Perinatal Mental Health 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 Perinatal Mental Health flashcards as text
A client with postpartum depression wishes to continue breastfeeding. Which antidepressant is generally considered the safest first-line choice for breastfeeding mothers?
Answer: Sertraline (Zoloft)
Sertraline (Zoloft) is the preferred SSRI for breastfeeding mothers with PPD due to minimal transfer into breast milk and the most extensive infant safety data.
A postpartum client reports intense worry about her baby's health, inability to sleep even when the baby sleeps, and uncontrollable catastrophic thoughts. Which condition does the nurse suspect?
Answer: Postpartum anxiety
Postpartum anxiety is characterized by excessive worry, intrusive thoughts, and inability to relax, and is clinically distinct from postpartum depression.
Which client is at highest risk for postpartum psychosis?
Answer: A woman with a history of bipolar disorder
Women with bipolar disorder have a 25–50% risk of developing postpartum psychosis, making it the strongest known risk factor for this condition.
A nurse is providing discharge education to a postpartum client. Which statement by the client indicates correct understanding of perinatal mental health warning signs?
Answer: I should call my provider if I feel sad or overwhelmed for more than 2 weeks.
Persistent sadness or overwhelm lasting more than 2 weeks warrants contacting a healthcare provider as it may indicate PPD requiring treatment.
A client reports intrusive memories of her traumatic delivery, avoids anything that reminds her of the birth, and is hypervigilant 6 weeks postpartum. Which condition does the nurse suspect?
Answer: Postpartum PTSD
Intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, and hypervigilance following a traumatic birth experience are hallmark diagnostic symptoms of postpartum PTSD.
Which nonpharmacological intervention has the strongest evidence for treating mild-to-moderate postpartum depression?
Answer: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has the most robust evidence base among nonpharmacological treatments for mild to moderate postpartum depression.
A client reports that her partner has become withdrawn, irritable, and disengaged since their baby's birth 8 weeks ago. What should the nurse recognize?
Answer: Partners can also experience postpartum depression
Research shows approximately 10% of fathers and partners experience postpartum depression, often manifesting as irritability and withdrawal rather than sadness.