ATI RN
Complications of Postpartum Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 3-day-postpartum breastfeeding woman is being assessed. Her breasts are firm and warm to the touch. When asked when she last fed the baby her reply is, 'I fed the baby last evening. I let the nurses feed him in the nursery last night. I needed to rest. ' Which of the following actions should the nurse take at this time?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Encourage the woman exclusively to breastfeed her baby. This is the right action because the woman's breasts being firm and warm indicate engorgement due to missed feedings. Encouraging exclusive breastfeeding will help relieve the engorgement and establish proper milk supply. Option B) having the woman massage her breasts hourly is not the best choice as it may provide temporary relief but does not address the root cause of engorgement. Option C) obtaining an order to culture her expressed breast milk is unnecessary at this point as the issue is engorgement, not infection. Option D) taking the temperature and pulse rate of the woman is not directly related to addressing the breastfeeding issue. Educationally, it is important to understand the significance of exclusive breastfeeding in the early postpartum period to establish milk supply and prevent complications like engorgement. Nurses should provide education and support to ensure successful breastfeeding initiation and maintenance.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse in the obstetric clinic received a telephone call from a bottle-feeding mother of a 3-day-old. The client states that her breasts are firm, red, and warm to the touch. Which of the following is the best action for the nurse to advise the client to perform?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct action for the nurse to advise the client is option A) Intermittently apply ice packs to her axillae and breasts. This is because the client is exhibiting signs and symptoms of mastitis, which is an inflammation of the breast tissue often caused by a blocked milk duct or bacterial infection. Applying ice packs can help reduce inflammation, pain, and redness associated with mastitis. Option B) Apply lanolin to her breasts and nipples every 3 hours is incorrect because lanolin is typically used to soothe dry or cracked nipples, which is not the primary issue in this case. Option C) Express milk from the breasts every 3 hours is incorrect because in the presence of mastitis, frequent expression of milk can exacerbate the inflammation and discomfort. Option D) Ask the primary health care provider to order a milk suppressant is incorrect because milk suppressants are not typically indicated for mastitis unless there are specific circumstances that warrant their use. Educationally, it is important for nurses to recognize the signs and symptoms of mastitis in breastfeeding mothers and to provide appropriate guidance on management strategies. Understanding the pathophysiology of mastitis and knowing how to differentiate it from other breast conditions is crucial for effective nursing care in the postpartum period.
Question 3 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 4 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 5 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.