ATI RN
Complication Postpartum Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is providing care for a patient who is 8 hours postpartum after a vaginal delivery. The patient reports severe perineal pain unaffected by pain medication. The nurse notices a 4 cm area of discoloration on the labia that is tender to the touch. Which action does the nurse take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Contact the primary care provider for further evaluation. The patient's symptoms of severe perineal pain, discoloration on the labia, and tenderness indicate a potential complication such as hematoma or infection. Contacting the primary care provider is essential for prompt assessment and appropriate intervention to prevent further complications. Continuing to apply ice (A) may not address the underlying issue and could potentially worsen the condition. Monitoring vital signs (B) is important but may not provide direct insight into the specific problem. Relieving pressure by placing the patient in a side-lying position (D) is not the priority in this situation and may not address the underlying cause of the symptoms.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse on a postpartum unit observes a patient who delivered 2 days ago. The nurse notices extreme agitation and depressed mood. The patient states, “I think that my baby is deformed inside and we have to fix him.” Which risk factor is most strongly related to possible postpartum psychosis (PPP)?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, personal history of bipolar disorder. Postpartum psychosis is a severe mental health condition that can occur in women with a history of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a major risk factor for developing postpartum psychosis due to the hormonal changes and stress of childbirth. The extreme agitation, depressed mood, and delusional thoughts exhibited by the patient in the scenario are indicative of postpartum psychosis. Choice A, separation from the baby’s father, is not a strong risk factor for postpartum psychosis. Choice C, prolonged labor resulting in cesarean, is associated with physical complications but not necessarily with postpartum psychosis. Choice D, loss of the first child from a heart defect, is a traumatic event but is not directly linked to the development of postpartum psychosis.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is aware of concern about the increasing numbers of severe maternal morbidity (SMM). It is believed to be related to changes in the overall health of the population of women giving birth. Which reasons does the nurse identify as causes of SMM? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Prepregnancy obesity. This is because obesity is a well-established risk factor for severe maternal morbidity. Obesity increases the likelihood of complications during pregnancy and childbirth, such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and cesarean deliveries. A: Increases in maternal age may be a risk factor for certain complications but not directly related to SMM. C: Cesarean deliveries can be a risk factor for SMM, but it is not the main cause. D: Inability to pay for health care is a social determinant of health and may impact access to care, but it is not a direct cause of SMM.
Question 4 of 5
A postpartum patient informs the nurse of a frequent urge and burning when attempting to urinate. The nurse reviews the patient’s medical record and associates which risk factors related to a possible urinary tract infection (UTI)? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Poor oral fluid intake. Postpartum patients are at increased risk for UTIs due to physiological changes and decreased fluid intake. Poor hydration can lead to concentrated urine, making it easier for bacteria to grow. Neonatal macrosomia (A) and use of a vacuum extractor (B) are not directly associated with UTIs. While a urinary catheter during labor (D) can increase the risk of UTIs, it is not the most relevant factor in this scenario compared to poor oral fluid intake.
Question 5 of 5
The labor and delivery unit nurses are adopting methods to reduce the number of women who develop postpartum depression. Research from Dennis and Dowswell (2013) provides evidence-based suggestions regarding beneficial interventions. Which suggestions do the nurses consider? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Interpersonal psychotherapy. This is supported by research as an evidence-based intervention for reducing postpartum depression. It focuses on improving relationships and communication skills, which can help women cope with the challenges of motherhood. A: Telephone-based peer support may be helpful, but it is not specifically mentioned in the research by Dennis and Dowswell (2013) as a beneficial intervention. B: Partner report of symptoms can be useful in identifying postpartum depression, but it is not a recommended intervention according to the research. D: Teaching for self-recognition of problems is important, but it is not as effective as interpersonal psychotherapy in reducing postpartum depression according to the research.