A breastfeeding woman develops engorged breasts at 3 days postpartum. What action would help this woman achieve her goal of reducing the engorgement? The woman:
Breastfeeds her infant every 2 hours
Avoids using a breast pump
Skips feedings to let her sore breasts rest
Reduces her fluid intake for 24 hours
The Correct Answer is A
A) Wash your hands before and after you use the bathroom and change your sanitary pad:
The most important instruction for preventing postpartum infection is proper hand hygiene. The risk of infection in the postpartum period is high, especially because the perineum and cervix are healing after delivery. By washing hands before and after using the bathroom or changing sanitary pads, the mother reduces the risk of introducing harmful bacteria into the vaginal area. Proper hand hygiene helps minimize the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), wound infections, and endometritis, which are all common postpartum complications.
B) Do not take tub baths for eight weeks:
While it is true that taking tub baths can potentially introduce bacteria into the vaginal area, particularly if the perineum is healing from a tear or episiotomy, this is a secondary concern. The priority is hand hygiene, which directly prevents infection by limiting bacterial exposure. The recommendation to avoid tub baths is generally valid for the first 6 weeks, but it is less critical than hand washing.
C) Use tampons instead of pads as they are better at inhibiting bacterial growth:
Using tampons is not recommended in the postpartum period because they can increase the risk of toxic shock syndrome and can irritate the vaginal area or interfere with uterine healing. Pads are preferred to absorb lochia (postpartum discharge) and are safer for vaginal healing. Tampons do not inhibit bacterial growth more effectively than pads, and the use of tampons can actually increase the risk of infection, so this option is incorrect.
D) Douche with a mild antiseptic twice a day for two weeks, starting at day three:
Douching is not recommended during the postpartum period. It can disrupt the natural vaginal flora, increase the risk of infections like vaginitis, and delay the healing process. The vagina has its own natural defense mechanisms, and douching with antiseptics is unnecessary and can do more harm than good. Instead, the focus should be on keeping the area clean and dry and practicing proper hand hygiene.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is E
Explanation
A) Bulb syringe in crib:
While a bulb syringe can be useful for clearing the infant’s airway in case of respiratory distress, keeping it in the crib is not an optimal safety practice. The syringe should be readily available but not within reach of the infant, as it could be a choking hazard if mishandled. Ideally, it should be stored in an easily accessible area but not within the crib.
B) Secure hugs tag on and alarms activated:
Ensuring that the infant has a security tag (often referred to as a "Hugs" tag) that is properly placed and that alarms are activated is an important safety measure to prevent infant abductions. Hospitals typically use electronic security systems that alert staff if the infant is removed from the designated area without proper authorization. This intervention is essential for maintaining safety in the hospital setting.
C) ID bands match with mom's ID bands:
It is critical that the infant's ID band matches the mother's ID band. This helps prevent any mix-up or baby swap and ensures that the infant is properly identified at all times. Regular checks should be made to verify that the bands match and remain secure throughout the hospital stay.
D) Infant on their back to sleep:
Placing the infant on their back to sleep is a key guideline for reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This position has been proven to be the safest for infants and is a crucial practice for their well-being. Educating parents and caregivers about safe sleep practices is vital for infant safety.
E) All of the above:
All of these practices are part of a comprehensive safety plan for the infant. Ensuring that the infant is safely secured with proper identification, preventing any risk of abduction, promoting safe sleep practices, and ensuring that airway equipment is available are all essential measures in maintaining the safety of the newborn. Therefore, the correct response is "All of the above."
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Fundus below the symphysis and not palpable:
The process of involution refers to the shrinking and returning of the uterus to its normal size and position after delivery. By postpartum day 14, the uterus should be largely involuted, with the fundus no longer palpable above the pubic symphysis. This is a normal finding, as the uterus typically shrinks to its pre-pregnancy size over this period. The fundus should be at or below the symphysis pubis and should not be palpable after about two weeks postpartum, indicating that the involution process is proceeding as expected.
B) Moderate, bright red lochia:
While bright red lochia (also known as lochia rubra) is common during the first few days postpartum, by postpartum day 14, lochia should have transitioned to a serosa (pinkish or brownish) or alba (white or yellowish) appearance. Bright red lochia on day 14 would suggest a possible issue, such as retained placental fragments or uterine atony, and would require further evaluation.
C) Breasts warm, firm and tender:
Breast tenderness and firmness can be normal in the early postpartum period, especially as milk comes in. However, by postpartum day 14, if the breasts remain tender and warm, this could indicate mastitis or engorgement that hasn't been resolved. While some tenderness may still occur, it should have decreased by this point. If tenderness persists, further assessment would be needed.
D) Laceration slightly red and puffy:
Postpartum lacerations or episiotomy sites should begin to heal within the first few days, but slight redness and swelling might still be present at two weeks. However, puffiness or continued redness after 14 days may indicate poor healing, infection, or other complications, which requires further evaluation and intervention. Normal healing should show a decrease in redness and swelling by this time.
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