NURS 456 EXAM 3 (2025-2026) QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS GRADED A+
Involution
The process by which the uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy size and condition
after childbirth
Mainly to help with uterine involution and to prevent excessive bleeding
Why is Oxytocin given via IV postpartum?
It helps stimulate uterine contractions and supports uterine involution, which is
crucial to prevent excessive bleeding
Why is it so important to massage the fundus to firm postpartum?
a full bladder can interfere with the normal contraction and involution of the
uterus, increasing the risk of complications like postpartum hemorrhage
Why is it important to have an empty bladder postpartum?
,At or just below the level of the umbilicus until about 24 hours post delivery, then
the fundus should progress down about 1 cm per day
Where is the fundus palpable postpartum?
About 2 weeks postpartum ; if still palpable, it could mean infection, retained
products of conception, or slowed involution of the uterus
At what point postpartum should the uterus become unpalpable?
Lochia Rubra
First stage of postpartum vaginal discharge postpartum ; bright or dark red blood
mixed with small pieces of tissue ; lasts for 3-4 days postpartum
Lochia Serosa
Second stage of postpartum vaginal discharge that follows lochia rubra ; pinkish or
brownish discharge that is seen between days 4 - 10 postpartum ; contains less
blood, mucus, and white blood cells
Lochia Alba
Third and final stage of postpartum vaginal discharge ; white or yellow-white
discharge that is seen between 2 - 6 weeks postpartum ; contains mostly mucus,
leukocytes, epithelial cells, and little to no blood
,Non-breastfeeding moms will return to menstruation first ; this is because
breastfeeding moms are stimulating the release of prolactin, which suppresses
ovulation
Will a non-breastfeeding mom or a breastfeeding mom return to menstruation first?
500-1000 mL ; more blood loss in c-sections, but should not be much more than 1
L
What is a normal amount of blood loss postpartum?
WBC increase ; clotting factors remain increased
What lab values increase postpartum?
Aftrerpains
Cramping pains that women often feel in the first few days after childbirth as the
uterus contracts and returns to its pre-pregnancy size
Multigravida moms because the uterus has already been stretched ; breastfeeding
moms will also experience worse afterpains than non-breastfeeding moms
Are Primagravida moms or Multigravida moms more likely to experience worse
afterpains?
, Let-Down Reflex
Natural reflex that occurs in breastfeeding mothers when milk is released from the
milk-producing glands into the milk ducts, making it available to the baby
Baby crying or seeing baby
What are some auditory and visual cues that can trigger the let-down reflex?
Diastasis Recti
condition where the left and right sides of the rectus abdominis muscles separate
along the midline of the abdomen
can be elevated to 100.4 and still be considered normal for 24hrs after delivery
What is a normal temp postpartum?
Returns to normal after 1 week, but can be painful
When does bowel function return to normal postpartum?
Diuresis and Diaphoresis
What are the 2 ways mothers get rid of fluid postpartum?
ANSWERS GRADED A+
Involution
The process by which the uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy size and condition
after childbirth
Mainly to help with uterine involution and to prevent excessive bleeding
Why is Oxytocin given via IV postpartum?
It helps stimulate uterine contractions and supports uterine involution, which is
crucial to prevent excessive bleeding
Why is it so important to massage the fundus to firm postpartum?
a full bladder can interfere with the normal contraction and involution of the
uterus, increasing the risk of complications like postpartum hemorrhage
Why is it important to have an empty bladder postpartum?
,At or just below the level of the umbilicus until about 24 hours post delivery, then
the fundus should progress down about 1 cm per day
Where is the fundus palpable postpartum?
About 2 weeks postpartum ; if still palpable, it could mean infection, retained
products of conception, or slowed involution of the uterus
At what point postpartum should the uterus become unpalpable?
Lochia Rubra
First stage of postpartum vaginal discharge postpartum ; bright or dark red blood
mixed with small pieces of tissue ; lasts for 3-4 days postpartum
Lochia Serosa
Second stage of postpartum vaginal discharge that follows lochia rubra ; pinkish or
brownish discharge that is seen between days 4 - 10 postpartum ; contains less
blood, mucus, and white blood cells
Lochia Alba
Third and final stage of postpartum vaginal discharge ; white or yellow-white
discharge that is seen between 2 - 6 weeks postpartum ; contains mostly mucus,
leukocytes, epithelial cells, and little to no blood
,Non-breastfeeding moms will return to menstruation first ; this is because
breastfeeding moms are stimulating the release of prolactin, which suppresses
ovulation
Will a non-breastfeeding mom or a breastfeeding mom return to menstruation first?
500-1000 mL ; more blood loss in c-sections, but should not be much more than 1
L
What is a normal amount of blood loss postpartum?
WBC increase ; clotting factors remain increased
What lab values increase postpartum?
Aftrerpains
Cramping pains that women often feel in the first few days after childbirth as the
uterus contracts and returns to its pre-pregnancy size
Multigravida moms because the uterus has already been stretched ; breastfeeding
moms will also experience worse afterpains than non-breastfeeding moms
Are Primagravida moms or Multigravida moms more likely to experience worse
afterpains?
, Let-Down Reflex
Natural reflex that occurs in breastfeeding mothers when milk is released from the
milk-producing glands into the milk ducts, making it available to the baby
Baby crying or seeing baby
What are some auditory and visual cues that can trigger the let-down reflex?
Diastasis Recti
condition where the left and right sides of the rectus abdominis muscles separate
along the midline of the abdomen
can be elevated to 100.4 and still be considered normal for 24hrs after delivery
What is a normal temp postpartum?
Returns to normal after 1 week, but can be painful
When does bowel function return to normal postpartum?
Diuresis and Diaphoresis
What are the 2 ways mothers get rid of fluid postpartum?
