The nurse assesses for signs of depression or postpartum blues. How can the nurse explain the difference?
- A. PPD is less severe and resolves in a few weeks.
- B. Postpartum blues can last up to a year.
- C. PPD is a normal expectation of postpartum.
- D. Postpartum blues symptoms include irritability and sadness.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Postpartum blues are more temporary and less severe whereas postpartum depression (PPD) involves more severe symptoms and requires treatment.
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What drug should be readily available when a woman is receiving heparin therapy?
- A. Vitamin K
- B. Methylergonovine
- C. Ferrous sulfate
- D. Protamine sulfate
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Protamine sulfate is an antidote to heparin and should be readily available in case of excessive anticoagulation.
A woman has an 8-lb, 9-oz baby after an 18-hour labor that required a vacuum extraction. Her membranes have been ruptured for 15 hours. Based on these facts, client teaching should emphasize:
- A. Reporting foul-smelling lochia and fever.
- B. Delaying intercourse for at least 6 weeks.
- C. Eating a diet that is high in iron and vitamin C.
- D. Losing weight over at least a 6-month period.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Prolonged rupture of membranes increases the risk of infectionand the woman should report any signs of infection such as foul-smelling lochia or fever.
Research has shown what intervention increases involvement of the adolescent partner postpartum?
- A. involvement of the partner during the prenatal period
- B. involvement of parents in decision making
- C. restricting people in the labor room
- D. providing newborn care in the nursery
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Involving the partner early in the process increases their engagement and involvement postpartum.
A new father tells a nurse friend that his wife is agitated and acting in a bizarre fashion. She says that she hears voices. Her baby is 2 weeks old. The father is concerned about the care the mother is giving the baby. The nurse should:
- A. Tell the father that this is severe postpartum blues and will pass in a few days if he shows enough support.
- B. Suggest that the father try talking to his wife to find out what is bothering her about being a new mother.
- C. Explain that the mother will probably need psychotherapy and refer him to support groups.
- D. Tell the father to call the physician immediately and not to leave the woman alone with the baby.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The symptoms described may indicate postpartum psychosis a serious condition that requires immediate medical intervention to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby.
A woman tells you she has been teary for most of the 2 weeks since the birth of her baby. Although the infant appears to be cared for appropriately, the mother states that she feels too tired to spend as much time with him as she should. She has lost her appetite and cannot sleep at night. She has been too ashamed to tell anyone before now. The nurse's best response is to:
- A. Tell her that this is normal postpartum blues and she will get over it in a few more days.
- B. Suggest that she get help to care for the baby and that with more rest she will feel fine.
- C. Listen to her feelings carefully and then acknowledge that something is wrong.
- D. Suggest that she spend time away from the baby to rest from the constant infant care.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The mother is displaying signs of postpartum depression which requires a thoughtful response and appropriate interventions to address her emotional well-being.