Maternity Nursing: Postpartum Flashcards
7 cards from real Maternal Newborn Nursing Test practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Maternity Nursing: Postpartum flashcards as text
A postpartum client has a hemoglobin of 8.2 g/dL. Which symptom is she most likely to report?
Answer: Fatigue and pallor on exertion
Anemia from postpartum blood loss manifests primarily as fatigue, pallor, and decreased activity tolerance.
Which position should the nurse teach a client with a third-degree perineal laceration to use for most comfortable sitting?
Answer: Clenching buttocks together before sitting and using a foam donut cushion
Squeezing the buttocks together before sitting reduces direct pressure on the perineum, and a foam ring cushion further relieves discomfort.
A client on postpartum day 1 is crying and states she feels overwhelmed and irritable. Her assessment is otherwise normal. How should the nurse interpret this?
Answer: Normal postpartum blues related to hormonal shifts
Postpartum blues affect up to 80% of new mothers within the first few days due to rapid estrogen and progesterone decline; they resolve within 2 weeks without treatment.
A client is prescribed methylergonovine (Methergine) for postpartum uterine atony. Which vital sign is a contraindication to administering this medication?
Answer: Blood pressure of 148/94 mmHg
Methylergonovine is a vasoconstrictor and is contraindicated in hypertension because it can dangerously elevate blood pressure.
Which assessment best indicates that postpartum involution is progressing normally on day 3?
Answer: Fundus 3 cm below the umbilicus
The uterus descends approximately 1 cm (one fingerbreadth) per day; by day 3 it should be approximately 3 cm below the umbilicus.
A postpartum client who had a cesarean birth asks when she can expect her bowel function to return. What should the nurse tell her?
Answer: Usually within 2–3 days, assisted by ambulation and passage of flatus
Post-cesarean ileus typically resolves within 2–3 days; early ambulation and adequate hydration help restore peristalsis.
A nurse is preparing discharge teaching about resuming sexual intercourse postpartum. What is the standard recommendation?
Answer: Wait at least 6 weeks or until cleared by the provider and lochia has ceased
Most providers recommend waiting until lochia has stopped and perineal healing is complete, typically around 6 weeks and after provider clearance.