MATERNAL CHILD NURSING EXAM 3 REVISION
HANDBOOK 2026 FETAL DEVELOPMENT AND
PEDIATRIC DISORDERS
◉ What does foul-smelling lochia indicate?
Answer: Possible infection
◉ How long does it take for the vagina to return to normal?
Answer: 6-10 weeks
◉ What happens to the perineum after birth?
Answer: It may be edematous and bruised
◉ How long can perineal healing take?
Answer: 4-6 months
◉ What happens to cardiac output after birth?
Answer: Temporarily increases then returns to normal in 6-12
weeks
◉ How is excess fluid eliminated postpartum?
,Answer: Diuresis and diaphoresis
◉ Why is there increased clot risk postpartum?
Answer: Increased clotting factors
◉ Why is hunger increased postpartum?
Answer: Energy expenditure during labor
◉ Why is constipation common postpartum?
Answer: Decreased intake, reduced bowel tone, fear of pain
◉ When is the first bowel movement expected postpartum?
Answer: 2-3 days after birth
◉ Why does urinary retention occur postpartum?
Answer: Increased bladder capacity and decreased sensation
◉ Why is UTI risk increased postpartum?
Answer: Urinary stasis allows bacterial growth
◉ How does a full bladder affect the uterus?
Answer: Displaces it and can cause excessive bleeding
, ◉ What are common postpartum neurologic complaints?
Answer: Fatigue and headaches
◉ What causes common postpartum headaches?
Answer: Fluid and electrolyte changes
◉ What symptoms may indicate preeclampsia postpartum?
Answer: Blurred vision, photophobia, abdominal pain
◉ How long does hCG remain postpartum?
Answer: 3-4 weeks
◉ What hormone stimulates milk production?
Answer: Prolactin
◉ Can ovulation occur before the first period postpartum?
Answer: Yes
◉ How does breastfeeding affect menstruation?
Answer: It may delay ovulation and menses
HANDBOOK 2026 FETAL DEVELOPMENT AND
PEDIATRIC DISORDERS
◉ What does foul-smelling lochia indicate?
Answer: Possible infection
◉ How long does it take for the vagina to return to normal?
Answer: 6-10 weeks
◉ What happens to the perineum after birth?
Answer: It may be edematous and bruised
◉ How long can perineal healing take?
Answer: 4-6 months
◉ What happens to cardiac output after birth?
Answer: Temporarily increases then returns to normal in 6-12
weeks
◉ How is excess fluid eliminated postpartum?
,Answer: Diuresis and diaphoresis
◉ Why is there increased clot risk postpartum?
Answer: Increased clotting factors
◉ Why is hunger increased postpartum?
Answer: Energy expenditure during labor
◉ Why is constipation common postpartum?
Answer: Decreased intake, reduced bowel tone, fear of pain
◉ When is the first bowel movement expected postpartum?
Answer: 2-3 days after birth
◉ Why does urinary retention occur postpartum?
Answer: Increased bladder capacity and decreased sensation
◉ Why is UTI risk increased postpartum?
Answer: Urinary stasis allows bacterial growth
◉ How does a full bladder affect the uterus?
Answer: Displaces it and can cause excessive bleeding
, ◉ What are common postpartum neurologic complaints?
Answer: Fatigue and headaches
◉ What causes common postpartum headaches?
Answer: Fluid and electrolyte changes
◉ What symptoms may indicate preeclampsia postpartum?
Answer: Blurred vision, photophobia, abdominal pain
◉ How long does hCG remain postpartum?
Answer: 3-4 weeks
◉ What hormone stimulates milk production?
Answer: Prolactin
◉ Can ovulation occur before the first period postpartum?
Answer: Yes
◉ How does breastfeeding affect menstruation?
Answer: It may delay ovulation and menses
