Postpartum Care for Mom Questions Related

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A multiparous patient reports severe uterine cramps the first day after a vaginal delivery. The nurse is aware the patient is breastfeeding and associates the patient's pain primarily with which occurrence?

  • A. An increase in oxytocin release related to the newborn suckling
  • B. The presence of intense afterbirth pains related to multiparity
  • C. An expected response to the daily administration of oxytocin
  • D. The efforts of the uterus to return to a prepregnancy condition
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale for correct answer A:
1. Breastfeeding stimulates the release of oxytocin.
2. Oxytocin causes uterine contractions.
3. Uterine contractions help the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size.
4. Severe uterine cramps post-delivery are likely due to increased oxytocin release from breastfeeding.

Summary of why other choices are incorrect:
B: Afterbirth pains are typically crampy, but the scenario specifies severe pain on the first day after delivery, which is more likely due to breastfeeding.
C: Daily administration of oxytocin would not lead to sudden severe cramps on the first day post-delivery.
D: Uterus shrinking back to prepregnancy size causes cramping, but the timing and severity described in the scenario point more towards oxytocin release from breastfeeding.