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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["4"]
Explanation
The Apgar score is calculated based on five criteria, each scored from 0 to 2:
-
Heart rate
- 0 = Absent
- 1 = Below 100 beats per minute ✅
- 2 = 100 or more beats per minute
-
Respiratory effort
- 0 = Absent
- 1 = Slow, irregular ✅
- 2 = Good, crying
-
Muscle tone
- 0 = Limp
- 1 = Some flexion of extremities ✅
- 2 = Active motion
-
Reflex irritability (response to stimulation, e.g., suctioning)
- 0 = No response
- 1 = Grimace ✅
- 2 = Crying, active withdrawal
-
Color
- 0 = Blue, pale
- 1 = Body pink, extremities blue
- 2 = Completely pink
Apgar Score Calculation:
- Heart rate: 1
- Respiratory effort: 1
- Muscle tone: 1
- Reflex irritability: 1
- Color: 0
Total Apgar Score: 4
A score of 4 suggests the newborn is in distress and requires immediate medical intervention, such as oxygen support and further assessment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Abdominal with synchronous chest movements:
Newborns primarily exhibit abdominal breathing, meaning that the diaphragm does most of the work while the chest movements are less pronounced. This is normal for full-term neonates, and the chest and abdomen move in a synchronous manner as the baby breathes. This pattern is indicative of an immature respiratory system that is still developing, but it is completely normal in the early stages of life.
B) Chest breathing with nasal flaring:
While some chest movement is observed in newborns, the primary pattern of breathing is abdominal. Nasal flaring is generally an abnormal sign in newborns and may indicate respiratory distress, such as when there is an obstruction in the airway or a need for increased oxygen intake. It is not considered a normal, healthy breathing pattern in newborns.
C) Diaphragmatic with chest retraction:
Diaphragmatic breathing is normal, but chest retraction is not. Retractions occur when there is increased effort to breathe, and they typically indicate respiratory distress or obstruction. In a healthy, full-term newborn, retractions should not be present. This type of breathing would require further investigation to rule out conditions like respiratory distress syndrome or infection.
D) Deep with a regular rhythm:
Newborns may have irregular breathing patterns, including periods of apnea (a few seconds without breathing) and slight irregularity in rhythm, especially during sleep. Deep, regular breathing without any irregularities is not typical in a newborn, and any consistent deep breathing would require further observation to rule out any potential underlying issues.
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