Hemorrhage Hazards
This is the most common cause of early postpartum hemorrhage.
What is uterine atony?
A temperature >100.4°F (38°C) occurring after the first 24 hours postpartum suggests this.
What is a postpartum infection?
Pain, redness, and warmth in the calf often indicate this.
What is a DVT?
Mood swings and tearfulness peaking around days 3–5 postpartum describe this normal finding.
What are the baby blues?
First-line nursing action for uterine atony.
What is fundal massage?
A boggy uterus that deviates to the right suggests this.
What is a full bladder?
Painful, firm, warm breast accompanied by fever is characteristic of this condition.
What is mastitis?
Sudden dyspnea, chest pain, and anxiety may indicate this life-threatening emergency.
What is a pulmonary embolism?
This mood disorder includes feelings of inadequacy, persistent sadness, and difficulty bonding with the baby.
What is postpartum depression?
Intervention to reduce the risk of DVT in a C‑section patient.
What is early ambulation or use of SCDs?
This medication, contraindicated in hypertension, is given to control heavy postpartum bleeding.
What is methylergonovine (Methergine)?
A foul-smelling lochia and lower abdominal pain point toward this uterine infection.
What is endometritis?
Name a major postpartum risk factor for thrombosis.
What is immobility, C‑section, obesity, or smoking?
This severe complication may include delusions, hallucinations, and risk of harming self or infant.
What is postpartum psychosis?
Evidence-based teaching for mastitis management.
What is continuing breastfeeding?
Retained placental fragments typically cause hemorrhage in this time frame.
What is late/secondary postpartum hemorrhage (after 24 hours up to 6 weeks)?
Poor perineal hygiene, prolonged ROM, and C‑section are common risk factors for this.
What is puerperal infection?
The first nursing action when a DVT is suspected.
What is place the patient on bed rest and notify the provider?
A known risk factor for postpartum depression.
What is a history of depression, low support, or stressful life events?
This lab value should be assessed when hemorrhage is suspected.
What is hemoglobin/hematocrit?
Name two signs of hypovolemic shock in a postpartum patient.
What are tachycardia, hypotension, cool/clammy skin, restlessness, or decreased urine output?
This intervention helps prevent mastitis and plugged ducts.
What is frequent effective emptying (breastfeeding or pumping)?
This medication class is commonly used to treat DVT postpartum.
What are anticoagulants (e.g., heparin)?
The priority intervention when a patient expresses thoughts of harming herself or others.
What is ensuring immediate safety and notifying the provider?
The priority action when late hemorrhage from retained fragments is suspected.
What is notifying the provider and preparing for ultrasound/possible D&C?