A nurse is counseling a woman about postpartum blues. Which of the following should be included in the discussion?

Postpartum blues are transient and usually occur within the first week after delivery

Medications are available to relieve the symptoms

The father may become sad and weepy.

Very few women experience postpartum blues

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A) Postpartum blues are transient and usually occur within the first week after delivery:
Postpartum blues, also known as "baby blues," are common and generally transient. They typically occur within the first few days to a week after delivery and can last for a few days to a week or two. Symptoms may include mood swings, irritability, crying, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. These feelings are normal and typically resolve without the need for medical intervention. It's important for the nurse to provide reassurance that this is a common experience for many new mothers and that it is usually temporary.

B) Medications are available to relieve the symptoms:
While medications may be necessary for more severe postpartum mood disorders, such as postpartum depression, they are not typically required for postpartum blues. Since postpartum blues are mild and transient, most women do not need medications. Psychosocial support and rest are usually sufficient. Medications, especially antidepressants, are considered for women who develop postpartum depression, which is more persistent and severe than postpartum blues.

C) The father may become sad and weepy:
While fathers can experience emotional changes during the postpartum period, the phenomenon of postpartum blues is specific to the mother due to the hormonal and physiological changes related to childbirth and breastfeeding. Fathers may experience mood changes due to the stresses of parenthood, but postpartum blues is typically not recognized as a condition affecting men. However, men can experience postpartum depression or anxiety, which warrants different attention and support.

D) Very few women experience postpartum blues:
On the contrary, postpartum blues is very common, affecting a large percentage of women after childbirth. Studies show that 50-80% of women experience some form of postpartum blues. This makes the statement incorrect. It's important to normalize the experience and emphasize that it is a common and temporary reaction to the changes associated with childbirth.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) It could make respiratory distress syndrome worse:
The most critical reason to protect a preterm infant from cold stress is that hypothermia can exacerbate respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Cold stress leads to an increased oxygen demand, which can worsen the infant’s already compromised respiratory function. In preterm infants, the immature lungs and underdeveloped surfactant production contribute to RDS, and hypothermia worsens the situation by increasing metabolic demands and impairing pulmonary function. Maintaining a stable body temperature is crucial for minimizing respiratory complications.

B) Shivering to produce heat may use up too many calories:
While it is true that preterm infants may not have the metabolic reserves to generate heat via shivering (as they lack significant brown fat), the primary concern is not shivering. Preterm infants generally do not shiver, and cold stress does not trigger this response. Instead, their body tries to conserve heat through vasoconstriction and increased metabolism, which can lead to hypoxia and worsening respiratory distress.

C) A low temperature may make the infant less able to digest nutrients:
Cold stress can affect a preterm infant’s gastrointestinal function by reducing blood flow to the digestive organs, which can impair nutrient absorption and digestion. However, the most immediate and serious consequence of cold stress is the increased metabolic demand and worsening of respiratory distress, rather than a direct impact on digestion. Protecting the infant from hypothermia helps prevent these secondary complications.

D) Cold decreases circulation to the extremities:
While cold stress can indeed lead to vasoconstriction and decreased circulation to the extremities, this is not the most significant concern. The primary issue with cold stress in preterm infants is the overall increase in metabolic demands, oxygen consumption, and exacerbation of respiratory problems, which can lead to more severe respiratory distress syndrome. The loss of peripheral circulation is a secondary concern.

A. Pauses in respiration lasting 30 seconds B. Respiratory rate 36, crackles present bilaterally C. Apical heart rate of 160 with mild systolic murmur heard D. Small white papules on nose and chin

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) Pauses in respiration lasting 30 seconds:
Pauses lasting longer than 20 seconds or accompanied by other signs of distress would warrant further evaluation. A 30-second pause by itself, without additional concerning symptoms, is generally not a reason for immediate action.

B) Respiratory rate 36, crackles present bilaterally:
The presence of bilateral crackles is concerning. Crackles can indicate fluid in the lungs, possibly from retained amniotic fluid or respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). In a term newborn, bilateral crackles at this time, especially if accompanied by tachypnea or other signs of respiratory distress, may indicate a serious respiratory issue, such as aspiration pneumonia or RDS. Immediate assessment and intervention are necessary to ensure the infant is breathing adequately and that there are no underlying complications.

C) Apical heart rate of 160 with mild systolic murmur heard:
An apical heart rate of 160 is within the normal range for a newborn (typically 120-160 bpm). A mild systolic murmur is also not uncommon in newborns and may be benign, especially in the first few days of life. Murmurs are often transient and can be caused by normal circulatory changes as the newborn's cardiovascular system adjusts after birth. Although a heart murmur should be monitored, it is not typically an urgent concern unless associated with signs of poor perfusion or other cardiac symptoms.

D) Small white papules on nose and chin:
These small white papules are likely milia, which are common and harmless in newborns. Milia are keratin-filled cysts that typically appear on the face, especially around the nose and chin. They are a normal finding and resolve on their own without treatment. These papules do not require immediate action.

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A nurse is counseling a woman about postpartum blues. Which of the following should be included in the discussion?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The most important reason to protect the preterm infant from cold stress is that:

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is assessing a newborn at 1 hour of age. Which finding requires the nurse's immediate action?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A new mother asks the nurse about the white substance" covering her infant. The nurse explains that the purpose of vernix caseosa is to:

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:

You know that infant safety is important so which of the following should be in place to maintain infant safety:

The nurse is going to administer a dose of Vitamin K (Aquamephyton) 0.5mg IM to a newborn. Available: Vitamin K 1 mg/1ml. How many mLs would the nurse administer? (Please answer numerically only)

The nurse administers vitamin K to the newborn for what reason?

As part of the postpartum assessment, the nurse examines the breasts of a primiparous (first baby) breastfeeding woman who is 1 day postpartum. Which of the following findings should the nurse anticipate?