What is true about FAS and NAS?

Choice A reason:

A soft fundus indicates uterine atony, which is a lack of muscle tone that can lead to postpartum hemorrhage. A soft fundus is an abnormal finding and should be reported to the provider. The fundus should be firm and contracted to prevent bleeding.

Choice B reason:

A fundus that is 2 fingerbreadths above the umbilicus is too high for a client who is 12 hours postpartum. The fundus should descend about 1 centimeter per hour after delivery and should be at the level of the umbilicus at 12 hours postpartum. A high fundus could indicate retained placental fragments or a full bladder, both of which can interfere with uterine contraction and cause bleeding.

Choice C reason:

A fundus that is deviated to the right of the umbilicus is also an abnormal finding for a client who is 12 hours postpartum. A deviated fundus could indicate a full bladder, which can displace the uterus and prevent it from contracting properly. The fundus should be at the midline of the abdomen.

Choice D reason:

A fundus that is firm and at the level of the umbilicus is a normal finding for a client who is 12 hours postpartum. This indicates that the uterus is involuting (returning to its pre-pregnancy size and shape) and that there is no excessive bleeding. The nurse should expect this finding and document it accordingly.

Choice A reason:

Uterine atony is the failure of the uterus to contract and retract after delivery, which can lead to excessive bleeding and hemorrhage. It is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage, accounting for up to 80 percent of cases. Risk factors for uterine atony include large or multiple babies, prolonged or rapid labor, overdistended uterus, use of oxytocin or magnesium sulfate during labor, and previous history of uterine atony.

Choice B reason:

Puerperal infection is an infection of the reproductive tract that occurs within six weeks after delivery. It can affect the uterus (endometritis), the bladder (cystitis), the kidneys (pyelonephritis), the breast (mastitis), or the wound (cesarean section or episiotomy).

Symptoms include fever, chills, malaise, foul-smelling lochia, pelvic pain, and wound redness or drainage. Risk factors for puerperal infection include cesarean delivery, prolonged rupture of membranes, prolonged labor, multiple vaginal examinations, retained placental fragments, and poor hygiene.

Choice C reason:

Retained placental fragments are pieces of the placenta that remain in the uterus after delivery. They can cause postpartum hemorrhage, infection, or delayed involution of the uterus. Symptoms include heavy or prolonged bleeding, fever, abdominal pain, and an enlarged uterus. Risk factors for retained placental fragments include placenta previa, placenta accrete, manual removal of the placenta, and incomplete examination of the placenta after delivery.

Choice D reason:

Thrombophlebitis is the inflammation and clotting of a vein, usually in the legs or pelvis. It can cause pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected area. It can also lead to pulmonary embolism if the clot breaks off and travels to the lungs. Risk factors for thrombophlebitis include pregnancy and the postpartum period, cesarean delivery, obesity, smoking, dehydration, immobility, varicose veins, and inherited or acquired clotting disorders.