Postpartum Changes
This is the postbirth uterine discharge that is red and usually lasts for the first 3 to 4 days after birth.
Lochia rubra
A postpartum patient’s fundus is boggy. This is the nurse’s priority action.
Massage the fundus
The most common cause of early postpartum hemorrhage is this.
Uterine atony
This cheeselike white substance may cover the newborn’s skin and is more prominent in the folds closer to term.
Vernix caseosa
This medication is given to prevent hemorrhagic disease of the newborn.
Vitamin K
This hormone strengthens and coordinates uterine contractions after birth.
Oxytocin
A fundus that is displaced to the right is commonly caused by this.
Full or distended bladder
What are three common risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage
grand multiparity, precipitous birth, large infant, multiple gestation
These small white sebaceous glands may appear on the newborn’s forehead, nose, and chin.
Milia
Vitamin K is necessary because newborns lack this in the intestinal tract at birth.
bacteria/intestinal flora that synthesize Vitamin K
This is the failure of the uterus to return to its nonpregnant state.
Subinvolution
These are two nursing interventions that help prevent excessive bleeding after birth.
Maintaining uterine tone and preventing bladder distention
These medications may be ordered if bleeding continues and the uterus is not firm despite massage.
Pitocin/oxytocin, Methergine, Hemabate, or Cytotec/misoprostol?
This fine body hair is often seen on the newborn, especially on the back.
Lanugo
Universal newborn screening for genetic, endocrine, and metabolic disorders should be done at this time.
24 hours or more after delivery
This type of lochia contains old blood, serum, leukocytes, and debris.
Lochia serosa
Pain control is important after birth because it promotes these recovery activities.
rest, ambulation, infant care, and recovery
The most effective and least expensive treatment for puerperal infection is this.
prevention through strict aseptic technique and hand hygiene
This benign newborn skin finding must be documented immediately because it can later be mistaken for bruising or abuse.
Congenital dermal melanocytosis
During phototherapy, the nurse should expose as much of the newborn’s skin as possible while protecting these areas.
eyes and genitals
Around 3-5 days postpartum, breast fullness, warmth, and tenderness can occur as milk production increases
Breast engorgement
Regardless of obstetric status, no woman should be discharged from the recovery area until this has occurred.
Complete recovery from anesthesia
Pain and tenderness in the lower extremity, warmth, pinkish color, malaise, and diminished peripheral pulses may indicate this postpartum complication.
Venous thromboembolic disease, such as DVT
Jaundice occurring before this time in a term infant is considered pathologic and should be discussed with the provider.
before 24 hours of life
Circumcision should be presented to parents this way.
an optional parental decision, not an expected part of newborn care