NUR 230 Study Guide questions and Answers | 2026
| 100% Correct
postpartum changes in vital signs
-temperature may be elevated (100.4 F) for up to 24 hours after birth
-should be afebrile after 1st 24 hours
-low grade fever for 24 hours after milk comes in
-some elevation in bP and then returns to normal
-bradycardia occurs during first 6 to 10 days
abnormal postpartum vital signs
-high BP: preeclampsia, essential hypertension, renal disease, anxiety
-low BP: uterine hemorrhage, hematoma
-tachycardia: difficult labor and birth, hemorrhage
-marked tachypnea: respiratory disease, pulmonary edema
-temp above 100.4: infection
treatment for postpartum hypertension
-procardia XL (nifedipine), aldomet (methyldopa)
-magnesium sulfate IV for 24-48 hours after delivery
postpartum cardiovascular changes
,-cardiac output declines by 30% in first 2 weeks and reaches normal levels by 6-12 weeks
-diuresis assists to decrease extracellular fluid and weight loss
-failure to eliminates fluid can lead to pulmonary edema and cardiac problems
postpartum respiratory changes
-lungs clear
-no labored breathing, eupnea
-tachycardia: fever, pain, hemorrhage
-bradycardia: respiratory compromise (med or anesthesia related)
-possible fluid overload d/t fluid bolus, pitocin, or magnesium sulfate
postpartum headaches and visual changes
- most common neurologic symptom
-may result from fluid shifts in first week after birth
-may be caused by leakage of cerebrospinal fluid due to epidural or spinal (tx: blood patch)
-other causes include chronic or gestation HTN, preeclampsia, or stress/fatigue
-spots, blurring, bright lights
postpartum nutrition
-encourage woman to eat foods high in iron
-may need to continue taking prenatal vitamin
-breastfeeding mothers increase intake by 300 kcal
-non breastfeeding mothers decrease intake by 200 kcal
postpartum changes in lab values
,-non pathologic leukocytosis occurs in early postpartum period (WBC 25,000-30,000_
-blood loss averages 200 to 500 ml vaginal and 700 to 1000 ml cesarean
-plasma levels reach the pre-pregnant state by 4 to 6 weeks postpartum
-platelet levels will return to normal by the 6th week
-blood values should return to pre-pregnant state by end of 6th week
return of ovulation/menstruation
-non breastfeeding: menstruation usually occurs in 7-12 weeks, ovulation usually occurs within
70 to 75 days
-breastfeeding: menstruation may be delayed 3 months or longer depending on exclusively
breastfeeding or not
-breastfeeding is not a reliable form of birth control
postpartum weight changes
-initial weight loss of 10 to 12 lbs
-postpartum diuresis causes a loss of 5 lbs
-may return to pre-pregnant weight by 6th to 8th week depending on diet and exercise routine
postpartum assessment
BUBBLE HE
-breasts, uterus, bowel, bladder, lochia, episiotomy/laceration/incision, homan's/hemorrhoids,
emotions
breast assessment
, -size and shape
-abnormalities, reddened areas, or engorgement
-presence of breast fullness due to milk presence
-assess nipples for cracks, fissures, soreness, or inversion
supression of lactaction
-well fitting bra or ace wrap binder
-cold compresses or cabbage leaves
-anti inflammatory medication
-no warm water on breasts
-no stimulation
lactation
-feeding pattern every 2.3 hours (8-12 times per 24 hour period)
-10 to 20 minutes on 1st breast, may not need as long on second breasts
-breasts may feel heavy, but not hardened, sore, or reddened
-breastfeeding mothers should not consume alcohol for at least 2 hours before nursing, and
alcohol consumption should be limited to occasional use
-allow nipples to dry to prevent breakdown
breastfeeding positions
-cradle position
-modified cradle position
-football hold
-side lying (safe sleep concern)
| 100% Correct
postpartum changes in vital signs
-temperature may be elevated (100.4 F) for up to 24 hours after birth
-should be afebrile after 1st 24 hours
-low grade fever for 24 hours after milk comes in
-some elevation in bP and then returns to normal
-bradycardia occurs during first 6 to 10 days
abnormal postpartum vital signs
-high BP: preeclampsia, essential hypertension, renal disease, anxiety
-low BP: uterine hemorrhage, hematoma
-tachycardia: difficult labor and birth, hemorrhage
-marked tachypnea: respiratory disease, pulmonary edema
-temp above 100.4: infection
treatment for postpartum hypertension
-procardia XL (nifedipine), aldomet (methyldopa)
-magnesium sulfate IV for 24-48 hours after delivery
postpartum cardiovascular changes
,-cardiac output declines by 30% in first 2 weeks and reaches normal levels by 6-12 weeks
-diuresis assists to decrease extracellular fluid and weight loss
-failure to eliminates fluid can lead to pulmonary edema and cardiac problems
postpartum respiratory changes
-lungs clear
-no labored breathing, eupnea
-tachycardia: fever, pain, hemorrhage
-bradycardia: respiratory compromise (med or anesthesia related)
-possible fluid overload d/t fluid bolus, pitocin, or magnesium sulfate
postpartum headaches and visual changes
- most common neurologic symptom
-may result from fluid shifts in first week after birth
-may be caused by leakage of cerebrospinal fluid due to epidural or spinal (tx: blood patch)
-other causes include chronic or gestation HTN, preeclampsia, or stress/fatigue
-spots, blurring, bright lights
postpartum nutrition
-encourage woman to eat foods high in iron
-may need to continue taking prenatal vitamin
-breastfeeding mothers increase intake by 300 kcal
-non breastfeeding mothers decrease intake by 200 kcal
postpartum changes in lab values
,-non pathologic leukocytosis occurs in early postpartum period (WBC 25,000-30,000_
-blood loss averages 200 to 500 ml vaginal and 700 to 1000 ml cesarean
-plasma levels reach the pre-pregnant state by 4 to 6 weeks postpartum
-platelet levels will return to normal by the 6th week
-blood values should return to pre-pregnant state by end of 6th week
return of ovulation/menstruation
-non breastfeeding: menstruation usually occurs in 7-12 weeks, ovulation usually occurs within
70 to 75 days
-breastfeeding: menstruation may be delayed 3 months or longer depending on exclusively
breastfeeding or not
-breastfeeding is not a reliable form of birth control
postpartum weight changes
-initial weight loss of 10 to 12 lbs
-postpartum diuresis causes a loss of 5 lbs
-may return to pre-pregnant weight by 6th to 8th week depending on diet and exercise routine
postpartum assessment
BUBBLE HE
-breasts, uterus, bowel, bladder, lochia, episiotomy/laceration/incision, homan's/hemorrhoids,
emotions
breast assessment
, -size and shape
-abnormalities, reddened areas, or engorgement
-presence of breast fullness due to milk presence
-assess nipples for cracks, fissures, soreness, or inversion
supression of lactaction
-well fitting bra or ace wrap binder
-cold compresses or cabbage leaves
-anti inflammatory medication
-no warm water on breasts
-no stimulation
lactation
-feeding pattern every 2.3 hours (8-12 times per 24 hour period)
-10 to 20 minutes on 1st breast, may not need as long on second breasts
-breasts may feel heavy, but not hardened, sore, or reddened
-breastfeeding mothers should not consume alcohol for at least 2 hours before nursing, and
alcohol consumption should be limited to occasional use
-allow nipples to dry to prevent breakdown
breastfeeding positions
-cradle position
-modified cradle position
-football hold
-side lying (safe sleep concern)
