Class notes medical 602

1/10/25, 8:37 PM Postpartum Physical Assessment with norms




Postpartum Physical Assessment
Parameters Normal Findings Alterations/Possible Actual Findings
Causes (flag abnormals)
Vital Signs  Should remain consistent with baseline  High BP (PIH, essential
 Blood Pressure BP during pregnancy hypertension, renal disease,
anxiety)
 Drop in BP (may be normal;
uterine hemorrhage)

 Pulse  50-90 beats/min  Tachycardia (difficult labor
 May be bradycardia of 50-70 and birth, hemorrhage)
beats/minute

 Respirations  16-24/minute  Marked tachypnea
(respiratory disease)

 Temperature  89-100.4*F (36.2-38*C)  After first 24 hours
temperature of 100.4*F or
above suggests infection
(elevated temp during first 24
hours suggests dehydration)

 Pain  Subjective; depends on origin  May occur if clots or
 Afterpains caused by intermittent placental fragments were
uterine contractions retained
 Afterpains occur more commonly in
multiparas, multiple pregnancies,
hydramnios, breastfeeders, and
following administration of oxytocic
agents (ie. Methergine, Pitocin)
 Cause discomfort for 2-3 days
following birth
Heart  Normal S1/S2 without  Enlargement, thrills, thrusts,
murmurs/gallops/or rubs gross irregularity or skipped
beats, gallop rhythm or extra
sounds (cardiac disease)


Lungs  Clear to auscultation without  Rales, rhonchi, wheezes;

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, 1/10/25, 8:37 PM Postpartum Physical Assessment with norms




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