The nurse is educating the postpartum client. Which prevention strategies for postpartum depression should the nurse include? Select all that apply.
- A. Attend a support group that has other postpartum women.
- B. Use the baby’s nap time to complete household chores.
- C. Keep a journal of feelings during the postpartum period.
- D. Call the HCP if feelings of sadness do not subside quickly.
- E. Develop a daily schedule of activities, and follow the plan.
Correct Answer: A,C,D,E
Rationale: A postpartum support group can be a place where realistic information about postpartum depression can be discussed and symptoms recognized. Fatigue is a major concern for all postpartum women. Clients should be encouraged to nap when their infant is napping rather than using that time for other activities. Keeping a journal can be emotionally cathartic and can help prevent postpartum depression. Postpartum mothers should be encouraged to call their HCPs if symptoms of postpartum depression, such as feelings of sadness, do not subside quickly or if the symptoms become severe. Structuring activity with a schedule helps counteract inertia that comes with feeling sad or unsettled.
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The oncoming shift nurse assesses the fundus of the postpartum client 6 hours after a vaginal birth and finds that it is firm. When the nurse then assists the client out of bed for the first time, blood begins to run down the client’s leg. Which action by the nurse in response to the client’s bleeding is correct?
- A. Explain that extra bleeding can occur with initial standing
- B. Immediately assist the client back into bed
- C. Push the emergency call light in the room
- D. Call the HCP to report this increased bleeding
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Lochia normally pools in the vagina when the postpartum client remains in a recumbent position for any length of time. When the client then stands, gravity causes the blood to flow out. As long as the nurse knows the fundus is firm and not bleeding, a simple explanation to the client is all that is required. There is no reason to return the client to bed; the fundus is firm. There is no reason to push the emergency call light. Increased bleeding is an expected response when standing for the first time. There is no reason to call the HCP.
The nurse correctly sends a requisition and specimen for which laboratory test?
- A. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
- B. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)
- C. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
- D. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is the hormone tested to confirm pregnancy, as it is produced by the placenta shortly after implantation.
The nurse correctly explains to the group that the most important condition related to frequent urination during pregnancy is related to what factor?
- A. Loss of bladder tone in the mother
- B. The presence of a urinary tract infection
- C. The enlarging uterus exerting pressure on the bladder
- D. The growing fetus excreting increased amounts of waste
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The enlarging uterus presses on the bladder, causing frequent urination, especially in early and late pregnancy.
The nurse is caring for the pregnant client at 20 weeks’ gestation. At what level should the nurse expect to palpate the client’s uterine height?
- A. Two finger-breadths above the symphysis pubis
- B. Halfway between the symphysis pubis and the umbilicus
- C. At the level of the umbilicus
- D. Two finger-breadths above the umbilicus
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: At 20 gestational weeks, the uterus should be at the level of the umbilicus. The uterine height is too low for 20 weeks’ gestation. At 13 weeks, the uterus would be approximately two finger-breadths above the symphysis pubis. The uterine height is too low for 20 weeks’ gestation. At 16 weeks, the uterus would be approximately halfway between the umbilicus and symphysis pubis. The uterine height is too high for 20 weeks’ gestation. At 22 weeks, the uterus would be two finger-breadths above the umbilicus.
The nurse prepares the client for which pain management option during labor?
- A. Epidural anesthesia
- B. Hot baths during active labor
- C. Over-the-counter pain relievers
- D. No pain relief options
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Epidural anesthesia is a common and effective pain management option during labor, tailored to the client's needs.