With regard to afterbirth pains, nurses should be aware that ...

[segrsyd]

With regard to afterbirth pains, nurses should be aware that these pains are:
 
  a. Caused by mild, continuous contractions for the duration of the postpartum period.
  b. More common in first-time mothers.
  c. More noticeable in births in which the uterus was overdistended.
  d. Alleviated somewhat when the mother breastfeeds.

Question 2

A woman gave birth to a 7-pound, 6-ounce infant girl 1 hour ago. The birth was vaginal, and the estimated blood loss (EBL) was approximately 1500 mL. When assessing the woman's vital signs, the nurse would be concerned to see:
 
  a. Temperature 37.9 C, heart rate 120, respirations 20, blood pressure (BP) 90/50.
  b. Temperature 37.4 C, heart rate 88, respirations 36, BP 126/68.
  c. Temperature 38 C, heart rate 80, respirations 16, BP 110/80.
  d. Temperature 36.8 C, heart rate 60, respirations 18, BP 140/90.

[qytan]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
A large baby or multiple babies overdistend the uterus. The cramping that causes afterbirth pains arises from periodic, vigorous contractions and relaxations, which persist through the first part of the postpartum period. Afterbirth pains are more common in multiparous women because first-time mothers have better uterine tone. Breastfeeding intensifies afterbirth pain because it stimulates contractions.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
An EBL of 1500 mL with tachycardia and hypotension suggests hypovolemia caused by excessive blood loss. An increased respiratory rate of 36 may be secondary to pain from the birth. Temperature may increase to 38 C during the first 24 hours as a result of the dehydrating effects of labor. A BP of 140/90 is slightly elevated, which may be caused by the use of oxytocic medications.

[segrsyd]

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