NUR 401 Module 3 Study Guide
he descent of
1. Uterine Involution: descent of the uterus back into the pelvis, it's evaluated by measuring t
be palpable.
the fundus, it should descend about 1 cm a day. after 14 days after birth the fundus should no longer
2. Factors That Inhibit Uterine Involution: bladder distention will displace the fundus above the
umbilicus and to the right, which can cause excessive bleeding because it is inhibiting the uterus to contract and expel
the excess blood.
as well as retained placental fragments, uterine atony, and infection.
3. Stages of Lochia: lochia rubra: days 1-3 and appears bright red color
lochia serosa: days 4-10 and appears a brown red color
lochia alba: days 11-21 and appears a creamy white color
4. Lochia Pad Saturations: scant: less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) stain
light: 1 to 4 inch (2.5-10 cm) stain, seen the most
moderate: 4 to 6 inch (10-15 cm) stain, usually right after birth
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, heavy: pad is saturated in 1 hour or less
5. Documentation of Lochia: color, amount, type, and odor
6. Cardiovascular Adaptations in PP: transient increase in maternal cardiac output after birth, gradually
cardiac output decreases and returns to normal in 6-12 weeks, excess plasma volume is eliminated by diuresis and
diaphoresis (mom will experience night sweats and a urine output up to 3,000 mL, which is common on days 3-5)
7. Pulse and BP Adaptations: bradycardia may be present 6-10 days post birth, tachycardia may indicate
hypovolemia. Blood pressure should continue to stay at pre-birth baseline, a high BP could indicate preeclampsia,
dehydration, or hypovolemia.
8. Coagulation Changes: increased clotting factors predispose the postpartum women to clot formation
(does so to prevent excessive bleeding), increased WBC count during labor and takes about 7 days to go down (a WBC
of 30,000 is normal).
9. Urinary Adaptations: increased bladder capacity and decreased sense to fluid pressure may result in
urinary retention, stasis of urine allowing time for bacteria to grow and lead to a urinary tract infection, and even stress
incontinence. need to assess output every 2-3 hours and if less than 150 mL an intervention will need to take place.
2/6
he descent of
1. Uterine Involution: descent of the uterus back into the pelvis, it's evaluated by measuring t
be palpable.
the fundus, it should descend about 1 cm a day. after 14 days after birth the fundus should no longer
2. Factors That Inhibit Uterine Involution: bladder distention will displace the fundus above the
umbilicus and to the right, which can cause excessive bleeding because it is inhibiting the uterus to contract and expel
the excess blood.
as well as retained placental fragments, uterine atony, and infection.
3. Stages of Lochia: lochia rubra: days 1-3 and appears bright red color
lochia serosa: days 4-10 and appears a brown red color
lochia alba: days 11-21 and appears a creamy white color
4. Lochia Pad Saturations: scant: less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) stain
light: 1 to 4 inch (2.5-10 cm) stain, seen the most
moderate: 4 to 6 inch (10-15 cm) stain, usually right after birth
1/6
, heavy: pad is saturated in 1 hour or less
5. Documentation of Lochia: color, amount, type, and odor
6. Cardiovascular Adaptations in PP: transient increase in maternal cardiac output after birth, gradually
cardiac output decreases and returns to normal in 6-12 weeks, excess plasma volume is eliminated by diuresis and
diaphoresis (mom will experience night sweats and a urine output up to 3,000 mL, which is common on days 3-5)
7. Pulse and BP Adaptations: bradycardia may be present 6-10 days post birth, tachycardia may indicate
hypovolemia. Blood pressure should continue to stay at pre-birth baseline, a high BP could indicate preeclampsia,
dehydration, or hypovolemia.
8. Coagulation Changes: increased clotting factors predispose the postpartum women to clot formation
(does so to prevent excessive bleeding), increased WBC count during labor and takes about 7 days to go down (a WBC
of 30,000 is normal).
9. Urinary Adaptations: increased bladder capacity and decreased sense to fluid pressure may result in
urinary retention, stasis of urine allowing time for bacteria to grow and lead to a urinary tract infection, and even stress
incontinence. need to assess output every 2-3 hours and if less than 150 mL an intervention will need to take place.
2/6
