QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWER
Interval between birth and return of reproductive organs to their nonpregnant state - CORRECT
ANSWERS postpartum
What is the fourth stage of pregnancy? - CORRECT ANSWERS Puerperium
How long is the postpartum period? - CORRECT ANSWERS 6 weeks -varies among women
What is the return of the uterus to a nonpregnant state? - CORRECT ANSWERS Involution
Where is the fundus immediately after delivery? - CORRECT ANSWERS -2 cm below umbillicus
Where is the fundus 12 hrs. after delivery? - CORRECT ANSWERS +1 cm above umbillicus
Fundus descends _____ cm every 24 hours after delivery. - CORRECT ANSWERS 1 to 2 cm
How long after childbirth the uterus is no longer palpable? - CORRECT ANSWERS 2 weeks
What is subinvolution? - CORRECT ANSWERS Failure of uterus to return to nonpregnant state
How does the uterus promote hemostasis postpartum? - CORRECT ANSWERS contractions and
compression of intramyometrial blood vessels as uterine muscle contracts
If the uterus is not contracting adequately to promote hemostasis, what intervention is done? - CORRECT
ANSWERS Oxytocin released/administered; early nursing helps with this
,What is the placental site? - CORRECT ANSWERS site where placenta detaches
How does the placental site prevent scarring? - CORRECT ANSWERS Endometrium regenerates
from inside out - upward growth
What is lochia? - CORRECT ANSWERS Post birth uterine discharge; we expect lochia, complete
lack can be a clot at the os
How long does lochia rubra appear? - CORRECT ANSWERS 3 to 4 days
What is considered heavy lochia? - CORRECT ANSWERS saturate more than 1 pad an hour
How long does lochia serosa appear? - CORRECT ANSWERS Lochia serosa - median duration 22
to 27 days
How long does lochia alba appear? - CORRECT ANSWERS Lochia alba - 10 days after birth,
continues 2 to 6 weeks after birth
Days 1-3: rubra (dark red) - CORRECT ANSWERS
What is the estimated blood loss in delivery? - CORRECT ANSWERS
Days 4-10: serosa (brownish red or pink) - CORRECT ANSWERS
After 10 days: alba (yellowish white) - CORRECT ANSWERS
Assessment for lochia - CORRECT ANSWERS Amount, type, and odor
, How does the Cervix change after birth? - CORRECT ANSWERS Soft immediately after birth,
shortens and firm in 12-18 hours
Cervical os closes gradually, external os jagged slit (fish mouth) - CORRECT ANSWERS within 6
weeks, why sex is not suggested
What do cervixes look like after they've had babies?? - CORRECT ANSWERS FISH MOUTHS!
How does the vagina change after delivery? - CORRECT ANSWERS Postpartum estrogen level
decrease, Thin vaginal mucosa and absence of rugae, Thickening of vaginal mucosa occurs with return of
ovarian function and Decreased vaginal lubrication
How do Episiotomies, lacerations, and hemorrhoids change the Perineum postpartum? - CORRECT
ANSWERS second degree, down to muscle
Fourth degree, through rectal muscle*******
How long does it take pelvic muscles regain tone? - CORRECT ANSWERS up to 6 months; kegels
help
What are the characteristics of a postpartum abdomen? - CORRECT ANSWERS Still-pregnant
appearance, Return almost to prepregnancy state 6 weeks
What are the postpartum changes to the endocrine system related to the placenta? - CORRECT
ANSWERS Decrease insulinase = decreased blood glucose
Decrease estrogen = diuresis of excess extracellular fluid
What are the postpartum changes to the endocrine system related to the pituitary? - CORRECT
ANSWERS Prolactin increase
What is the pregnancy increase in blood volume? - CORRECT ANSWERS 45% but mostly plasma