The nurse is providing postpartum care to a patient 24 hours after a vaginal delivery. Which action does the nurse perform prior to assessing the patient’s uterus?

The correct answer is choice D. Postpartum adaptation.

This is the process of adjusting to the physical, emotional, and social changes that occur after childbirth.The woman in the question shows signs of positive mood, confidence, and adequate support, which are indicators of successful postpartum adaptation.

Choice A is wrong because postpartum blues are characterized by mild depressive symptoms, such as mood swings, crying spells, irritability, and anxiety, that usually occur within the first few days after delivery and resolve within two weeks.

Choice B is wrong because postpartum depression is a more severe and persistent form of depression that affects 10-15% of women after childbirth.

It can cause symptoms such as sadness, hopelessness, guilt, loss of interest, insomnia, appetite changes, and suicidal thoughts.It usually requires treatment with psychotherapy and/or medication.

Choice C is wrong because postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious psychiatric emergency that affects 1-2 in every 1000 women after childbirth.

It can cause symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, confusion, agitation, and attempts to harm oneself or the baby.It usually requires hospitalization and treatment with mood stabilizers and antipsychotics.

Encourage her to participate in support groups.This is because support groups can help the postpartum client to share her feelings, learn coping skills, and receive emotional and social support from other mothers who have experienced postpartum depression.Support groups can also reduce the sense of isolation and stigma that some women with postpartum depression may feel.

Encourage her to sleep as much as possible is wrong because sleeping too much can be a sign of depression and can interfere with the mother’s ability to bond with her baby and perform daily activities.Sleeping too little can also worsen symptoms or increase the likelihood of postpartum depression due to sleep deprivation. Therefore, the mother should be encouraged to follow a healthy sleep routine and get help from others if needed.

Encourage her to avoid talking about her feelings is wrong because talking about feelings is an important part of psychotherapy, which is a recommended treatment for postpartum depression.Talking about feelings can help the mother to express her emotions, identify negative thoughts, and receive feedback and guidance from a mental health professional. Avoiding talking about feelings can lead to further isolation and distress.

Encourage her to spend time alone as much as possible is wrong because spending time alone can also increase the sense of isolation and loneliness that some women with postpartum depression may experience. Spending time alone can also prevent the mother from receiving help and support from others, such as her partner, family, friends, or healthcare providers. The mother should be encouraged to seek social support and engage in enjoyable activities with others.