NUR 230 Final Exam New content UPDATED ACTUAL
Questions and CORRECT Answers
Postpartum Changes: General Physiological • Vital signs
• Cardiovascular
• Respiratory
• Neurological
• Nutrition
• Labs
• Ovulation/Menstruation
• Weight changes
What is the expected temperature change in the first 24 Temperature may be elevated to 38C (100.4 F) for up to 24 hours after birth.
hours after birth?
What should the temperature be after the first 24 hours After the first 24 hours, the temperature should be afebrile.
postpartum?
What temperature change may occur when the milk Temperature may be increased for 24 hours after the milk comes in (low grade).
comes in postpartum?
What happens to blood pressure postpartum? Blood pressure may have some elevation then returns to normal.
What heart rate change is expected during the first 6-10 Bradycardia occurs during the first 6-10 days postpartum.
days postpartum?
What conditions are associated with high blood Preeclampsia, essential hypertension, renal disease, anxiety
pressure?
What are the treatments for high blood pressure? Procardia 30 XL, Labetalol, Aldomet
What is the dosage of Magnesium Sulfate IV for treating 2 gm/hr for 24-48 hours
high blood pressure?
, What conditions can cause low blood pressure? Uterine hemorrhage, hematoma
What can tachycardia indicate during labor? Difficult labor and birth, hemorrhage
What does marked tachypnea indicate? Respiratory disease, pulmonary edema
What temperature is considered a fever indicating 100.4 F or above
infection?
What happens to cardiac output in the first 2 weeks after Cardiac output declines by 30%.
a cardiovascular event?
When does cardiac output typically reach normal levels By 6-12 weeks.
after a cardiovascular event?
What role does diuresis play in cardiovascular recovery? Diuresis assists to decrease extracellular fluid and weight loss.
What can failure to eliminate fluid lead to in Pulmonary edema and cardiac problems.
cardiovascular patients?
Respiratory - lungs clear
- non-labored breathing
- Eupnea: Tachypnea- fever and pain, Bradypnea- respiratory compromise
- Watch for fluid overload: fluid bolus, pitocin, magnesium sulfate
Neurological Headaches: most common neurologic symptom, may result from fluid shifts in first
week after birth, leakage of cerebrospinal fluid due to epidural or spinal (blood
patch), chronic or gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, stress and fatigue
(need rest)
Visual changes: spots, blurring, bright lights
Nutrition - encourage women to eat foods high in iron
- may need to continue taking prenatal vitamin
- breastfeeding mother increase intake by 300 kcal
- non-breastfeeding mothers decrease intake by 200 kcal
What is the normal range for leukocytosis in the early WBC 25,000-30,000
postpartum period?
What is the average blood loss during a vaginal delivery? 200 to 500 mL
What is the average blood loss during a cesarean 700 to 1000 mL
delivery?
How much does a 2-3% drop in hematocrit correspond to 500 mL
in blood loss?
When do plasma levels return to the prepregnant state 4 to 6 weeks
postpartum?
Questions and CORRECT Answers
Postpartum Changes: General Physiological • Vital signs
• Cardiovascular
• Respiratory
• Neurological
• Nutrition
• Labs
• Ovulation/Menstruation
• Weight changes
What is the expected temperature change in the first 24 Temperature may be elevated to 38C (100.4 F) for up to 24 hours after birth.
hours after birth?
What should the temperature be after the first 24 hours After the first 24 hours, the temperature should be afebrile.
postpartum?
What temperature change may occur when the milk Temperature may be increased for 24 hours after the milk comes in (low grade).
comes in postpartum?
What happens to blood pressure postpartum? Blood pressure may have some elevation then returns to normal.
What heart rate change is expected during the first 6-10 Bradycardia occurs during the first 6-10 days postpartum.
days postpartum?
What conditions are associated with high blood Preeclampsia, essential hypertension, renal disease, anxiety
pressure?
What are the treatments for high blood pressure? Procardia 30 XL, Labetalol, Aldomet
What is the dosage of Magnesium Sulfate IV for treating 2 gm/hr for 24-48 hours
high blood pressure?
, What conditions can cause low blood pressure? Uterine hemorrhage, hematoma
What can tachycardia indicate during labor? Difficult labor and birth, hemorrhage
What does marked tachypnea indicate? Respiratory disease, pulmonary edema
What temperature is considered a fever indicating 100.4 F or above
infection?
What happens to cardiac output in the first 2 weeks after Cardiac output declines by 30%.
a cardiovascular event?
When does cardiac output typically reach normal levels By 6-12 weeks.
after a cardiovascular event?
What role does diuresis play in cardiovascular recovery? Diuresis assists to decrease extracellular fluid and weight loss.
What can failure to eliminate fluid lead to in Pulmonary edema and cardiac problems.
cardiovascular patients?
Respiratory - lungs clear
- non-labored breathing
- Eupnea: Tachypnea- fever and pain, Bradypnea- respiratory compromise
- Watch for fluid overload: fluid bolus, pitocin, magnesium sulfate
Neurological Headaches: most common neurologic symptom, may result from fluid shifts in first
week after birth, leakage of cerebrospinal fluid due to epidural or spinal (blood
patch), chronic or gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, stress and fatigue
(need rest)
Visual changes: spots, blurring, bright lights
Nutrition - encourage women to eat foods high in iron
- may need to continue taking prenatal vitamin
- breastfeeding mother increase intake by 300 kcal
- non-breastfeeding mothers decrease intake by 200 kcal
What is the normal range for leukocytosis in the early WBC 25,000-30,000
postpartum period?
What is the average blood loss during a vaginal delivery? 200 to 500 mL
What is the average blood loss during a cesarean 700 to 1000 mL
delivery?
How much does a 2-3% drop in hematocrit correspond to 500 mL
in blood loss?
When do plasma levels return to the prepregnant state 4 to 6 weeks
postpartum?
