POSTPARTUM PHYSIOLOGY
This type of lochia is bright red and occurs in the first 1–3 days postpartum.
RUBRA
Mood swings and tearfulness within the first week postpartum are known as this.
POSPARTUM BLUES
Red, painful breast area with flu-like symptoms in a breastfeeding mother suggests this condition.
mastitis
This is the leading cause of maternal death in the immediate postpartum period.
PPH
Placing the newborn directly on the mother’s chest immediately after birth promotes this.
bonding/skin-to-skin contact
This hormone is responsible for uterine contractions and milk ejection.
oxytocin
This severe condition includes hallucinations and delusions and is a psychiatric emergency.
POSTARTUM PSYCHOSIS
A client is 2 hours postpartum with heavy, bright-red bleeding. The fundus is firm, midline, and at the expected level. What is the most likely cause?
Cervical or vaginal lacerations
udden leg pain, redness, and swelling may indicate this serious complication.
DVT
Calling the baby by name and making eye contact demonstrates this behavior.
Attachment
This common postpartum discomfort increases during breastfeeding due to oxytocin release.
afterpains
Persistent sadness, inability to function, and loss of interest lasting beyond 2 weeks suggest this disorder.
Postpartum DEPRESSION
A client’s fundus is firm but displaced to the right and above expected level. Lochia is heavy. What is the nurse’s best next action?
Straight cath
he “BUBBLE-HE” assessment reminds nurses to evaluate these systems postpartum.
What are Breasts, Uterus, Bladder, Bowels, Lochia, Episiotomy, Homan’s sign, Emotional status
Fathers often express concern about finances and partner well-being; this describes paternal adaptation.
engrossment/role adjustment
This electrolyte imbalance may occur due to diuresis in the first 2–3 postpartum days and contributes to rapid weight loss.
sodium and fluid loss due to postpartum diuresis
This phase occurs in the first 24–48 hours when the mother is dependent and wants to talk about the birth.
Taking in phase
A postpartum client has a boggy uterus that does not stay firm after massage. Bleeding continues. Which finding supports retained placental fragments?
Subinvolution and persistent lochia rubra
This cardiovascular adjustment postpartum involves an increase in stroke volume and cardiac output immediately after birth due to autotransfusion.
increased circulating blood volume from uteroplacental blood return
The process by which a parent begins to identify the newborn as a separate individual, often by noting unique features or family resemblances, is called __________.
Claiming
This physiologic mechanism causes afterpains to be stronger in multiparas compared to primiparas.
decreased uterine muscle tone requiring stronger contractions for involution
In this phase, the mother begins assuming infant care and becomes more independent.
Taking - hold phase
A client 5 days postpartum, reports a severe headache and blurry vision. BP is 168/112. What is the nurse’s priority action?
Notify provider immediately; seizure precautions
A client 1 hour postpartum has a boggy fundus, tachycardia, and heavy bleeding. The underlying physiologic cause of this condition is failure of this process.
Uterine Atony
The reflexive response triggered when an infant’s airway is obstructed, leading to apnea and bradycardia, is called __________.
Laryngospasm