NSG 3500 EXAM 3 POSTPARTUM CARE REVIEW 2026/2027
| HIGH-YIELD QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | MATERNITY & OB
NURSING | EXAM-STYLE PRACTICE | CORRECT ANSWERS
1. Describe how a mother can identify the let-down reflex while breastfeeding.
A mother will feel an increase in appetite.
A mother may feel a tingling sensation in her breasts or notice milk
dripping from the nipple.
A mother will notice a decrease in milk production.
A mother will experience pain in the abdomen.
2. Woman had just delivered. Breastfeeding + fever. Fatigue?
Mastitis
Breast abscess
Mastodynia
Milk fever
3. If a postpartum mother continues to express delusional beliefs despite
reassurance, what should the nurse's next step be after completing the
assessment?
Report the findings to the healthcare provider for further evaluation.
Ignore the statements as they may resolve on their own.
Suggest the mother speak with other new mothers.
Provide additional education on postpartum recovery.
4. Why is it important for the nurse to document a postpartum mother's
delusional belief and inform the MD during rounds?
, It allows the nurse to avoid further interaction with the mother.
It helps in diagnosing the mother with a mental illness.
It ensures that the healthcare team is aware of the mother's mental
state and can provide appropriate interventions.
It is a requirement for all postpartum assessments.
5. Why is it important for the RN to inquire if the mother needs anything at this
time during the postpartum period?
It provides an opportunity for the RN to educate the mother on
breastfeeding.
It helps to address the mother's immediate needs and promotes her
comfort and recovery.
It allows the RN to assess the mother's vital signs more effectively.
It ensures that the mother is aware of potential complications.
6. What is one of the key nursing interventions for a postpartum cesarean
section mother regarding her Foley catheter?
Foley catheter should be discontinued by 12 hours post op
Foley catheter should be removed immediately after surgery
Foley catheter should be replaced every 8 hours
Foley catheter should remain in place for 24 hours
7. Describe the significance of the REEDA assessment in postpartum care for
mothers with an episiotomy.
The REEDA assessment helps identify potential complications such
as infection or improper healing of the episiotomy site.
, The REEDA assessment is used to evaluate the mother's mental health
status.
The REEDA assessment is unrelated to postpartum care.
The REEDA assessment focuses solely on the mother's breastfeeding
technique.
8. What does the acronym REEDA stand for in the context of assessing an
episiotomy?
Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Drainage, Assessment
Redness, Edema, Erythema, Discharge, Assessment
Redness, Erythema, Edema, Drainage, Alignment
Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, Approximation
9. What is the recommended frequency for changing peri pads after using the
toilet?
Once a day
With every use of the toilet
Only when soiled
Every 4 hours
10. Which of the following is a sign of postpartum hemorrhage following a
vaginal birth?
Soaking through a peripad in one hour
Hypertension
lessening blood flow
Blood loss of >500 mL
, 11. If a family is experiencing difficulty with an older sibling adjusting to a new
baby, what intervention should a registered nurse recommend?
Suggest the older sibling spend more time away from home.
Advise the parents to ignore the older sibling's feelings.
Encourage family activities that include the older sibling.
Limit the older sibling's interaction with the new baby.
12. A nurse is educating a postpartum patient who decides not to breastfeed
her newborn. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in
the teaching?
"Limit fluid intake to 1 L per day."
"Place ice packs on your breasts."
"Wear a loose-fitting comfortable bra."
"Stand under a hot shower with your breasts exposed."
13. What is a common postpartum complication associated with the use of an
epidural during labor?
Urinary retention
Postpartum hemorrhage
Endometritis
Infection
14. What does a boggy fundus indicate in a postpartum patient?
Endometritis
Uterine atony
| HIGH-YIELD QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | MATERNITY & OB
NURSING | EXAM-STYLE PRACTICE | CORRECT ANSWERS
1. Describe how a mother can identify the let-down reflex while breastfeeding.
A mother will feel an increase in appetite.
A mother may feel a tingling sensation in her breasts or notice milk
dripping from the nipple.
A mother will notice a decrease in milk production.
A mother will experience pain in the abdomen.
2. Woman had just delivered. Breastfeeding + fever. Fatigue?
Mastitis
Breast abscess
Mastodynia
Milk fever
3. If a postpartum mother continues to express delusional beliefs despite
reassurance, what should the nurse's next step be after completing the
assessment?
Report the findings to the healthcare provider for further evaluation.
Ignore the statements as they may resolve on their own.
Suggest the mother speak with other new mothers.
Provide additional education on postpartum recovery.
4. Why is it important for the nurse to document a postpartum mother's
delusional belief and inform the MD during rounds?
, It allows the nurse to avoid further interaction with the mother.
It helps in diagnosing the mother with a mental illness.
It ensures that the healthcare team is aware of the mother's mental
state and can provide appropriate interventions.
It is a requirement for all postpartum assessments.
5. Why is it important for the RN to inquire if the mother needs anything at this
time during the postpartum period?
It provides an opportunity for the RN to educate the mother on
breastfeeding.
It helps to address the mother's immediate needs and promotes her
comfort and recovery.
It allows the RN to assess the mother's vital signs more effectively.
It ensures that the mother is aware of potential complications.
6. What is one of the key nursing interventions for a postpartum cesarean
section mother regarding her Foley catheter?
Foley catheter should be discontinued by 12 hours post op
Foley catheter should be removed immediately after surgery
Foley catheter should be replaced every 8 hours
Foley catheter should remain in place for 24 hours
7. Describe the significance of the REEDA assessment in postpartum care for
mothers with an episiotomy.
The REEDA assessment helps identify potential complications such
as infection or improper healing of the episiotomy site.
, The REEDA assessment is used to evaluate the mother's mental health
status.
The REEDA assessment is unrelated to postpartum care.
The REEDA assessment focuses solely on the mother's breastfeeding
technique.
8. What does the acronym REEDA stand for in the context of assessing an
episiotomy?
Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Drainage, Assessment
Redness, Edema, Erythema, Discharge, Assessment
Redness, Erythema, Edema, Drainage, Alignment
Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, Approximation
9. What is the recommended frequency for changing peri pads after using the
toilet?
Once a day
With every use of the toilet
Only when soiled
Every 4 hours
10. Which of the following is a sign of postpartum hemorrhage following a
vaginal birth?
Soaking through a peripad in one hour
Hypertension
lessening blood flow
Blood loss of >500 mL
, 11. If a family is experiencing difficulty with an older sibling adjusting to a new
baby, what intervention should a registered nurse recommend?
Suggest the older sibling spend more time away from home.
Advise the parents to ignore the older sibling's feelings.
Encourage family activities that include the older sibling.
Limit the older sibling's interaction with the new baby.
12. A nurse is educating a postpartum patient who decides not to breastfeed
her newborn. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in
the teaching?
"Limit fluid intake to 1 L per day."
"Place ice packs on your breasts."
"Wear a loose-fitting comfortable bra."
"Stand under a hot shower with your breasts exposed."
13. What is a common postpartum complication associated with the use of an
epidural during labor?
Urinary retention
Postpartum hemorrhage
Endometritis
Infection
14. What does a boggy fundus indicate in a postpartum patient?
Endometritis
Uterine atony
