A nurse is giving discharge instructions to a new mother. What is the most important instruction to address the prevention of postpartum infection?

Wash your hands before and after you use the bathroom and change your sanitary pad

Do not take tub baths for eight weeks

Use tampons instead of pads as they are better at inhibiting bacterial growth

Douche with a mild antiseptic twice a day for two weeks, starting at day three

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A) Wash your hands before and after you use the bathroom and change your sanitary pad:
The most important instruction for preventing postpartum infection is proper hand hygiene. The risk of infection in the postpartum period is high, especially because the perineum and cervix are healing after delivery. By washing hands before and after using the bathroom or changing sanitary pads, the mother reduces the risk of introducing harmful bacteria into the vaginal area. Proper hand hygiene helps minimize the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), wound infections, and endometritis, which are all common postpartum complications.

B) Do not take tub baths for eight weeks:
While it is true that taking tub baths can potentially introduce bacteria into the vaginal area, particularly if the perineum is healing from a tear or episiotomy, this is a secondary concern. The priority is hand hygiene, which directly prevents infection by limiting bacterial exposure. The recommendation to avoid tub baths is generally valid for the first 6 weeks, but it is less critical than hand washing.

C) Use tampons instead of pads as they are better at inhibiting bacterial growth:
Using tampons is not recommended in the postpartum period because they can increase the risk of toxic shock syndrome and can irritate the vaginal area or interfere with uterine healing. Pads are preferred to absorb lochia (postpartum discharge) and are safer for vaginal healing. Tampons do not inhibit bacterial growth more effectively than pads, and the use of tampons can actually increase the risk of infection, so this option is incorrect.

D) Douche with a mild antiseptic twice a day for two weeks, starting at day three:
Douching is not recommended during the postpartum period. It can disrupt the natural vaginal flora, increase the risk of infections like vaginitis, and delay the healing process. The vagina has its own natural defense mechanisms, and douching with antiseptics is unnecessary and can do more harm than good. Instead, the focus should be on keeping the area clean and dry and practicing proper hand hygiene.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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.

A. Keep umbilical cord dry and above the level of the diaper. B. Baby will need to breast feed every hour C. Be sure to always wrap baby in 2 blankets when going outside D. Limit the amount of time baby is skin to skin with parents

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) "Keep umbilical cord dry and above the level of the diaper."
The umbilical cord stump should be kept clean, dry, and exposed to air as much as possible to prevent infection. The diaper should be folded below the stump to ensure that it remains dry and doesn’t rub against it, which can lead to irritation or infection.

B) "Baby will need to breastfeed every hour."
Newborns typically breastfeed every 2 to 3 hours, not necessarily every hour. The exact frequency may vary based on the baby's hunger cues. Overstating the frequency of feedings may cause undue anxiety for parents, as newborns may not feed this frequently.

C) "Be sure to always wrap baby in 2 blankets when going outside."
Overbundling can lead to overheating. Newborns should be dressed in appropriate layers for the weather, with one layer more than an adult would wear. The use of two blankets may not be necessary unless it is extremely cold. The key is ensuring the baby is comfortably warm, not overheated.

D) "Limit the amount of time baby is skin to skin with parents."
Skin-to-skin contact is beneficial for newborns, especially in the early days after birth. It promotes bonding, stabilizes the baby’s body temperature, supports breastfeeding, and helps with the baby’s physiological stability. There is no need to limit skin-to-skin contact unless medically contraindicated.

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A nurse is giving discharge instructions to a new mother. What is the most important instruction to address the prevention of postpartum infection?

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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