Maternal & Newborn Nursing Flashcards
7 cards from real Healthcare and Nursing practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Maternal & Newborn Nursing flashcards as text
How is postpartum hemorrhage defined?
Answer: Blood loss exceeding 500 mL after vaginal delivery or 1,000 mL after cesarean delivery
Postpartum hemorrhage is defined as cumulative blood loss greater than 500 mL after vaginal birth or greater than 1,000 mL after cesarean birth.
A postpartum patient reports a painful, red, warm area on one breast with a fever of 101.8°F and flu-like body aches. The nurse should suspect:
Answer: Mastitis
Mastitis presents with localized breast inflammation (erythema, warmth, pain) combined with systemic symptoms such as fever and myalgia, typically requiring antibiotic therapy.
Which statement best distinguishes postpartum depression from postpartum baby blues?
Answer: Baby blues occur in the first two weeks and resolve spontaneously; postpartum depression persists beyond two weeks and significantly impairs daily functioning
Baby blues are transient, self-limiting mood changes in the first 1–2 postpartum weeks, while postpartum depression is a clinical condition lasting longer and requiring treatment.
A patient at 38 weeks gestation presents with severe headache, visual disturbances, epigastric pain, and a BP of 170/112 mmHg. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
Answer: Administer magnesium sulfate and antihypertensive therapy as ordered
These findings indicate severe preeclampsia; magnesium sulfate prevents eclamptic seizures and antihypertensive agents reduce the risk of cerebrovascular accident.
HELLP syndrome is characterized by which triad of laboratory findings?
Answer: Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count
HELLP syndrome is a severe variant of preeclampsia defined by hemolysis (H), elevated liver enzymes (EL), and low platelets (LP), all detectable on laboratory testing.
A woman at 8 weeks gestation presents to the ED with sudden severe unilateral pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, and referred right shoulder pain. What condition should the nurse suspect?
Answer: Ectopic pregnancy
Unilateral pelvic pain with vaginal bleeding and referred shoulder pain (from diaphragmatic irritation by intra-abdominal blood) at 8 weeks strongly suggests a ruptured ectopic pregnancy.
A patient with gestational diabetes is preparing for discharge. Which instruction is most important?
Answer: Monitor blood glucose regularly and follow the prescribed diet and exercise plan
Blood glucose self-monitoring combined with medical nutrition therapy and physical activity are the cornerstones of gestational diabetes management; pharmacotherapy is added only if needed.