NSPN 7100: Module 8- Postpartum and
Transition to Parenthood Exam UPDATED
ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS
The responses of new mothers to this period vary and will depend on a number of factors.
What factors may be considered? - CORRECT ANSWER her antepartum experiences,
her expectations for childbirth, the length of her labour, the difficulty of her birth, pain
experienced during labour, and whether birth was normal, assisted, or operative. Responses
will also be affected by her age, past experiences including abuse and trauma, social supports,
culture, and whether the pregnancy was planned or unexpected.
Why is providing women with the opportunity to share their birth stories a significant nursing
intervention? - CORRECT ANSWER It may foster self-actualization, promote
maternal role attainment, enhance the couple's relationship, and enrich the family's
perspective.
What kind of questions could you ask new parents to assess their initial adaptation to
parenting? - CORRECT ANSWER A good opening question could be "tell me about
your labour and birth? Was it what you expected? Do you have any questions about the
experience?" It can also be helpful to specifically ask the father, "and how was it for you?"
This may open up the conversation for the couple to express concerns or seek clarity about
why something happened.
In the first 24 hours postpartum, what are the maternal assessments? - CORRECT
ANSWER - vital signs
- fundus- position and tone
- flow- amount, color, consistency
- perineum- swelling, pain, stitches
- bladder- voiding
- bowel- last BM, does she need stool softener?
- breasts
- pain- perineal pain? Incisional pain post C/S
,- legs (for thrombosis)
- nutrition and hydration
- support systems
- emotional status
- readiness for self-care
- readiness for baby care
Some nurses like to use the acronym BUBBLES when performing their assessment. What
does this acronym stand for? - CORRECT ANSWER Breast, Uterus, Bowel, Bladder,
Lochia, Episiotomy, and Supports
What is the average blood loss for vaginal birth? - CORRECT ANSWER 300-500 ml
What is the average blood loss for caesarean birth? - CORRECT ANSWER 500-1000
ml
Vital signs may have slight variations in the immediate postpartum period. What slight
variations may be seen? - CORRECT ANSWER heart rate elevation in the first hour,
transient increase in blood pressure in first few days' postpartum, and slight increase in
temperature during first 24 hours.
How is involution (the return of the uterus to pre-pregnant state) assessed? - CORRECT
ANSWER palpating the fundus and monitoring the vaginal flow
Fill in the blanks:
At the end of the third stage of labour, the fundus should be approximately ___cm below the
umbilicus and midline. By 12 hours postpartum it can rise to ___cm above the umbilicus then
by 24 hours it should be at or just below the umbilicus. It should descend by _____cm every
24 hours - CORRECT ANSWER At the end of the third stage of labour, the fundus
should be approximately 2cm below the umbilicus and midline. By 12 hours postpartum it
can rise to 1cm above the umbilicus then by 24 hours it should be at or just below the
umbilicus. It should descend by 1-2 cm every 24 hours
, When the fundus is above the umbilicus and/or deviated to the right, what may this indicate?
- CORRECT ANSWER it may indicate a full bladder.
How does a full bladder increase the risk of PPH? - CORRECT ANSWER A full
bladder increases the risk of post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) as the uterus is not able to
contract efficiently
Uterine discharge is known as lochia and the amount and color changes over time. Describe
the colour and time frame for each of the following to appear?
Lochia rubra
Lochia serosa
Lochia alba - CORRECT ANSWER Lochia rubra: is dark red and lasts for 3-4 days
Lochia serosa: is pink or brown and lasts for 10-14 days
Lochia alba: is yellow to white and may last up to 4-8 weeks
Fill in the blanks:
a first degree perineum tear involves ______________, while a 4th degree tear extends
_______________. - CORRECT ANSWER a first degree tear involves skin and
vaginal mucous membrane only, a 4th degree tear extends completely through the rectal
mucosa
What are factors that are associated with perineal trauma ? - CORRECT
ANSWER poor maternal nutritional status, birth position, pelvic anatomy, fetal
malpresentation and position, large infant, use of forceps or vacuum, prolonged second stage,
or precipitate birth
What non-pharmalogical intervention may help relieve discomfort and swelling in the
perineum after birth? - CORRECT ANSWER Ice packs can assist with comfort and
reduce any swelling that may be present.
