Quiz Units E & F Flashcards
What is defined as “the return of the uterus to the non-pregnant state?
Involution
How fast does the uterus shrink in size?
The fundal height decreases about 1-2cm per day
At what time postpartum is the fundus below the pelvic bone and unpalpable?
At about 2 wks postpartum
Should the fundus be firm or boggy?
Firm/midline
When does the placental scab pass?
About 10-14 days post delivery
What can the passing of the placental scab cause?
A temporary increase in lochial flow
At the end of the 3rd stage of labor, where is the fundus located, and how much does it weigh?
It is about 2cm below the umbilicus and weighs about 1000 g
What is it called if the uterus fails to return to normal size, and what causes it?
Subinvolution and it is caused by hemorrhage, infection, or placental fragments left in the uterus
What are the 3 types of lochia and describe each?
Rubra = red and consists of blood/debris and lasts 3-4 days; Serosa = pink/brown, consists of old blood/debris and lasts about 4-10 days; Alba = yellow/white, consists of debris/serum/bacteria and lasts about 10 days to 6 wks
What can cause lochial flow to increase?
Ambulation and breastfeeding
Is it normal for bleeding to reoccur at about 10 days postpartum?
Yes. It is from the healing placental site
If the lochia has an offensive odor, is it normal?
No. It may be a sign of infection
What are the 4 levels of lochia on the pad and over what time frame is it determined?
Scant = 2” (10mL) stain; Small/light = 4” (10-25mL) stain; Moderate = 6” (25-50mL) stain; Large = >6” (50-80mL) stain; Excessive = 1 pad in 15 min
How long does postpartum bleeding last and what size clot requires MD notification?
3-6 wks. If a clot is larger than a silver dollar, then MD must be notified
What are some s/s of placental fragments left in the uterus?
Pelvic pain/heaviness, backache, malaise, prolonged lochial discharge, irregular/excessive discharge, uterus is larger and softer
How is postpartum hemorrhage defined?
SVD = bleeding >500mL or C-section = bleeding >1000mL; 10% drop in Hct; May need a transfusion
How are early and late postpartum hemorrhage defined?
Early is in the 1st 24hrs postpartum and late is after that
What can be given to help the uterus contract and stop postpartum bleeding?
Pitocin - 10-40 units in 100mL of LR (ok for lactating moms); Methergine - 200-400mcg q2-7 doses (not for lactating moms); Hemabate - (hospital use only) 250mcg IV 2mL max; Cytotech (prostaglandin E)
When can’t you use Hemabate (a prostaglandin E)?
If there is a uterine scar (ie, C-section)
What is uterine atony?
Failure of the uterus to properly contract. #1 cause of PP hemorrhage
What are some predispositions to uterine hemorrhage?
Lack of muscle tone, over-distension of the uterus due to multiples, LGA, hydramnios, multiparity >5, use of tocolytic drugs, precipitous or prolonged labor, c-section, use of extraction tools, manual removal of the placenta, previa, accreta (abnormally deep placental attachment), drugs, DIC, clotting factors
When performing fundal massage, what is it important to always do?
Support the fundus at the symphysis pubis
What is the 2nd most common cause of early hemorrhage?
Trauma to the birth canal due to lacerations and hematomas
What are some good pain control techniques for postpartum?
Change position every 1-2hrs, distraction, walking
What is the first pain med given postpartum and why?
Ibuprofen 800mg/dose (2400mg max per day); Reduces inflammation
What causes afterbirth pains and who doesn’t usually get them?
They are caused by constriction of the intramyometrial blood vessels, brought on by an increase of Oxytocin due to breast feeding, or by admin of Pitocin. 1st time moms generally don’t have them due to good uterine muscle tone
What happens to the external cervical os after a baby is born?
It gradually closes over 2wks, but never regains it’s circular shape
How soon does the os return to normal size?
2 weeks
What happens to the vagina postpartum?
It is never the same again! Rugae may disappear, bruised and edematous, lacks estrogen, dry
How long does it take the vagina to return to normal?
6-8 weeks
What can happen to the abdominal wall with LGA or muliparity?
Diastasis recti abdominus (separation)
When doe postpartum diuresis begin? What urinary labs increase/decrease?
Within 12hrs of birth. BUN increases and +1 proteinuria is common for a couple of days
When does mom usually have her first BM postpartum?
It is usually delayed 2-3 days
If a breast is infected, can breastfeeding be continued? What about an abscess?
Yes. Probably not. Will have to pump and dump
What does the acronym BUBBLE HER stand for?
Breast, Uterus, Bowel, Bladder, Lochia, Extra (episiotomy/epidural sites), Homan’s, Emotions, Rh
What is a convenient way to assess for Homan’s sign?
If they are walking pain free, then it is negative (Most modern studies show this to be a very inaccurate test, and may even help dislodge the DVT!)
When does colostrum change to milk?
After a few days
What does colostrum look like and what does it contain?
It is more yellow in color and contains immunoglobulins
What is the difference between foremilk and hindmilk and how does it differ from colostrum?
Foremilk is suckled for the 1st 10-15min and is lower in fat then the hindmilk. Milk is bluish in color
When is an H&H done and why?
The morning after delivery an H&H is done to check Hgb & Hct levels. More than a 4 point drop is considered PP hemorrhage
What other immunizations can be given before they go home?
Rubella, if indicated, is given right before going home, in case they spike a fever, and Rhogam, if mom is Rh-/baby is Rh+/baby’s direct Coomb’s is neg. Tdap can be given any time
How do we differentiate between “the baby blues” and PPD?
PPD may include loss of control, and/or feelings of worthlessness, and/or lack of pleasure
How can you differentiate between PP blues and everyday female mood swings?
Anxiety, crying, exhaustion r/t physiological changes after birth; intensified with sleep deprivation/postpartum or newborn complications
What separates PPD from PPP?
Depression is when mom threatens to kill dad if he ever touches her again. If it’s psychosis, she does it. PPP can include hallucinations, paranoia, and most importantly, she can’t take care of the baby
What risk factors exist for PPD? What is done if these are known?
No FOB available (prison/etc), <20yrs old, fast delivery, financial difficulties, hx of PPD, family strife. She will need to be followed closely for 6mo
When does the “baby blues occur”?
Usually in the first 1-2wks PP
When does PPD happen?
Usually begins after 1mo, but within 3mo of delivery and can last up to 1yr
When does PPP occur?
It can begin up to 2yrs PP
What are some s/s of proper parent/child attachment?
Call infant by name, identifies who infant looks like, body contact, do they avoid touching baby, do they comfort?
When is the peurperium?
It begins with the delivery of the placenta and ends when the body returns to its pre-pregnant state
Does BS go up or down during the PP period?
It goes down due to decreasing hormone levels (estrogen, progesterone, and the enxyme insulinase)