NURS 4500: Final Material > Class 7: Post Partum Body System Changes Table > Flashcards

Class 7: Post Partum Body System Changes Table Flashcards

(97 cards)

Study These Flashcards
1
Q

what changes occur to the HR, BP, and RR during the postpartum period

A
  • HR and BP return to prepregnancy lvls within a few days
  • return to prepregnancy RR
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

what changes to T occur during the postpartum period

A
  • temp may increase to 38*C within 1st 24 hours due to dehydrating effects of labor
  • should be afebrile after 24h
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

describe contractions of the uterus in the postpartum period (2)

A
  • release of oxytocin from pituitary gland strengthens/coordinates muscle contractions in postpartum period
  • continued muscle contractions of uterus support achievement of hemostasis by compression of intra-myometrial blood vessels
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

the relase of oxytocin postpartum is supported by

A
  • breastfeeding
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

the continued uterus contractions in postpartum are experienced as…

A
  • afterpains / cramps
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

define: involution

A
  • the return of the uterus to a nonpregnant state after birth
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

during pregnancy, the uterus enlarges due to hyperplasia and hypertrophy. what occurs after birth?

A
  • autolysis destroys the hypertrophied cells
  • the uterus remains slightly larger in size after each pregnancy due to the additional cells from the process of hyperplasia
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

describe changes to uterus size postpartum

A
  • rapidly reduces in size after birth
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

the fundus usually descends ___cm q24h postpartum

A
  • 1-2 cm every 24 hrs
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

at the end of the 3rd stage of labor, where is the uterus located? how much does it weight?

A
  • fundus at or 1-2cm below umbilicus
  • 1000 g
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

at 12hrs after birth, where is the uterus located?

A
  • may rise to 1cm above umbilicus
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

at 24 hrs after birth, what is the size of the uterus

A
  • uterus is about the same size that it was at 20 weeks gestation
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

after 2 weeks, where is the uterus located? how much does it weigh?

A
  • uterus is no longer abdominally palpable
  • lies in true pelvis, below symphysis
  • 350g
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

by 6 weeks postpartum the uterus weighs approx?

A
  • 60-80 g
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

describe uterine placement postpartum

A
  • should be midline on abdomen
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

deflection of the uterus can indicate?

A
  • a distended bladder
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

describe the size and consistency of the uterus postpartum (3)

A
  • ~size of a grapefruit
  • round
  • firm
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

what is uterine atony?

A
  • loss of tone in the uterine musculature
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

what indicates uterine atony?

A
  • large uterus
  • soft/boggy uterus
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

uterine atony is the most common cause of? how?

A
  • excessive bleeding in the postpartum period as it means the intra-myometrial blood vessels are not being adequately compressed by the uterine muscle contractions
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

what is subinvolution

A
  • the failure of the uterus to return to the prepregnant state
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

subinvolution is often related to.. (2)

A
  • retained placental fragments
  • infection
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

the unique healing process of the endometrium prevents?

A
  • normal scar formation
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

endometrial regeneration is compelte by? except where and when is this compelted?

