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 A
Explanation
A) Mother Rh-, baby Rh+:
RhoGAM (Rh immune globulin) is administered to a mother who is Rh-negative and has delivered a baby who is Rh-positive. If the Rh-negative mother is exposed to Rh-positive blood (via the baby’s blood during delivery), her immune system may start producing antibodies against Rh-positive cells, which could affect future pregnancies. The RhoGAM injection works by preventing the mother from developing these antibodies, thereby protecting any subsequent pregnancies from hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) in which the mother’s antibodies attack the baby’s red blood cells. This is a crucial preventive measure to avoid sensitization to Rh-positive blood.
B) Mother Rh-, baby Rh-:
If both the mother and baby are Rh-negative, there is no concern about the development of antibodies because there is no exposure to Rh-positive blood. Therefore, RhoGAM is not necessary in this situation.
C) Mother Rh+, baby Rh+:
In this scenario, the mother is Rh-positive, so she cannot develop antibodies against Rh-positive blood, regardless of the baby's Rh status. Hence, RhoGAM is not required because there is no risk of Rh incompatibility.
D) Mother Rh+, baby Rh-:
Since the mother is Rh-positive, there is no risk of her immune system attacking an Rh-negative baby’s red blood cells. Thus, RhoGAM is not needed in this case either.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Axillary temp of 96.9F (36.0 C) after 30 minutes of skin-to-skin contact with the mother:
A temperature of 96.9°F (36.0°C) is lower than the expected normal range for a newborn, which is typically between 97.7°F (36.5°C) and 99.5°F (37.5°C). However, after 30 minutes of skin-to-skin contact with the mother, the temperature is likely to increase as the infant benefits from the warmth of the mother's body. If the temperature does not rise or if it continues to decrease, further intervention would be necessary.
B) Respiratory rate of 58 during assessment at beginning of shift:
Newborns may have slightly irregular and rapid breathing patterns, especially right after birth, but this is not a cause for concern unless accompanied by signs of respiratory distress, such as retractions, flaring, or grunting.
C) Heart rate of 162 while crying vigorously after a diaper change:
It is not uncommon for a newborn to have an elevated heart rate when upset or crying. A heart rate of 162 while crying is expected and does not indicate a problem. Once the baby calms down, the heart rate will likely return to its baseline.
D) No void after 8 hours of life:
The absence of a urine output within the first 8 hours of life is concerning and requires immediate follow-up. Newborns typically void within the first 24 hours, and if there is no urine output by 8 hours, it could indicate a potential problem such as dehydration, urinary tract obstruction, or renal dysfunction. A healthcare provider should be notified promptly for further assessment and intervention.
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