Unit 4 Postpartum Care

Question 1

Involution

Answer 1

Refers to changes that the reproductive organs, particularly the uterus, undergo after birth to return them to their pregnancy size and condition.

Question 2

Fundus

Answer 2

The upper portion of the body of the uterus.

Question 3

After Pains

Answer 3

Intermittent uterine contractions cause pain after birth. Occur more often in multiparas or in women whose uterus was overly distended.

Question 4

Lochia

Answer 4

Vaginal discharge after delivery. Composed of endometrial tissue, blood, and lymph.

Question 5

Episiotomy

Answer 5

Incision to enlarge the vaginal opening.

Question 6

Bonding

Answer 6

Refers to a strong emotional tie that forms soon after birth between the newborn and the parents.

Question 7

Let-Down

Answer 7

Milk ejection. The mother usually feels a tingling in her breasts and abdominal cramping.

Question 8

Colostrum

Answer 8

Secreted by the breasts. This is yellow-ish fluid is rich in protective antibodies. It provides protein, vitamin A or E, and essential minerals, but it is lower in calories then milk.

Question 9

Engorgement

Answer 9

The breast and areola become very tense and distended. Early, regular, and frequent nursing helps prevents this.

Question 10

Puerperium

Answer 10

Postpartum period. Is 6 weeks following childbirth.

Question 11

Ecchymosis

Answer 11

Bruising. A few superficial bruises are common with delivery. Large bruising interferes with normal healing.

Question 12

Abortion

Answer 12

Termination of pregnancy before 20 wakes miscarriage or induced

Question 13

Antepartum or prenatal

Answer 13

Time before delivery once pregnant

Question 14

Intrapartum

Answer 14

During birthing process

Question 15

Gravida

Answer 15

THe number of pregnancies, regardless of duration, including present one

Question 16

Nulligravdia

Answer 16

Women who has never been pregnant

Question 17

Para(para)

Answer 17

Number of birth delivered after 20 weeks gestation, regardless of whether the infants were born alive or not

Question 18

Mastitis

Answer 18

Reddened, tender, hot area on breast. Edema and feeling of heaviness in breast. Purulent drainage.

Question 19

Subinvolution

Answer 19

Slower than expected return of the uterus to it’s non-pregnant condition

Question 20

Lines Nigra

Answer 20

Hyperpigmentation; dark line that runs down the belly durning pregnancy.

Question 21

Caesarean

Answer 21

Also known as c-section
Used when the mother or fetus is at risk. An incision of about 15 cm (6 inches) is typically made through the mothers lower abdomen.

Question 22

Intrauterine

Answer 22

Inside the uterus

Question 23

Lactation

Answer 23

The secretion of milk by the mammary glands

Question 24

Multiparous

Answer 24

A women having born more than one child

Question 25

Parturition

Answer 25

The action of giving birth

Question 26

Perineum

Answer 26

Area or region between the vagina opening and the angus.

Question 27

Postpartum

Answer 27

Period begins immediately after birth.

Question 28

Prenatal

Answer 28

Before birth, or related to pregnancy

Question 29

Primipara

Answer 29

A women who has given birth for the first time

Question 30

Lochia Rubra

Answer 30

Is red because it is composed of mostly blood. First discharge, last up to 3 days

Question 31

Lochia Serosa

Answer 31

Is pinkish because it is composed of blood and mucous content. Second discharge, lasts from 3-10 days after birth

Question 32

Trimester

Answer 32

A period of 3 months as division of the duration of 9 months of pregnancy
1st, 2nd or 3rd trimester.

Question 33

Lochia Alba

Answer 33

Is clear, colorless or white. It consists mostly of mucous, last from 10-21 days after birth.

Question 34

Oxytocin

Answer 34

BN: Pitocin

Use for medical induction of labor or to strengthen uterine contractions to control bleeding after delivery to prevent hemorrhage.

Also used to stimulate urine contractions with an incomplete or threatened miscarriage.

Question 35

Nitrous Oxide

Answer 35

This drug is used for a pain reliever as it has no effect on the baby.
It can be continuously used as it allows the women to walk durning labor and less invasive then an epidural.

Question 36

COlace

Answer 36

This drug is used to prevent constipation after delivery.

Question 37

Pain Management During a Delivery

Answer 37

Morphine: only used in early stages of labor. Lasts 3-4 hours in mother and 6 hours in infant

Demerol: Not recommenced for obstetrical analgesia and should only be used if true allergy to morphine. Timing is important due to placental transfer and risk of neonatal resp depression. Should not be given within 4 hours of delivery.

Tylenol # 3: Postpartum pain management. Give right after breastfeeding to reduce drug amounts in breast milk.