Maternal NCLEX Related

Review Maternal NCLEX related questions and content

The postpartum client, who is 24 hours post—vaginal birth and breastfeeding, asks the nurse when she can begin exercising to regain her prepregnancy body shape. Which response by the nurse is correct?

  • A. “Simple abdominal and pelvic exercises can begin right now.”
  • B. “You will need to wait until after your 6-week postpartum checkup.”
  • C. “Once your lochia has stopped, you can begin exercising.”
  • D. “You should not exercise while you are breastfeeding.”
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: On the first postpartum day, the client should be taught to start abdominal breathing and pelvic rocking. Kegel exercises, which should have been taught during pregnancy, should be continued. Simple exercises should be added daily until, by 2 to 3 weeks postpartum, the mother should be able to do sit-ups and leg raises. Abdominal and pelvic exercises can begin right away and not wait for the 6-week postpartum checkup. There is no reason for the client to wait until the lochia has stopped before beginning exercises. There is no reason that a breastfeeding mother should not begin abdominal and pelvic exercises now.