Postpartum: Sherpath Flashcards
Postpartum
Descent of the Uterine Fundus: Three processes
Contraction of the muscle fibers
Catabolic processes
Regeneration of uterine epithelium
Subinvolution
is a slower than expected return of the uterus to its non-pregnant size and consistency
What may delay the uterus from returning to it pre-pregnancy state?
Retention of placental fragments
Pelvic infection
May not be evident until well after discharge
Involution can be evaluated by measuring the descent of the fundus.
About 1 cm per day
14 days after childbirth, the fundus should no longer be palpable.
“After pains” or intermittent uterine contractions, cause discomfort for many women (multiparas, breastfeeding)
Bubble Assessment: B (Breast)
Colostrum excretion
Assist mom with putting baby to nipple within first hour of birth
Assist with breastfeeding positions, techniques
Bubble Assessment: U (Uterus)
Location of fundus above baseline level Fundus displaced from midline Excessive lochia Bladder discomfort Bulge of bladder above symphysis Frequent voidings of less than 150 mL of urine, which may indicate urinary retention with overflow
Bubble Assessment: B (Bowel)
Push fluids
Assist to toilet
May need stool aids
Bubble Assessment: B (Bladder)
Monitor for distention
Assess for retention
Displaced fundus
Bubble Assessment: L (Lochia)
Lochia rubra Lochia serosa Lochia alba Color Amount, type, and odor Foul odor suggests endometrial infection
Bubble Assessment: E (Episiotomy)
Pericare
Infection prevention
Focused Assessment: Perineum
First-degree: Involves the superficial vaginal mucosa or perineal skin.
Second-degree: Involves the vaginal mucosa, perineal skin, and deeper tissues, which may include fascia and muscles of the perineum.
Third-degree: Same as second-degree lacerations but involves the anal sphincter.
Fourth-degree: Extends through the anal sphincter into the rectal mucosa.
Perineum: After childbirth may be edematous and bruised
Episiotomy or trauma
Healing takes up to 4–6 months
Focused Assessment: Vagina
It takes 6–10 weeks for the vagina to regain its non-pregnant size and contour
Focused Assessment: Fundus and Lochia
Lower extremities Homan’s sign, +/- Edema and deep tendon reflexes Vital signs Blood pressure Orthostatic hypotension Pulse Respirations Temperature Pain
Focused Assessment: Periurethral Area
A laceration in the area of the urethra may cause women difficulty urinating after birth. An indwelling catheter may be necessary for a day or two.
Focused Assessment: Vaginal Wall
A laceration involving the mucosa of the vaginal wall.
Focused Assessment: Cervix
Tears in the cervix may be a source of significant bleeding after birth.