A
  • complete by postpartum day 16
  • except at placental site where it is completed at 6 weeks
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
expulsion of the placenta leads to? particularly which ones?
- leads to decrease of placental-produced hormones - estrogen and progesterone lvls drop markedly
26
in non-lactating birthers, estrogen lvls begin to increase when??
- 2 weeks after birth
27
define: lochia
- the name for the uterine discharge that passes vaginally following birth
28
describe lochia rubra, what can it include?
- bright red or dark bleeding - can include small clots, blood, decidual & trophoblastic debris
29
describe the heaviness and duration of lochia rubra
- heaviness: amt of a heavy menstrual period in first 2 hrs after birth, may soak a pad q2-3 h - duration: 3-4 days
30
describe the color of lochia serosa, what does it include?
- color: brownish or pinkish color - includes: old blood, serum, leukocytes, and debris
31
what is the duration of lochia serosa, heaviness?
- heaviness: mild to moderatr - duration: days 4-10 (can last up to 27 days, majority day 10)
32
describe the color of lochia alba, what does it include?
- white in color - includes: leukocytes, decidua, epithelial cells, mucus, serum, bacteria
33
what is the heaviness of lochia alba? duration?
- heaviness: light flow or spotting - duration: day 10 until 4-8 weeks postpartum
34
how large is the cervix within 2-3 days postpartum? 1 week?
- 2-3 days: 2-3 cm - 1 week: ~1cm
35
describe the appearance of the cervix postpartum?
- outer part of the cervix that opens into the vagina (ectocervix) appears bruised and has small lacerations - external os of cervix never returns to its pre-pregnancy appearance = jagged line/slit instead of circular
36
the small lacerations of the cervix postpartum causes what?
- optimal conditions for development of infection
37
describe the differences in ovarian function in lactating vs nonlactating persons? why does this occur?
- differ in timing of ovulation and menstruation - bc elevated prolactin lvls in lactating persons suppress ovulation
38
describe menstruation of non-lactating birthers
- 70% menstruate within the first 12 weeks after birth - ovulation can occur as early as 27 days after birth, mean time = 7-9 weeks postpartum
39
describe menstruation of lactating birthers
- return of ovulation depends on breast/chest/pumping patterns - mean time = 6 months after birth
40
describe the consistency of the vagina immediately after birth, why?
- vagina is thin and smooth immediately after birth - due to edema, increased vascularity
41
describe the consistency of the vagina in 3rd week postpartu,m
- rugae restored
42
describe the size and tone of the vagina postpartum (3)
- decreases in size - regains tone - may never return to prepregnancy state
43
what impact does decreased estrogen postpartum have on the vagina (3)? how long does this last?
- dry - coital discomfort - thin vaginal mucosa - until return of ovarian function
44
describe mucosa of the vagina postpartum in the lactating person
- may remain atrophic until menses returns
45
perineal lacerations are classified based on?
- tissues/structures involved
46
how many degrees of perineal lacerations are there?
4
47
describe 1st degree of perineal laceration
- involves skin and structures superficial to muscles
48
describe 2nd degree of perineal laceration
- extends thru muscle
49
describe 3rd degree of perineal laceration
- extends thru anal sphincter
50
describe 4th degree perineal laceration
- involves anterior rectal wall
51
describe the site of episiotomies/lacerations repairs initially?
- site initially erythematous and edematous
52
describe the healing of episiotomies/lacerations repairs postpartum
- initial healing occurs within 2-3 weeks to the point that the perinum is barely distinguishable from that of a nulliparous person - complete healing can take up to 6 months
53
what can occur and be decreased within the postpartum period r/t to the perineum? what can they look like?
- hemorrhoids can occur and decreased within 6 weeks after birth - should be pink and soft
54
what stimulates prolactin release after birth? what else stimulates its release?
- fall of progesterone - also produced in response to infant feeding and emptying chest/breasts
55
what role does prolactin play postpartum?
- stimulates milk production and secretion
56
what stimulates oxytocin release postpartum? what effect does this have?
- infant sucking at nipple stimulates oxytocin production - stimulates the milk-ejection reflex
57
what is the nipple erection reflex
-when infant cries or sucks at breast, helps to move thru the ducts to nipple pores
58
what might the person feel as milk ejection occurs?
- tingling sensation
59
birthers w flat or inverted nipples may need?
- additional support to latch infant
60
describe changes to the breasts during the 1st 24 hrs postpartum
