ATI RN
Complications of Postpartum Questions
Question 1 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 2 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 3 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.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following laboratory values would the nurse expect to see in a normal postpartum woman?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the postpartum period, it is common for women to experience physiological changes that can impact laboratory values. The correct answer is B) White blood cell count, 16,000 cells/mm3. This elevated white blood cell count is a normal response to the stress of labor and delivery, as the body prepares to combat potential infections. Option A) Hematocrit of 39% is not specific to the postpartum period and may vary depending on individual factors like hydration status. Option C) Red blood cell count of 5 million cells/mm3 is not a typical lab value in the postpartum period. While some increase in red blood cells is expected due to the body replenishing stores after childbirth, this value is unusually high. Option D) Hemoglobin of 15 grams/dL is within the normal range for non-pregnant women, but postpartum women typically have a lower hemoglobin level due to blood loss during delivery. Educationally, understanding the normal changes in laboratory values postpartum is crucial for nurses to assess and provide appropriate care to women during this period. Monitoring these values helps in early identification of complications such as infection or hemorrhage, ensuring timely interventions and optimal postpartum recovery.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is evaluating the involution of a woman who is 3 days postpartum. Which of the following findings would the nurse evaluate as normal?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In postpartum care, evaluating the involution of the uterus is crucial to monitor the woman's recovery. Three days postpartum, the fundus should be around 2 cm below the umbilicus, as indicated by option C, with lochia rubra being the expected discharge color at this stage. This finding suggests that the uterus is contracting effectively to return to its pre-pregnancy size. Option A is incorrect because the fundus should be descending rather than ascending, and lochia rosa is not the expected color at this point. Option B is incorrect as the fundus should be lower, and lochia alba is not seen until later in the postpartum period. Option D is incorrect because the fundus being 3 cm below the umbilicus is beyond the expected level of involution at this stage, and lochia serosa is also not the typical discharge for day 3 postpartum. Understanding these normal postpartum findings is essential for nurses to provide appropriate care, identify deviations from the expected progression, and intervene promptly if needed to prevent complications. This knowledge ensures optimal recovery and well-being for postpartum women.