The nurse is palpating a patient’s uterus 12 hours after a vaginal delivery. For which reason does the nurse place one hand just above the symphysis pubis?

The correct answer is choice C. You should drink plenty of fluids and eat high-fiber foods.This will help you prevent constipation and ease your bowel movements, which can be painful after an episiotomy.

Choice A is wrong because you should not avoid taking sitz baths until your stitches dissolve.Sitz baths can help reduce the pain, swelling, and bruising around the wound area.

However, you should consult your doctor before taking a sitz bath.

Choice B is wrong because you should not change your perineal pad from back to front.This can introduce bacteria into your wound and increase the risk of infection.You should change your perineal pad from front to back and use a squirt bottle filled with warm water to cleanse the area every time you use the bathroom.

Choice D is wrong because you should not resume sexual intercourse as soon as you feel comfortable.You should wait until your wound is fully healed and your bleeding has stopped, which may take several weeks.You should also use a lubricant and a condom to prevent irritation and infection.

The correct answer is choice D. Postpartum adaptation.

This is the process of adjusting to the physical, emotional, and social changes that occur after childbirth.The woman in the question shows signs of positive mood, confidence, and adequate support, which are indicators of successful postpartum adaptation.

Choice A is wrong because postpartum blues are characterized by mild depressive symptoms, such as mood swings, crying spells, irritability, and anxiety, that usually occur within the first few days after delivery and resolve within two weeks.

Choice B is wrong because postpartum depression is a more severe and persistent form of depression that affects 10-15% of women after childbirth.

It can cause symptoms such as sadness, hopelessness, guilt, loss of interest, insomnia, appetite changes, and suicidal thoughts.It usually requires treatment with psychotherapy and/or medication.

Choice C is wrong because postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious psychiatric emergency that affects 1-2 in every 1000 women after childbirth.

It can cause symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, confusion, agitation, and attempts to harm oneself or the baby.It usually requires hospitalization and treatment with mood stabilizers and antipsychotics.