PN 3006 -- PRE AND POST-PARTUM
CLIENT STUDY QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
Stage One of Labour -- Early - ANSWER-Irregular, uncomfortable contractions
that last less than a minute, lasts hours to days, diarrhea common, able to
hold a conversation
Stage One of Labour -- Active - ANSWER-Stronger, more regular contractions
that last one minute, able to hold a conversation between contractions. Time
to obtain medical help.
Stage One of Labour -- Transitional - ANSWER-Cervix is approaching 10cm,
flushed, N/V very common, no longer able to hold a conversation
Stage Two of Labour - ANSWER-Cervix fully dilated and baby is born
Stage Three of Labour - ANSWER-Placenta is delivered (up to 30 minutes)
Stage Four of Labour - ANSWER-First few hours after birth
False Labour - ANSWER-Contractions are irregular and do not progressively
get stronger/closer/longer. Contractions stop with activity/rest/position
changes. Pain is normally in front of the abdomen
True Labour - ANSWER-Contractions are predictable and progressively get
stronger, closer, and longer in duration. Contractions continue regardless of
activity/rest/position. Pain is in back and then moves to the front
Greatest risk for postpartum complications is during... - ANSWER-First 24
hours after delivery
Post-Partum Assessment - ANSWER-Upon arrival at PP unit: complete head to
toe, BUBBLE HE, REEDA, pain, VS
Reasses qh x4: uterus, lockia, bladder, BP/HR, any abnormal findings
Elevated Temp Post-Partum - ANSWER-Normal finding for first 24hrs. Sign of
dehydration and/or infection
Bradycardia Post-Partum - ANSWER-Normal finding
, Tachycardia Post-Partum - ANSWER-Sign of infection, hemorrhage, pain,
and/or anxiety
Low BP Post-Partum - ANSWER-Sign of orthostatic hypotension and/or shock
High BP Post-Partum - ANSWER-Sign of pregnancy-induced hypertension
BUBBLE HE - ANSWER-Breasts, Uterus, Bladder, Bowels, Lochia, Episiotomy,
Hemorrhoids (and Homan's Sign), Emotional Status
Lochia - ANSWER-The postpartum vaginal discharge that typically continues
for 4-6 weeks after childbirth
Breasts Post-Partum - ANSWER-Soft, firm, and/or lumpy; secretion of
colostrum; engorgement
Uterus Post-Partum - ANSWER-Involution: First day at umbilicus, decreases by
1 FB per day
Consistency: Firm, round, smooth; not boggy
Location: Midline
Bladder Post-Partum - ANSWER-Assess for paresthesia; often catheterized;
assess for distention (could be uterine atony/UTI); urine output
Bowel Post-Partum - ANSWER-Assess for bowel sounds/passing gas; usually
BM 2-3 days post delivery; may need gas relief method, laxative, stool
softeners and/or enema
Lochia Post-Partum - ANSWER-Assess for amount and type of drainage
Day 1-3 rubra- bloody with fleshy odor, may have clots
Day 4-9-serosa- pink/brown with fleshy odor
Day 10 plus-alba- yellow white
Episiotomy Post-Partum - ANSWER-Assessment for hematoma, ecchymosis,
edema, erythema, intact suture line, discharge, signs of infection
Hemorrhoids and Homan's Sign Post-Partum - ANSWER-Bulging, ithcing,
burning and/or bleeding at anus; pain while defecating and sometimes while
sitting; difficulty passing stool due to internal constriction in anus.
Assessment for thrombophlebitis (swelling, redness, warmth, pain), unilateral
findings, C-section at higher risk
CLIENT STUDY QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
Stage One of Labour -- Early - ANSWER-Irregular, uncomfortable contractions
that last less than a minute, lasts hours to days, diarrhea common, able to
hold a conversation
Stage One of Labour -- Active - ANSWER-Stronger, more regular contractions
that last one minute, able to hold a conversation between contractions. Time
to obtain medical help.
Stage One of Labour -- Transitional - ANSWER-Cervix is approaching 10cm,
flushed, N/V very common, no longer able to hold a conversation
Stage Two of Labour - ANSWER-Cervix fully dilated and baby is born
Stage Three of Labour - ANSWER-Placenta is delivered (up to 30 minutes)
Stage Four of Labour - ANSWER-First few hours after birth
False Labour - ANSWER-Contractions are irregular and do not progressively
get stronger/closer/longer. Contractions stop with activity/rest/position
changes. Pain is normally in front of the abdomen
True Labour - ANSWER-Contractions are predictable and progressively get
stronger, closer, and longer in duration. Contractions continue regardless of
activity/rest/position. Pain is in back and then moves to the front
Greatest risk for postpartum complications is during... - ANSWER-First 24
hours after delivery
Post-Partum Assessment - ANSWER-Upon arrival at PP unit: complete head to
toe, BUBBLE HE, REEDA, pain, VS
Reasses qh x4: uterus, lockia, bladder, BP/HR, any abnormal findings
Elevated Temp Post-Partum - ANSWER-Normal finding for first 24hrs. Sign of
dehydration and/or infection
Bradycardia Post-Partum - ANSWER-Normal finding
, Tachycardia Post-Partum - ANSWER-Sign of infection, hemorrhage, pain,
and/or anxiety
Low BP Post-Partum - ANSWER-Sign of orthostatic hypotension and/or shock
High BP Post-Partum - ANSWER-Sign of pregnancy-induced hypertension
BUBBLE HE - ANSWER-Breasts, Uterus, Bladder, Bowels, Lochia, Episiotomy,
Hemorrhoids (and Homan's Sign), Emotional Status
Lochia - ANSWER-The postpartum vaginal discharge that typically continues
for 4-6 weeks after childbirth
Breasts Post-Partum - ANSWER-Soft, firm, and/or lumpy; secretion of
colostrum; engorgement
Uterus Post-Partum - ANSWER-Involution: First day at umbilicus, decreases by
1 FB per day
Consistency: Firm, round, smooth; not boggy
Location: Midline
Bladder Post-Partum - ANSWER-Assess for paresthesia; often catheterized;
assess for distention (could be uterine atony/UTI); urine output
Bowel Post-Partum - ANSWER-Assess for bowel sounds/passing gas; usually
BM 2-3 days post delivery; may need gas relief method, laxative, stool
softeners and/or enema
Lochia Post-Partum - ANSWER-Assess for amount and type of drainage
Day 1-3 rubra- bloody with fleshy odor, may have clots
Day 4-9-serosa- pink/brown with fleshy odor
Day 10 plus-alba- yellow white
Episiotomy Post-Partum - ANSWER-Assessment for hematoma, ecchymosis,
edema, erythema, intact suture line, discharge, signs of infection
Hemorrhoids and Homan's Sign Post-Partum - ANSWER-Bulging, ithcing,
burning and/or bleeding at anus; pain while defecating and sometimes while
sitting; difficulty passing stool due to internal constriction in anus.
Assessment for thrombophlebitis (swelling, redness, warmth, pain), unilateral
findings, C-section at higher risk
