The nurse has the following orders: Administer 1000 mcg of misoprostol/Cytotec rectally once.

The medication label is pictured.

How many tablets should the nurse administer?

Choice A rationale

Delayed cord clamping, or waiting for a period after birth. before clamping and cutting the umbilical cord, is not included in the active. management of the third stage of labor. Active management focuses on interventions. that expedite the delivery of the placenta and reduce postpartum blood loss. Delayed cord clamping is typically part of physiologic or expectant management. and can increase blood loss, which is why it is avoided in active management.

Choice B rationale

Controlled traction on the umbilical cord is a key component. of active management of the third stage of labor. After the placenta has. separated, gentle, downward traction is applied to the cord while simultaneously. applying fundal counter-pressure. This maneuver assists in the expulsion of the. placenta and helps to minimize the risk of uterine inversion. The procedure. should be done with caution and expertise.

Choice C rationale

Administration of oxytocin, typically within one minute. of the baby's birth, is a critical part of the active management of the third. stage of labor. This prophylactic administration of a uterotonic drug stimulates. uterine contractions, which hastens the separation and expulsion of the placenta. and significantly reduces the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. The usual dose is 10. units intramuscularly.

Choice D rationale

Fundal massage is part of postpartum care, but it is not. typically performed before placental delivery as part of active management. Massaging a flaccid or atonic uterus helps it to contract and reduce bleeding, but. this is done after the placenta has been expelled. Performing fundal massage. prior to this can interfere with the natural placental separation process. *.

Choice A rationale

Baby blues are a very common and normal emotional response in the postpartum period, affecting up to 80% of new mothers. They are characterized by transient mood swings, crying spells, anxiety, and irritability. This condition is related to hormonal shifts (progesterone, estrogen), sleep deprivation, and the psychological adjustment to the demands of new parenthood. Symptoms typically resolve on their own within two weeks.

Choice B rationale

This statement is incorrect. Baby blues are a distinct and less severe condition than postpartum depression (PPD). PPD is a more serious and prolonged mood disorder with symptoms that are more intense, debilitating, and persistent, lasting for more than two weeks and interfering with daily functioning. Baby blues do not meet the diagnostic criteria for clinical depression.

Choice C rationale

This statement is incorrect. Baby blues are by definition a short-lived condition, typically lasting a few days up to two weeks. If the symptoms of depression, sadness, or anxiety last for several months, it is no longer considered "baby blues" and should be evaluated as potential postpartum depression, which requires professional medical intervention and treatment.

Choice D rationale

This statement is incorrect. Baby blues are a temporary, self-limiting condition that does not require pharmacological treatment like antidepressants. The primary management involves emotional support, rest, self-care, and reassurance that the feelings are normal and will pass. Antidepressants are reserved for the more severe and persistent symptoms of postpartum depression. .