Postpartum Key Terms (don't spend too much time)

Question 1

Afterpains

Answer 1

Intermittent uterine contractions similar to menstrual cramps. Occurs following delivery. More gravida = more pain.

Question 2

Atony

Answer 2

Lack of uterine muscle tone (often called “boggy”). If patient has an empty bladder and uterus is boggy, you’ll massage the uterus. But if the bladder is full you’ll assist the patient to the bathroom.

Question 3

Attachment

Answer 3

The process of connecting with another human being over time. You can enhance attachment by encouraging things like nursing, talking etc.

Question 4

Boggy

Answer 4

A boggy fundus is a soft.

Question 5

Colostrum

Answer 5

A yellowish protein-rich fluid secreted from the breast usually 3-4 days following pregnancy. It is protein rich and contains antibodies.

Question 6

Diastasis Recti

Answer 6

Muscle separating the midline of the abdomen

Question 7

Engorgement

Answer 7

Enlargement and filling of the breast with milk

Question 8

Episiotomy

Answer 8

Surgical incision of the perinuem at the end of second stage of labor to enlarge the vaginal opening and to avoid lacerations

Question 9

Fundus

Answer 9

The upper portion of the body of the uterus. Should be firm. The umbilicus is the “landmark”. If the fundus is above the umbilicus it is “plus” if it is below the umbilicus it is “minus”.

Question 10

Homan’s Sign

Answer 10

On dorisflexion of the foot, the patient experiences pain in the calf of the leg; used as an indication of thrombophlebitis.

Question 11

Involution

Answer 11

Refers to changes that the uterus undergoes after birth to return to prepregnancy size and condition

Question 12

Let-down Reflex

Answer 12

The milk ejection reflex;the release of milk from the breast. This usually occurs because of some stimulus.

Question 13

Letting Go phase

Answer 13

Know these. Find them in the book, they will likely be on the test.

Question 14

Lochia

Answer 14

Normal uterine discharge of blood, tissue and mucus following childbirth. Three types. Know them. They will be on the test.

Question 15

Postpartum Depression

Answer 15

Various stages/types. Check the notes.

Question 16

Residual urine

Answer 16

urine left in the bladder after urination. Common in pp women due to pain meds or other causes

Question 17

Rhogam

Answer 17

Also given to pp mother who is rh- mom who had rh+ baby and must be given within 72 hours of given birth.

Question 18

Sleep Wake Cycle

Answer 18

There is a box and she will tell us where it is and what to know about it.

Question 19

Thrombophlebitis

Answer 19

inflammation of the vein due to a blood clot. Pain, swelling, warmth, redness

Question 20

Striae

Answer 20

Stretch Marks. No known cure or prevention.

Question 21

Subinvolution

Answer 21

Failure of the uterus to return to a non pregnant state.