______ refers to the uterine contractions felt after birth - ANSWER-Afterpains
This is the uterus shrinking back down to normal size
.______, or swelling of the breast tissue, occurs usually 2 to 4 days after birth - ANSWER-Engorgement
It usually occurs as the breast milk comes in
.A client who is breastfeeding her newborn tells the nurse, I notice that when I feed him, I feel fairly strong
contraction-like pain. Labor is over. Why am I having contractions now? Which response by the nurse would be
most appropriate?
A) Your uterus is still shrinking in size; that's why you're feeling this pain.
B) Let me check your vaginal discharge just to make sure everything is fine.
C) Your body is responding to the events of labor, just like after a tough workout.
D) The baby's sucking releases a hormone that causes the uterus to contract - ANSWER-D
The woman is describing afterpains, which are usually stronger during breast-feeding because oxytocin
released by the sucking reflex strengthens uterine contractions. Afterpains are associated with uterine
involution, but the woman's description strongly correlates with the hormonal events of breast-feeding. All
women experience afterpains, but they are more acute in multiparous women secondary to repeated
stretching of the uterine muscles.
.A group of students are reviewing the process of breast milk production. The
students demonstrate understanding when they identify which hormone as
responsible for milk let-down?
A) Prolactin
, B) Estrogen
C) Progesterone
D) Oxytocin - ANSWER-D
Don't let this confuse you! Milk let-down/stimulation vs milk production (prolactin)
Oxytocin is released from the posterior pituitary to promote milk let-down. Prolactin levels increase at term
with a decrease in estrogen and progesterone; estrogen and progesterone levels decrease after the placenta is
delivered. Prolactin is released from the anterior pituitary gland and initiates milk production.
.A mother choosing to breastfeed or lactate requires an additional ______ calories per day. - ANSWER-500
.A multipara client develops thrombophlebitis after delivery. Which of the
following would alert the nurse to the need for immediate intervention?
A) Dyspnea, diaphoresis, hypotension, and chest pain
B) Dyspnea, bradycardia, hypertension, and confusion
C) Weakness, anorexia, change in the level of consciousness, and coma
D) Pallor, tachycardia, seizures, and jaundice - ANSWER-A
Sudden unexplained shortness of breath and complaints of chest pain along with diaphoresis and hypotension
suggest pulmonary embolism, which requires immediate action. Other signs and symptoms include
tachycardia, apprehension, hemoptysis, syncope, and sudden change in the woman's mental status secondary
to hypoxemia. Anorexia, seizures, and jaundice are unrelated to a pulmonary embolism.
.A nurse is assessing a postpartum client who is at home. Which statement by the client would lead the nurse
to suspect that the client may be developing
postpartum depression?
A) I just feel so overwhelmed and tired.
B) I'm feeling so guilty and worthless lately.
C) It's strange, one minute I'm happy, the next I'm sad.
D) I keep hearing voices telling me to take my baby to the river. - ANSWER-B
Indicators for postpartum depression include feelings related to restlessness, worthlessness, guilt, hopeless,