- no appreciable changes
61
what is present at birth r/t breasts? at what point does milk production begin?
- colstrum present at birth - 72-96 hrs after birth milk production begins
62
describe the firmness of breasts in days 1-2 after birth?
- soft
63
describe the breasts after milk production (6)
- firm - tender - warm - lumps as milk ducts fill - painfully full breasts may occur (engorgement) - breasts should soften w feedings
64
describe the nipples postpartum (3)
- should have skin intact - no sores to area - not painful
65
milk production will stop approx _____ after birth if no breast feeding/pumping
- 1 week
66
what is imp to note w breast feeding
- most substances ingested by the birther will pass to the infant thru chest milk
67
what is the average blood loss for a vaginal birth? c-section?
- vaginal: 300-500 mL - c-section: 500-1000 mL
68
describe blood volume postpartum
- returns to nonpregnancy lvls within a few days after birth due to diuresis
69
describe cardiac output postpartum
- returns to nonpregnant state after 48 hrs
70
describe position of the heart postpartum
- diaphragm descends = normal cardiac axis is restored - point of meximal impulse normalized
71
describe BP postpartum w HTN?
- could stay elevated longer
72
describe resp function postpartum
- rapidly returns to prepregnancy lvls following birth - diaphragm descneds
73
pregnancy proteinuria and glycosuria resolves within...
- 6 weeks after birth
74
what occurs postpartum r/t GU system? why?
- diuresis occurs within 12 hrs - to rid the body of excess fluid accumulated during pregnancy
75
why does diuresis occur postpartum? (3)
- decreased estrogen - removal of increased venous pressure in lower extremities - loss of pregnancy induced increase in blood volume
76
after birth, trauma can occur to?
- urinary meatus - bladder - urethra
77
what impact can trauma to the GU system have d/t birth and anesthesia? what might this require?
- affect voiding reflex = urinary retention and bladder distension - may require urinary catheter if bladder distended/full and unable to void
78
most birthers are able to void spontaneously within?
- 8 hrs
79
a full/distended bladder can be a signif contributor to? how?
- postpartum uterine bleeding as it displaces uterus (up and to right)
80
postpartum, bladder tone is usually restored within?
- first week after birth w adequate emptying
81
if client was cathetrized during L&D, what is there an increased risk for?
- UTI in postpartum period
82
describe changes to integ system postpartum
- striae, if present, fade from red to silver but permanent - increased pigmentation of areolae and linea nigra may not regress completely
83
describe hbg & hct postpartum
- lvls depend on blood loss - usually return to non-pregnancy lvls by 8 weeks postpartum
84
why is there an increased risk of thromboembolism postpartum?
due to: - immobility - potential vessel damage - increase in clotting factors and fibrinogen in pregnancy and immediate postpartum (esp w c-section)
85
describe changes to varicosities postpartum
- varicosities of the legs/anus/vulva generally regress entirely following birth
86
describe hunger postpartum, why?
- likely to be quite hungry following initial recovery - from birth, general fatigue, anesthesia
87
spontaneous bowel evacuation may not occur for how long after birth? why?
- may not occur for 2-3 days - due to: decreased muscle tone, decrease in food/fluids during birth, anticipated discomfort to perineum
88
describe interventions for bowel movements postpartum (2)
- encourage fibre and fluid intake - stool softeners generally provided postpartum
89
bowel function should return to normal how long postpartum?
- 1 week postpartum
90
what is a specific intervention r/t GI system with a c-section
- should auscultate for bowel sounds
91
supportive tissues of pelvic floor may be ____ after birth
- may be torn or stretched
92
how long can it take for the tissue of the pelvic floor to regain tone? what can encourage healing?
- can take up to 6 months to regain tone - kegel exercises encourage healing
93
describe the abdominal wall postpartum
- relaxed postpartum
94
how long does it take for the abdominal wall to regain muscular tone
- regains tone over several weeks --> can take up to 6 weeks to return to prepregnancy state
95
return to prepregnancy state of abdominal wall depends on? (3)
- previous tone - exercise - amt of adipose tissue
96
what may persist r/t MSk system following birth? what might this require?
- diastasis (seperation) of the rectus abdominis muscle can persist - may require surgery
97
how long does it take for the joints to stabilize following birth? this may cause?
- 6-8 weeks - a permanent increase in shoe size
NURS 4500: Final Material
flashcards
Decks in class (16)
# Cards
Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2026 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions