ATI RN
Complications of Postpartum Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 2-day-postpartum breastfeeding woman states, 'I am sick of being fat. When can I go on a diet? ' Which of the following responses is appropriate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, option D, "Many mothers lose weight when they breastfeed because the baby consumes about 600 calories a day," is the most appropriate response. This answer is correct because breastfeeding does indeed burn extra calories, aiding in weight loss for many mothers. It also provides positive reinforcement for the woman's concerns about weight without promoting unhealthy dieting practices. Option A is incorrect because simply drinking milk does not make a diet appropriate during breastfeeding. Option B is incorrect as it suggests that dieting will reduce vitamin content in breast milk without any evidence to support this claim. Option C is incorrect as the specific caloric requirement mentioned is not universally applicable to all breastfeeding women. From an educational perspective, it is crucial to address postpartum weight concerns sensitively and accurately. Educators should emphasize the importance of maintaining a balanced diet while breastfeeding to ensure both maternal and infant health. Encouraging healthy lifestyle choices and debunking myths surrounding postpartum weight loss is key in supporting new mothers through this period.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a breastfeeding mother who asks advice on foods that will provide both vitamin A and iron. Which of the following should the nurse recommend?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In postpartum period, breastfeeding mothers have increased nutritional needs, particularly for vitamin A and iron. The correct answer, D) 1 1/2 cup raw broccoli, is the most suitable option as broccoli is a rich source of both vitamin A and iron. Vitamin A is essential for vision, immune function, and skin health, while iron is crucial for preventing anemia and supporting energy levels. Option A, raw celery dipped in cream cheese, lacks significant amounts of vitamin A and iron compared to broccoli. Option B, yogurt mixed with a banana, provides some vitamin A but lacks sufficient iron content. Option C, a strawberry milkshake, may contain some vitamin A from the strawberries but lacks iron and has added sugars which may not be the healthiest choice. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of proper nutrition for breastfeeding mothers to support their own health and the health of their infants. It emphasizes the significance of including a variety of nutrient-rich foods in their diet to meet their increased nutrient requirements during the postpartum period. By understanding the nutritional needs of breastfeeding mothers, nurses can provide valuable guidance to support their overall well-being.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following statements is true about breastfeeding mothers as compared to bottle-feeding mothers?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B) Breastfeeding mothers have decreased incidence of diabetes mellitus later in life. This statement is true because breastfeeding has been associated with several long-term health benefits for mothers, including a decreased risk of developing diabetes mellitus later in life. Breastfeeding helps to regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, which can lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Option A is incorrect because breastfeeding mothers usually take longer than 3 weeks to completely involute postpartum. The process of involution, where the uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy size, can take around 6 weeks. Option C is incorrect because while breastfeeding can have positive effects on bone density during the postpartum period, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that breastfeeding mothers have higher levels of bone density after menopause compared to bottle-feeding mothers. Option D is incorrect because breastfeeding mothers may actually experience more frequent bouts of infection immediately postpartum due to factors such as physical stress, sleep deprivation, and hormonal changes associated with breastfeeding. Educationally, understanding the impact of breastfeeding on maternal health is crucial for healthcare providers to support and educate new mothers on the benefits of breastfeeding for both themselves and their infants. It is important to provide evidence-based information to empower mothers to make informed decisions regarding infant feeding practices.
Question 4 of 5
A client who is 3 days postpartum asks the nurse, 'When may my husband and I begin having sexual relations again? ' The nurse should encourage the couple to wait until after which of the following has occurred?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) The client has had her six-week postpartum checkup. This option is correct because it aligns with the standard medical recommendation for resuming sexual activity after childbirth. The six-week postpartum visit allows healthcare providers to assess the woman's physical recovery, check for any complications, and provide guidance on postpartum care, including when it is safe to resume sexual activity. Option B) The episiotomy has healed and the lochia has stopped focuses only on physical healing, but it may not encompass all aspects of postpartum recovery necessary for safe sexual activity. Option C) The lochia turning pink and the vagina no longer being tender are important signs of healing, but they do not necessarily indicate that the body is fully ready for sexual intercourse. Option D) The client having her first postpartum menstrual period is not a reliable indicator of readiness for sexual activity as menstruation can return at different times for each individual and does not signify complete postpartum recovery. Educationally, it is crucial for healthcare providers to educate postpartum clients and their partners on the importance of waiting until the six-week postpartum checkup before resuming sexual activity. This ensures the woman's physical healing, reduces the risk of complications, and promotes overall well-being. Teaching accurate information empowers individuals to make informed decisions regarding their sexual health and postpartum recovery.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse monitors his or her postpartum clients carefully because which of the following physiological changes occurs during the early postpartum period?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the early postpartum period, the correct physiological change that occurs is decreased blood volume (Option C). This is due to the body's natural response to the delivery of the placenta, which leads to a rapid decrease in blood volume as the uterus contracts and the mother's body begins to return to its pre-pregnancy state. This change is crucial for the body to regulate itself and prevent complications such as postpartum hemorrhage. Option A, decreased urinary output, is not a typical physiological change in the early postpartum period. In fact, postpartum diuresis, where the body eliminates excess fluid retained during pregnancy, often leads to increased urinary output. Option B, increased blood pressure, is also not a typical finding in the early postpartum period. Blood pressure usually normalizes or slightly decreases after childbirth due to the reduction in blood volume. Option D, increased estrogen levels, is not a characteristic change in the early postpartum period. Estrogen levels drop significantly after delivery, which is necessary for the initiation of lactation and the return of the menstrual cycle. Understanding these physiological changes in the postpartum period is crucial for nurses to provide appropriate care and early identification of any complications that may arise. Monitoring these changes helps ensure the well-being of both the mother and the newborn, making this knowledge essential in the field of obstetric pharmacology.