ATI RN
Complication Postpartum Questions
Question 1 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 2 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 3 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.
Question 4 of 5
What postpartum infection is caused by STIs and chorioamnionitis?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, postpartum endometritis. This infection is commonly caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and chorioamnionitis. Endometritis is inflammation of the endometrium lining the uterus after childbirth. Mastitis (A) is a breast infection, pneumonia (B) is a lung infection, and cesarean wound infection (C) is an infection at the site of the cesarean incision. These options are incorrect as they do not specifically relate to the postpartum infection caused by STIs and chorioamnionitis.
Question 5 of 5
What assessment finding suggests a possible infection?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: WBCs 10,000. An elevated white blood cell count (WBC) is a common sign of infection as the body produces more WBCs to fight off pathogens. This increase in WBC count is known as leukocytosis and is a key indicator of an ongoing infection. In contrast, choices A, B, and C are not direct indicators of infection. A painful fundal massage may suggest uterine atony, breast-feeding every 2-3 hours is a normal part of postpartum care, and a pulse rate of 72 is within the normal range. Therefore, the most reliable assessment finding suggesting a possible infection is an elevated WBC count.