Day 1 - 5 postpartum is significant in breastfeeding success due to what process?
Developing Prolactin Receptor Sites
Decreasing Oxytocin
Decreasing Estrogen
Increasing Estrogen
The Correct Answer is A
A) Developing Prolactin Receptor Sites:
The first 1-5 days postpartum are critical for breastfeeding success because this period is when the prolactin receptor sites in the mother's breast tissue are being established. Prolactin is the hormone responsible for milk production, and the more prolactin receptor sites developed, the more efficiently the body can respond to the baby’s sucking and produce milk. This is the foundation for a successful breastfeeding relationship, as proper stimulation in these early days encourages the long-term supply of milk.
B) Decreasing Oxytocin:
Oxytocin is the hormone responsible for milk ejection (let-down) and is crucial for breastfeeding. In the early postpartum period, oxytocin levels are actually high and remain important for milk release, not decreasing. A decrease in oxytocin would impair milk ejection, which could affect breastfeeding success.
C) Decreasing Estrogen:
Estrogen levels drop significantly after delivery, which is part of the process that allows milk production to take precedence over pregnancy-related hormones. However, the drop in estrogen is more of a secondary event in breastfeeding success compared to the development of prolactin receptor sites. Estrogen primarily impacts lactation later, such as with the onset of menstruation.
D) Increasing Estrogen:
Estrogen levels rise during pregnancy, but they begin to decrease rapidly after birth. Higher levels of estrogen inhibit lactation during pregnancy, which is why the postpartum drop in estrogen is important for milk production to commence. However, an increase in estrogen would actually hinder the initiation of lactation and is not a factor in the success of breastfeeding in the early postpartum period.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) "I'll walk you to the bathroom and stay with you."
After delivery, the patient is at risk for orthostatic hypotension and falling, especially within the first few hours postpartum. Even though the patient feels alert and active, her body is still adjusting after childbirth, and she may be unsteady. The nurse should assist her to the bathroom and provide supervision for her safety. Walking the patient to the bathroom ensures she can safely get there while allowing the nurse to assess her mobility and vital signs if necessary.
B) "I will get a bedpan for you."
While a bedpan may be appropriate if the patient is unable to get out of bed, this response does not prioritize the patient's expressed desire to go to the bathroom. Since she is alert, active, and able to communicate, walking her to the bathroom is a safer and more appropriate option than offering a bedpan. Using a bedpan would also restrict her mobility unnecessarily.
C) "Leave your peri-pad in place after you use the restroom so I can check your bleeding when you get back."
This does not address the immediate concern of the patient’s safety in getting to the bathroom. The nurse's priority should be her safety and mobility right after delivery, especially as the patient is still recovering and may be at risk for fainting or falling.
D) "Wait until I have had a chance to assess you first."
While it is important to assess the patient’s physical state postpartum, the response here should focus on immediate safety rather than delaying her need to use the restroom. A full assessment can be conducted later, but it is not appropriate to restrict the patient's autonomy when she has already indicated the need to go to the bathroom.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Put baby to breast for non-nutritive sucking to calm baby:
Non-nutritive sucking (sucking without feeding) is a natural way for babies to self-soothe. It can help calm a fussy infant and also promote bonding between mother and baby. This action also stimulates milk production in the mother. It's a safe and effective way to comfort the baby without introducing unnecessary interventions. Non-nutritive sucking can help regulate the baby's sucking reflexes and provide comfort until the next feeding.
B) Give the baby pacifier:
While pacifiers can help some babies self-soothe, they can interfere with breastfeeding, especially in the early days. Introducing a pacifier too soon may confuse the baby’s natural sucking pattern and affect the latch, which can impact breastfeeding success. It’s typically recommended to wait until breastfeeding is well-established, around 3-4 weeks, before introducing a pacifier.
C) Put the baby in the nursery so mom can get some rest:
While maternal rest is important, removing the baby from the mother's care in the early postpartum period may interfere with the breastfeeding process. Breastfeeding on demand is crucial for establishing a good milk supply, and keeping the baby close for frequent feedings (and comfort) will help with this. Encouraging rest is important, but it shouldn't come at the expense of bonding and feeding.
D) Supplement with formula:
There is no indication that the baby is not getting enough nutrition at this point. Fussy behavior between feedings is common in newborns and can be due to various factors such as the baby's need for comfort, a growth spurt, or a short interval between feedings. Supplementing with formula is not necessary unless there is a clear indication of inadequate milk supply or other medical concerns, which isn’t evident in this situation.
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