A nurse is assessing a postpartum client who received Rho (D) immune globulin (RhoGAM) before discharge.

Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

The correct answer is choice B. Encourage the client to talk about her feelings and listen empathetically.

This action shows respect for the client’s emotions and helps her process her experience.

It also allows the nurse to provide support and reassurance.

Choice A is wrong because it dismisses the client’s feelings and implies that she should not be upset.

This can make the client feel guilty or invalidated.

Choice C is wrong because it blames the client for having unrealistic and unachievable expectations.

This can make the client feel ashamed or defensive.

Choice D is wrong because it suggests that the client needs professional counselling to cope with her emotions.

This can make the client feel stigmatized or abnormal.

Normal ranges for postpartum emotions vary depending on the individual and the circumstances.

However, some signs of postpartum depression or post-traumatic stress disorder include persistent sadness, anxiety, anger, guilt, flashbacks, nightmares, insomnia, loss of interest, difficulty bonding with the baby, or thoughts of harming oneself or the baby.

These symptoms should be reported to a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Encourage her to participate in support groups.This is because support groups can help the postpartum client to share her feelings, learn coping skills, and receive emotional and social support from other mothers who have experienced postpartum depression.Support groups can also reduce the sense of isolation and stigma that some women with postpartum depression may feel.

Encourage her to sleep as much as possible is wrong because sleeping too much can be a sign of depression and can interfere with the mother’s ability to bond with her baby and perform daily activities.Sleeping too little can also worsen symptoms or increase the likelihood of postpartum depression due to sleep deprivation. Therefore, the mother should be encouraged to follow a healthy sleep routine and get help from others if needed.

Encourage her to avoid talking about her feelings is wrong because talking about feelings is an important part of psychotherapy, which is a recommended treatment for postpartum depression.Talking about feelings can help the mother to express her emotions, identify negative thoughts, and receive feedback and guidance from a mental health professional. Avoiding talking about feelings can lead to further isolation and distress.

Encourage her to spend time alone as much as possible is wrong because spending time alone can also increase the sense of isolation and loneliness that some women with postpartum depression may experience. Spending time alone can also prevent the mother from receiving help and support from others, such as her partner, family, friends, or healthcare providers. The mother should be encouraged to seek social support and engage in enjoyable activities with others.