©BRIGHTSTARS EXAM SOLUTIONS
11/16/2024 10:16 AM
BSN 346 ISB Postpartum Exam Questions
With Correct Answers
What is the purpose of the postpartum assessment? - answer✔1. Healthy transition to pre-
pregnancy state.
2. Identify risk factors and complications.
3. Educate about self-care and well-being.
4. Support and advocate for autonomy.
How does the nurse begin the postpartum assessment? - answer✔The nurse will review the
client's chart, gather the required supplies, follow infection prevention and control protocols,
introduce themselves to the client and explain the assessment process.
True or False: It is important to keep the fundus firm and midline. - answer✔True
The uterus should feel like a BLANK when contracted and like a BLANK when it is relaxed. -
answer✔The uterus should feel like a grapefruit when contracted and like a sponge when it is
relaxed, a state referred to as "boggy".
What do you do when the uterus feels boggy? - answer✔When the uterus feels boggy, begin to
massage it in a circular motion until the uterus is firm, which may feel uncomfortable to the
woman. Teach the woman to self-massage to encourage involution of the uterus.
What is the most common cause of retained placental fragments and infections? -
answer✔Subinvolution
(A medical condition in which after childbirth, the uterus does not return to its normal size.)
Which nursing interventions should the nurse implement for non-breastfeeding mothers? -
answer✔Breast binder
1|Page
, ©BRIGHTSTARS EXAM SOLUTIONS
11/16/2024 10:16 AM
Which factors predispose a woman to thromboembolism? - answer✔Hypercoagulability and
immobility
Which postpartum symptoms may indicate hemorrhage? - answer✔Decreased BP, increased
HR, heavily soaked pads in less than 15 minutes
Which client should the nurse administer a Rh immune globulin injection within 72 hours after
birth to prevent sensitization? - answer✔Rh-negative woman who gave birth to a Rh-positive
infant
Which integumentary system change usually disappears after birth, though can persist in
approximately 30% of women? - answer✔Melasma
What psychosocial changes can occur in the postpartum period? - answer✔1. Perspectives in
self-concept related to new role as a mother
2. Postpartum body image
3. Impact of physical changes to providing care to newborn and available social supports
Why does the nurse need to ask about the cause of fatigue when expressed by a patient? -
answer✔There are various reasons for fatigue during the postpartum period. Examples of
fatigue include: prolonged labour, constant care of newborn (i.e. breastfeeding), postpartum
complication (i.e. infection, hemorrhage) or minimal rest to visitors. Depending of the cause of
the woman's fatigue, will determine the nurse's interventions.
If a client experiences fatigue, reduced energy, and no sleep past the three week mark, what
should the nurse assess for? - answer✔Postpartum blues usually resolve in a few days and
treatment is not needed. However, since this client's symptoms have lasted more than 3 weeks,
the nurse should assess the client for postpartum depression and refer to the appropriate
interprofessional healthcare team members.
What is the nurse's role when a patient expresses anxiety over caring for a new baby? -
answer✔When a nurse uses therapeutic communication, including active listening and
empathy, it can assist the client to share her uncertainty, her feelings and participate in
decision making process on strategies to decrease her worry about caring for her newborn. One
of the nurse's roles is to assist the client's transition into her new role of motherhood. For
example, learning about how to care for self and the newborn, reading the newborn's cues and
linking to resources.
What are strategies for introducing older siblings to newborns? - answer✔Some strategies
include: bringing sibling on tour of hospital prior to birth; having sibling choosing special gift for
2|Page
11/16/2024 10:16 AM
BSN 346 ISB Postpartum Exam Questions
With Correct Answers
What is the purpose of the postpartum assessment? - answer✔1. Healthy transition to pre-
pregnancy state.
2. Identify risk factors and complications.
3. Educate about self-care and well-being.
4. Support and advocate for autonomy.
How does the nurse begin the postpartum assessment? - answer✔The nurse will review the
client's chart, gather the required supplies, follow infection prevention and control protocols,
introduce themselves to the client and explain the assessment process.
True or False: It is important to keep the fundus firm and midline. - answer✔True
The uterus should feel like a BLANK when contracted and like a BLANK when it is relaxed. -
answer✔The uterus should feel like a grapefruit when contracted and like a sponge when it is
relaxed, a state referred to as "boggy".
What do you do when the uterus feels boggy? - answer✔When the uterus feels boggy, begin to
massage it in a circular motion until the uterus is firm, which may feel uncomfortable to the
woman. Teach the woman to self-massage to encourage involution of the uterus.
What is the most common cause of retained placental fragments and infections? -
answer✔Subinvolution
(A medical condition in which after childbirth, the uterus does not return to its normal size.)
Which nursing interventions should the nurse implement for non-breastfeeding mothers? -
answer✔Breast binder
1|Page
, ©BRIGHTSTARS EXAM SOLUTIONS
11/16/2024 10:16 AM
Which factors predispose a woman to thromboembolism? - answer✔Hypercoagulability and
immobility
Which postpartum symptoms may indicate hemorrhage? - answer✔Decreased BP, increased
HR, heavily soaked pads in less than 15 minutes
Which client should the nurse administer a Rh immune globulin injection within 72 hours after
birth to prevent sensitization? - answer✔Rh-negative woman who gave birth to a Rh-positive
infant
Which integumentary system change usually disappears after birth, though can persist in
approximately 30% of women? - answer✔Melasma
What psychosocial changes can occur in the postpartum period? - answer✔1. Perspectives in
self-concept related to new role as a mother
2. Postpartum body image
3. Impact of physical changes to providing care to newborn and available social supports
Why does the nurse need to ask about the cause of fatigue when expressed by a patient? -
answer✔There are various reasons for fatigue during the postpartum period. Examples of
fatigue include: prolonged labour, constant care of newborn (i.e. breastfeeding), postpartum
complication (i.e. infection, hemorrhage) or minimal rest to visitors. Depending of the cause of
the woman's fatigue, will determine the nurse's interventions.
If a client experiences fatigue, reduced energy, and no sleep past the three week mark, what
should the nurse assess for? - answer✔Postpartum blues usually resolve in a few days and
treatment is not needed. However, since this client's symptoms have lasted more than 3 weeks,
the nurse should assess the client for postpartum depression and refer to the appropriate
interprofessional healthcare team members.
What is the nurse's role when a patient expresses anxiety over caring for a new baby? -
answer✔When a nurse uses therapeutic communication, including active listening and
empathy, it can assist the client to share her uncertainty, her feelings and participate in
decision making process on strategies to decrease her worry about caring for her newborn. One
of the nurse's roles is to assist the client's transition into her new role of motherhood. For
example, learning about how to care for self and the newborn, reading the newborn's cues and
linking to resources.
What are strategies for introducing older siblings to newborns? - answer✔Some strategies
include: bringing sibling on tour of hospital prior to birth; having sibling choosing special gift for
2|Page