Transition to Parenthood Exam UPDATED
ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS
The responses of new mothers to this period vary and will depend on a number of factors.
What factors may be considered? - CORRECT ANSWER her antepartum experiences,
her expectations for childbirth, the length of her labour, the difficulty of her birth, pain
experienced during labour, and whether birth was normal, assisted, or operative. Responses
will also be affected by her age, past experiences including abuse and trauma, social supports,
culture, and whether the pregnancy was planned or unexpected.
Why is providing women with the opportunity to share their birth stories a significant nursing
intervention? - CORRECT ANSWER It may foster self-actualization, promote
maternal role attainment, enhance the couple's relationship, and enrich the family's
perspective.
What kind of questions could you ask new parents to assess their initial adaptation to
parenting? - CORRECT ANSWER A good opening question could be "tell me about
your labour and birth? Was it what you expected? Do you have any questions about the
experience?" It can also be helpful to specifically ask the father, "and how was it for you?"
This may open up the conversation for the couple to express concerns or seek clarity about
why something happened.
In the first 24 hours postpartum, what are the maternal assessments? - CORRECT
ANSWER - vital signs
- fundus- position and tone
- flow- amount, color, consistency
- perineum- swelling, pain, stitches
- bladder- voiding
- bowel- last BM, does she need stool softener?
- breasts
- pain- perineal pain? Incisional pain post C/S
,- legs (for thrombosis)
- nutrition and hydration
- support systems
- emotional status
- readiness for self-care
- readiness for baby care
Some nurses like to use the acronym BUBBLES when performing their assessment. What
does this acronym stand for? - CORRECT ANSWER Breast, Uterus, Bowel, Bladder,
Lochia, Episiotomy, and Supports
What is the average blood loss for vaginal birth? - CORRECT ANSWER 300-500 ml
What is the average blood loss for caesarean birth? - CORRECT ANSWER 500-1000
ml
Vital signs may have slight variations in the immediate postpartum period. What slight
variations may be seen? - CORRECT ANSWER heart rate elevation in the first hour,
transient increase in blood pressure in first few days' postpartum, and slight increase in
temperature during first 24 hours.
How is involution (the return of the uterus to pre-pregnant state) assessed? - CORRECT
ANSWER palpating the fundus and monitoring the vaginal flow
Fill in the blanks:
At the end of the third stage of labour, the fundus should be approximately ___cm below the
umbilicus and midline. By 12 hours postpartum it can rise to ___cm above the umbilicus then
by 24 hours it should be at or just below the umbilicus. It should descend by _____cm every
24 hours - CORRECT ANSWER At the end of the third stage of labour, the fundus
should be approximately 2cm below the umbilicus and midline. By 12 hours postpartum it
can rise to 1cm above the umbilicus then by 24 hours it should be at or just below the
umbilicus. It should descend by 1-2 cm every 24 hours
, When the fundus is above the umbilicus and/or deviated to the right, what may this indicate?
- CORRECT ANSWER it may indicate a full bladder.
How does a full bladder increase the risk of PPH? - CORRECT ANSWER A full
bladder increases the risk of post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) as the uterus is not able to
contract efficiently
Uterine discharge is known as lochia and the amount and color changes over time. Describe
the colour and time frame for each of the following to appear?
Lochia rubra
Lochia serosa
Lochia alba - CORRECT ANSWER Lochia rubra: is dark red and lasts for 3-4 days
Lochia serosa: is pink or brown and lasts for 10-14 days
Lochia alba: is yellow to white and may last up to 4-8 weeks
Fill in the blanks:
a first degree perineum tear involves ______________, while a 4th degree tear extends
_______________. - CORRECT ANSWER a first degree tear involves skin and
vaginal mucous membrane only, a 4th degree tear extends completely through the rectal
mucosa
What are factors that are associated with perineal trauma ? - CORRECT
ANSWER poor maternal nutritional status, birth position, pelvic anatomy, fetal
malpresentation and position, large infant, use of forceps or vacuum, prolonged second stage,
or precipitate birth
What non-pharmalogical intervention may help relieve discomfort and swelling in the
perineum after birth? - CORRECT ANSWER Ice packs can assist with comfort and
reduce any swelling that may be present.
