ATI RN
Complications of Postpartum Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following statements is true about breastfeeding mothers as compared to bottle-feeding mothers?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B) Breastfeeding mothers have decreased incidence of diabetes mellitus later in life. This statement is true because breastfeeding has been associated with several long-term health benefits for mothers, including a decreased risk of developing diabetes mellitus later in life. Breastfeeding helps to regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, which can lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Option A is incorrect because breastfeeding mothers usually take longer than 3 weeks to completely involute postpartum. The process of involution, where the uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy size, can take around 6 weeks. Option C is incorrect because while breastfeeding can have positive effects on bone density during the postpartum period, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that breastfeeding mothers have higher levels of bone density after menopause compared to bottle-feeding mothers. Option D is incorrect because breastfeeding mothers may actually experience more frequent bouts of infection immediately postpartum due to factors such as physical stress, sleep deprivation, and hormonal changes associated with breastfeeding. Educationally, understanding the impact of breastfeeding on maternal health is crucial for healthcare providers to support and educate new mothers on the benefits of breastfeeding for both themselves and their infants. It is important to provide evidence-based information to empower mothers to make informed decisions regarding infant feeding practices.
Question 2 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 3 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 4 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.
Question 5 of 5
The day after delivery, a woman, whose fundus is firm at 1 cm below the umbilicus and who has moderate lochia, tells the nurse that something must be wrong: 'All I do is go to the bathroom. ' Which of the following is an appropriate nursing response?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the appropriate nursing response is option C: Inform the client that polyuria is normal. Postpartum diuresis, characterized by increased urinary frequency and volume, is a common physiological response to the body getting rid of excess fluid accumulated during pregnancy. It is crucial for nurses to educate postpartum women about this normal process to alleviate anxiety and provide reassurance. Option A (Catheterize the client per doctor's orders) is incorrect because catheterization is an invasive procedure that is not indicated in this situation unless there are specific medical reasons to do so. Option B (Measure the client's next voiding) is not the best response as it does not address the client's concerns or provide information about the normal postpartum experience of increased urinary frequency. Option D (Check the specific gravity of the next voiding) is unnecessary at this point as the client's symptoms can be explained by the normal postpartum diuresis, and specific gravity testing is not typically needed in this context. Educationally, understanding the normal physiological changes that occur postpartum is essential for nurses caring for postpartum women. It enables them to provide appropriate education, support, and reassurance to clients, promoting better outcomes and enhancing the overall postpartum experience.