What information about pain medication should postpartum discharge instructions include?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In postpartum care, it is crucial to provide clear and comprehensive discharge instructions to new mothers, including information about pain medication. Option A, stating that narcotic medications can cause constipation, is the correct choice. This information is important because constipation is a common side effect of narcotics, which are often prescribed for postpartum pain relief. Educating mothers about this potential side effect empowers them to take preventive measures, such as increasing fiber intake and staying hydrated, to manage constipation effectively. Options B, C, and D are incorrect. Option B, advising to stop taking iron after birth, is unrelated to pain medication and postpartum pain management. Iron supplementation is often recommended postpartum to replenish iron stores depleted during pregnancy. Option C, stating not to take NSAIDs while breastfeeding, is not entirely accurate. While some NSAIDs are safe during breastfeeding when used in moderation, mothers should consult healthcare providers for guidance. Option D, suggesting that acetaminophen should be avoided, is incorrect. Acetaminophen is a safe and commonly recommended pain reliever for postpartum women, especially those who are breastfeeding, as it is considered compatible with breastfeeding. In an educational context, understanding the effects and considerations related to pain medications postpartum is essential for healthcare professionals providing discharge instructions. By explaining the rationale behind the correct answer and debunking the misconceptions in the incorrect options, caregivers can equip new mothers with accurate and practical information to ensure their well-being during the postpartum period.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of pharmacology, understanding postpartum complications is crucial for healthcare professionals. The correct answer is A) precipitous labor. This is because precipitous labor, defined as labor lasting less than 3 hours from the onset of contractions to delivery, can lead to increased risk of postpartum infection due to potential tissue trauma, increased exposure to vaginal flora, and inadequate time for proper cleansing and disinfection. Option B) urinary retention is not directly related to an increased risk of postpartum infection. While urinary retention can lead to urinary tract infections, it is not a direct risk factor for postpartum infections. Option C) breast-feeding, on the contrary, can actually help reduce the risk of postpartum infection by promoting uterine contractions, which aids in expelling placental remnants and reducing the risk of infection. Option D) intact perineum also does not directly increase the risk of postpartum infection. In fact, a perineum that is intact and well-healed can lower the risk of infection compared to a perineum with lacerations or tears. Educationally, it is important for healthcare providers to recognize the risk factors for postpartum infections to provide appropriate care and interventions to prevent complications. Understanding how different factors such as labor duration can impact the risk of infection is essential for pharmacology students and practitioners to ensure safe and effective patient care during the postpartum period.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of postpartum wound infection management, the correct nursing intervention to include in the plan of care for a person with a wound infection is to assess for REEDA. "REEDA" stands for Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, and Approximation - these are parameters used to assess the healing progression of a wound. Rationale for the correct answer (B): Assessing for REEDA allows the nurse to monitor the signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, pain, warmth, and abnormal discharge from the wound. This assessment is crucial in early detection of wound complications, guiding appropriate interventions, and preventing further infection spread. Rationales for incorrect options: A) Reassuring the postpartum person that infection will resolve without antibiotics is incorrect because wound infections often require proper medical intervention, including antibiotics, to prevent complications. C) Waiting until the temperature reaches 99.0°F to call the healthcare provider is incorrect as fever is a late sign of infection, and immediate action is required to address wound infections promptly. D) Vigorously scrubbing the incision with soap and water is incorrect as this could exacerbate the infection, cause further tissue damage, and increase the risk of complications. Educational context: Understanding the importance of wound assessment, early detection of infection signs, and appropriate nursing interventions is crucial in providing safe and effective care to postpartum individuals. Nurses need to have the knowledge and skills to recognize abnormal wound healing, implement evidence-based interventions, and collaborate with the healthcare team to promote optimal recovery and prevent complications in postpartum care.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of postpartum endometritis, which is an infection of the uterine lining following childbirth, the correct nursing intervention of monitoring for signs of sepsis (Option A) is crucial. Endometritis can lead to systemic infection, including sepsis, which is a life-threatening condition. By monitoring for signs of sepsis such as fever, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, and altered mental status, the nurse can promptly identify and initiate appropriate treatment to prevent further complications. Option B, discouraging breastfeeding, is incorrect. Breastfeeding is not contraindicated in cases of endometritis unless there are specific reasons such as the mother being on medications that are unsafe for the baby. Option C, avoiding fundal assessment, is also incorrect. Fundal assessment is important postpartum to monitor uterine involution and to detect any abnormalities such as excessive bleeding that may indicate complications like hemorrhage, not specifically related to endometritis. Option D, increasing family visiting hours, is not a priority intervention for a person with postpartum endometritis. While family support is important, the immediate focus should be on monitoring for and managing the infection to prevent further complications. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind each nursing intervention is crucial for providing safe and effective care to patients. Nurses need to prioritize interventions based on the patient's condition and the potential risks involved to ensure optimal outcomes. Monitoring for signs of sepsis in a person with postpartum endometritis is a critical nursing intervention that can ultimately save lives by enabling early detection and treatment of a potentially life-threatening complication.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), a late (secondary) PPH typically occurs 24 hours to 12 weeks after delivery. The correct answer, option B, stating that it is caused by subinvolution of the uterus, is accurate. Subinvolution refers to the delayed return of the uterus to its normal non-pregnant size after childbirth, leading to prolonged bleeding. Option A is incorrect because PPH that occurs within the first 24 hours is classified as an early (primary) PPH. Option C is incorrect as late PPH can occur after any type of delivery, including cesarean births. Option D is also incorrect as Methergine is a common medication used to treat PPH, including late PPH, as it helps in uterine contraction to control bleeding. Understanding the timing and causes of different types of PPH is crucial for healthcare providers involved in maternal care. Recognizing the characteristics of late PPH helps in early identification and appropriate management to prevent complications and ensure maternal well-being.