A postpartum patient is ready for discharge from the hospital ...

[littleanan]

A postpartum patient is ready for discharge from the hospital with her baby. She describes having some sad feelings after her last baby. The perinatal nurse explains that she should seek help in which situation?
 
  A.
  After 2 weeks of continuous sad feelings
  B.
  After 3 weeks of continuous sad feelings
  C.
  After 1 month of continuous sad feelings
  D.
  After 6 weeks of continuous sad feelings

Question 2

A postpartum patient is hemorrhaging despite receiving several medications and fundal massage. What action by the nurse takes priority?
 
  A.
  Begin weighing all used perineal pads.
  B.
  Obtain informed consent for surgery.
  C.
  Place the woman on her left side.
  D.
  Switch the IV solution to dextrose.

[Chou]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Cases of postpartum blues are common. Fifty to 80 of all postpartum women experience some degree of postpartum blues within the first 2 weeks after childbirth. These are usually self-limiting, last several days, and often peak by the end of the first week. After 2 weeks, the woman should seek assistance and have further screening for depression.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
If more conservative methods do not control postpartum hemorrhage, invasive surgical procedures are indicated. Procedures include the placement of uterine packing, balloon tamponade, ligation of the uterine arteries, hypogastric artery ligation, uterine suturing, embolization procedures, and hysterectomy. The nurse needs to facilitate obtaining informed consent for an emergency invasive procedure. The nurse should already be weighing pads and linens. Placing the woman on her left side will not impact the bleeding. IV solutions should be normal saline, particularly if the woman will be receiving blood transfusions.