edges)
  • Sample charting: “Perineum intact.”
107
Q

What do you teach the pt about the episiotomy/peri area?

A
  • Discuss the type of episiotomy or laceration patient has (4 degrees)
  • Sutures will dissolve on own
  • Ice packs
  • Sitz Baths - seat and can sit perineum in water
  • Peri bottle after voiding and BM
  • Kegel exercises
  • Topical sprays or foam for pain control - numbing foam
108
Q

How do you assess hemorrhoids?

A
  • Patient in sims -same time as lochia/peri
  • Tucks pads, warm water
  • Note the size, number and pain or tenderness
  • Sample charting:
    “One pea-sized hemorrhoid noted, non-tender.”
109
Q

What would you teach the pt about hemorrhoids?

A
  • Care - tucks pads, warm water, witch hazel, preparation H
  • Pain management
  • Discussion regarding what they are and what future implications may be involved
    • Sometimes they come back or don’t go away