POSTPARTUM

• What is an episiotomy used for during childbirth?

  It is used for normal spontaneous vaginal delivery (NSVD).
• What is the purpose of a forcep delivery?


  It is used when there is a failure of descent during labor.
• What is a cesarean section performed for?


  It is performed due to complications of pregnancy.
• What are the 5 P's of labor and delivery?

  • Passage
  • Passenger
  • Powers
  • Position
  • Psychological response
• What is postpartum care?


  It is medical nursing care given to a woman during puerperium.
• What is the puerperium period?


  It is the 6-week period after delivery.
• When does the puerperium period begin and end?

  It begins with the termination of labor and ends with the return of reproductive organs to a nonpregnant state.
• What is referred to as the "fourth trimester of pregnancy"?

  It is the postpartum period where the mother undergoes physical and psychological adjustments.
• What is uterine involution?


  It is the progressive changes in the uterus after delivery, returning to near-prepregnant size and condition.
• What are the goals of postpartum care?

  To promote normal uterine involution and prevent postpartum complications.
• What are the factors affecting the postpartum experience?

  • Nature of labor and delivery
  • Preparation for labor and parenting
  • Transition to parenthood
  • Family experiences with childbearing
  • Family members' role expectations
  • Sensitivity of nursing care
• What are some risk factors for postpartum complications?

  Pre-eclampsia, diabetes, cardiac problems, and uterine overdistention.
• What does the term "precipitous" refer to in labor?


  It refers to prolonged labor and difficult delivery.
• What does the term "puer" mean?

  It means "child".
• What does the term "parere" mean?

  It means "to bring forth".
• What are the two phases a woman goes through postpartum?

  1. Retrogressive: Involves the uterus, vagina, and cervix.
  2. Progressive: Involves the breasts, ovaries, menstruation, and new parenting role.
• What does BUBBLESHE stand for in nursing responsibilities?

  • B: Breast
  • U: Uterus
  • B: Bowels
  • B: Bladder
  • L: Lochial Monitoring
  • E: Episiotomy/Laceration/Incision
  • S: Skin
  • H: Homan’s sign
  • E: Emotion
• What should be assessed regarding the breasts postpartum?

  Assess for engorgement and mastitis, and encourage breastfeeding.
• What is uterine atony?


  It is the failure of the uterus to contract.
• What should be done to prevent uterine atony?

  Gently massage the uterus and encourage urination.
• Why is breastfeeding encouraged postpartum?

  It enhances the release of oxytocin and prostaglandin, initiating uterine contractions.
• What is the significance of passing stool within 24 hours postpartum?

  It indicates that peristaltic movement is returning to normal.
• What should a mother do regarding her bladder postpartum?

  She must pass urine within 24 hours and keep her bladder empty.
• What is lochial monitoring?


  It is the monitoring of the shedding of the endometrial lining.
• What should be monitored regarding skin postpartum?

  Evaluate for skin turgor to indicate dehydration.
• What does REEDA stand for in wound assessment?

  Redness, Echymosis, Edema, Discharges, and Assessment of warmth.
• What does a positive Homan’s sign indicate?


  It indicates thrombophlebitis or blood clots in the lower extremities.
• What are the psychological tasks according to Reva Rubin?

  1. Taking in: Passive, dependent phase.
  2. Taking hold: Seeks independence and control.
  3. Letting go: Defines new role as a mother.
• What occurs during the "taking in" phase postpartum?


  The mother is passive and focused on her bodily needs.
• What happens during the "taking hold" phase postpartum?


  The mother seeks independence and is more in control of her emotions.
• What characterizes the "letting go" phase postpartum?


  The mother incorporates new changes in her life and may grieve over separation from her newborn.
• What is postpartum depression?


  It is a feeling of let down after giving birth, related to coping with childbearing demands.
• What distinguishes postpartum blues from postpartum depression?


  Postpartum blues are transient feelings, while postpartum depression requires medication and professional help.
• What is postpartum psychosis?


  It is a pathological condition characterized by loss of reality and suicidal thoughts.
• What is the significance of rooming in for mothers and newborns?

  • Promotes parent-infant bonding
  • Helps mothers claim their newborn
  • Develops confidence in maternal role
• What is latching on in the context of breastfeeding?


  It is the first skin-to-skin contact between the mother and newborn after delivery.
• What is the process of involution postpartum?


  It is the process whereby the reproductive organs return to their nonpregnant state.
• What danger does a mother face during involution?

  She is in danger of hemorrhage from the denuded surface of the uterus until involution is complete.
• What measures can promote uterine involution?

  1. Massage the uterus to express blood clots.
  2. Assess uterine fundus daily.
• What are the stages of lochial discharge postpartum?

  Lochia rubra, lochia serosa, and lochia alba.