What is the duration of the fourth stage of labor?
It starts with the delivery of the placenta and includes at least the first 2 hours after birth.
What is the main goal during the immediate postpartum period?
To prevent postpartum hemorrhage.
What are the three greatest risks during the postpartum period?
Hemorrhage, shock, and infection.
The postpartum period, also known as the _____, is the interval between birth and the return of the reproductive organs to their nonpregnant state.
puerperium
What is the function of oxytocin released from the pituitary gland?
It coordinates and strengthens uterine contractions.
What is the term for the uncomfortable uterine cramping experienced postpartum?
Afterpains.
Decreased estrogen in the postpartum period is associated with what three physiological effects?
Breast engorgement, diaphoresis (profuse perspiration), and diuresis of excess fluid.
What effect does decreased progesterone have on the postpartum client’s body?
It results in an increase in muscle tone throughout the body.
For a lactating client, approximately how long does it take for the first postpartum ovulation to occur?
Approximately 6 months.
For a nonlactating client, when does ovulation typically occur after birth?
Ovulation occurs 7 to 9 weeks after birth.
According to AAP and ACOG guidelines, how frequently should blood pressure and pulse be assessed for the first 2 hours after birth?
At least every 15 minutes.
What does the postpartum assessment acronym BUBBLE-E stand for?
Breasts, Uterus, Bowel, Bladder, Lochia, Episiotomy.
What is uterine involution?
The process where the uterus returns to its prepregnant state through contractions of the uterine smooth muscle.
By how much should the fundus descend into the pelvis each day postpartum?
Approximately one fingerbreadth (1 cm) per day.
Where should the fundus be palpable immediately following birth?
Firm, at the midline, and about 2 cm below the umbilicus.
At 12 hours following birth, where can the fundus typically be palpated?
At 1 cm above the umbilicus.
By what point postpartum should the uterus lie within the true pelvis and no longer be palpable?
After about 2 weeks.
What is the first nursing intervention if a postpartum client’s fundus is found to be boggy?
Lightly massage the fundus in a circular motion.
What might a fundus that is displaced laterally from the midline indicate?
A full bladder.
Name two oxytocic medications that can cause hypotension.
Oxytocin and misoprostol.
Name three oxytocic medications that can cause hypertension.
Methylergonovine, ergonovine, and carboprost.
Term: Lochia rubra
Definition: Dark red, bloody uterine discharge lasting 1 to 3 days after birth.
Term: Lochia serosa
Definition: Pinkish brown, serosanguineous uterine discharge lasting from approximately day 4 to day 10 after birth.
Term: Lochia alba
Definition: Yellowish white, creamy uterine discharge lasting from approximately 10 days up to 6 weeks postpartum.