Postpartum assessment normal/abnormal Flashcards
BUBBLEHE
B—breasts; palpate the breasts to assess for fullness and/or engorgement
U—uterus; check the vaginal discharge
B—bladder;
B—bowels and rectum (for hemorrhoids and too inquire about most recent bowel movement) give daily stool softener, avoid enemas or suppositories, specialty in laceration, otherwise question it first”, palpate for distention above symphysis level
L—lochia check for smell, color, amount, (not to flush CLOTS, save them, warm water to rinse stitches, change pads after each voiding, apply tucks, encourage sitz backs 3x PRN, if they have 3rd or 4tf degree laceration
E—episiotomy (and perineum); Inspect pereniem redness, edema, laceration, (place them on the side, use a flashlight, apply ice bags if swollen, c/for hemorrhoids, wipe from front to back
H—Hormones (for emotions) (Is she interested in her self-care, baby?/ stage 3 is the letting go phase, stablish relationship to others, could lead to PP blues, temporarily, (fatigue, pain), then PP depression (anidepressants), if not leads to PP psychosis (paranoia, suicidal behavious)
E—extremities. Assess for signs of complication (DVT) such as pain, warmth, redness, and edema. Contact HCP to request order for diagnostic test ie Doppler series (Maternal and Newborn Success p 257)
Anticoagulant therapy is continued with heparin or warfarin (Coumadin) for 6 weeks after birth to minimize the risk of embolism.
PP Assessment note:
Palpating uterine fundus, examine perineum, amount and color of lochia, urinary output and vital signs.
A woman had a 3,000-gram baby via normal spontaneous vaginal delivery 12 hours ago, the X should still be within the umbilical area (less than 24hs).
