ATI RN
Complication Postpartum Questions
Question 1 of 5
A breastfeeding woman has been counseled on how to prevent engorgement. Which of the following actions by the mother shows that the teaching was effective?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B) She feeds her baby every 2 to 3 hours. Effective prevention of engorgement in breastfeeding mothers involves frequent and regular feeding sessions. Feeding the baby every 2 to 3 hours helps to ensure that the breasts are emptied regularly, which can help prevent engorgement. Engorgement occurs when breasts become overly full and can lead to discomfort and potential issues with milk supply. By feeding the baby frequently, the mother is helping to maintain a steady milk supply and prevent engorgement. Option A) "She pumps her breasts after each feeding" is not the most effective method for preventing engorgement. While pumping can help relieve engorgement, it is not as effective as regular breastfeeding in preventing the issue. Option C) "She feeds her baby 10 minutes on each side" may not be sufficient for emptying the breast completely, especially if the baby is a newborn or if there are any latching issues. Effective emptying of the breast is crucial in preventing engorgement. Option D) "She supplements each feeding with formula" is not recommended for preventing engorgement. Supplementing with formula can interfere with establishing a robust milk supply and may lead to further issues with engorgement. In an educational context, it's important to emphasize to breastfeeding mothers the significance of frequent and effective breastfeeding in preventing engorgement. Encouraging mothers to feed on demand, ensuring proper latching techniques, and seeking support from lactation consultants can all contribute to successful breastfeeding and prevention of engorgement.
Question 2 of 5
A multigravid, postpartum woman reports severe abdominal cramping whenever she nurses her baby. Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct response is option D: Discuss the action of breastfeeding hormones. This is the appropriate response as it addresses the underlying cause of the woman's symptoms. When a woman breastfeeds, her body releases oxytocin, which helps the uterus contract and return to its pre-pregnancy size. This contraction can lead to abdominal cramping, especially during the early postpartum period. Option A is incorrect because suggesting bottle feeding could deprive the baby of the benefits of breastfeeding and hinder the establishment of breastfeeding. Option B, massaging the fundus, is not directly related to the woman's symptoms of cramping while nursing. Option C, feeding in an alternate position, may provide some relief but does not address the root cause of the cramping. From an educational standpoint, it is important for nurses to understand the physiological changes that occur during breastfeeding and how they can manifest as symptoms in postpartum women. By discussing the action of breastfeeding hormones with the patient, the nurse can provide valuable information and reassurance, empowering the woman to continue breastfeeding while managing her symptoms effectively.
Question 3 of 5
A breastfeeding mother states that she has sore nipples. In response to the complaint, the nurse assists with 'latch on ' and recommends that the mother do which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the context of postpartum complications related to breastfeeding, the correct answer C) Rotate the baby's positions at each feed is the most appropriate recommendation for a mother experiencing sore nipples. This is because changing the baby's positions during feeding can help ensure proper latch and reduce pressure on specific areas of the nipple, promoting better comfort and healing. Option A) Using a nipple shield at each breastfeeding may not address the underlying issue of improper latch or positioning, and it can sometimes interfere with effective milk transfer, potentially leading to further nipple soreness. Option B) Cleansing the nipples with soap 3 times a day can strip the skin of natural oils, causing dryness and irritation, which can exacerbate soreness and delay healing. Option D) Bottle feeding for 2 days then resuming breastfeeding is not recommended as it can disrupt the establishment of breastfeeding and potentially lead to issues like nipple confusion or decreased milk supply. Educationally, it's crucial to emphasize the importance of proper latch and positioning in breastfeeding to prevent complications like sore nipples. Teaching mothers techniques like rotating the baby's positions can help optimize breastfeeding success and support maternal comfort and well-being.
Question 4 of 5
A breastfeeding woman, 1 1/2 months postdelivery, calls the nurse in the obstetrician 's office and states, 'I am very embarrassed but I need help. Last night I had an orgasm when my husband and I were making love. You should have seen the milk. We were both soaking wet. What is wrong with me? ' The nurse should base the response to the client on which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B) The same hormone stimulates orgasms and the milk ejection reflex. This response is based on the understanding of the hormone oxytocin, which plays a crucial role in both sexual response and milk ejection during breastfeeding. Oxytocin is released during sexual arousal and orgasm, as well as during breastfeeding to facilitate the let-down reflex, causing milk to be ejected from the breasts. Option A is incorrect because the scenario described does not indicate pathological galactorrhea, which is characterized by spontaneous, persistent, and excessive milk production unrelated to breastfeeding or childbirth. Option C is incorrect as galactosemia is a rare genetic disorder affecting the body's ability to metabolize galactose, not relevant to the situation described. Option D is incorrect because the baby's stimulation does play a role in milk production, but the scenario specifically focuses on the woman's experience during sexual activity, not the baby's nursing habits. In an educational context, understanding the physiological processes related to lactation, hormones, and sexual response postpartum is crucial for healthcare providers to offer accurate and supportive information to breastfeeding mothers experiencing unexpected or concerning symptoms. This knowledge helps in addressing concerns, providing reassurance, and promoting the overall well-being of the mother and baby.
Question 5 of 5
A breastfeeding client, 7 weeks postpartum, complains to an obstetrician 's triage nurse that when she and her husband had intercourse for the first time after the delivery, 'I couldn 't stand it. It was so painful. The doctor must have done something terrible to my vagina. ' Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct response, option C, is appropriate because it addresses a common issue faced by breastfeeding mothers - vaginal dryness. During breastfeeding, hormonal changes can lead to decreased estrogen levels, resulting in vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse. Suggesting a vaginal lubricant is a safe and effective way to alleviate this symptom without medical intervention. Option A is incorrect as it oversimplifies the issue and may lead to the patient assuming her discomfort is normal post-delivery, potentially delaying proper treatment if needed. Option B is also incorrect as it focuses on a different issue (yeast infection) that is not likely the cause of the patient's pain during intercourse. Option D is incorrect because it jumps to a conclusion about episiotomy stitches without gathering more information or assessing the patient first. It is important in healthcare to follow a systematic approach and not make assumptions without proper evaluation. In an educational context, this scenario highlights the importance of considering physiological changes postpartum and the impact of breastfeeding on vaginal health. It also emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to listen attentively to patients, provide appropriate guidance, and offer practical solutions to address their concerns effectively.