Nursing Interventions for Postpartum Infections

Nursing Interventions for Postpartum Infections

• Assess vital signs every 4 hours or more frequently if indicated; report fever higher than 38°C for more than 48 hours or other signs of infection such as tachycardia, hypotension, tachypnea or dyspnea

• Assess lochia for amount, color, odor, consistency and presence of clots or tissue; report heavy bleeding, large clots, foul odor or purulent discharge

• Assess fundus for firmness, height, position and tenderness; massage gently if boggy or displaced by full bladder; administer oxytocics as prescribed to enhance uterine contraction

• Assess abdomen for distension, guarding or spasm; auscultate bowel sounds; report ileus or signs of peritonitis such as rebound tenderness or rigidity

• Assess wound for redness, swelling, pain, purulent drainage or dehiscence; clean wound with sterile saline; apply sterile dressing; culture wound if indicated; administer antibiotics as prescribed; monitor wound healing; teach wound care

• Assess breasts for pain, tenderness, redness, swelling or hardness; palpate for fluctuant mass; express milk manually from affected breast until healed; culture pus if indicated; administer antibiotics as prescribed; monitor abscess healing; teach breast care

• Encourage fluid intake of at least 3 liters per day unless contraindicated; offer nutritious diet rich in protein, vitamins and minerals to promote healing and immunity

• Provide comfort measures such as analgesics (paracetamol), antipyretics (ibuprofen), cold or warm compresses on perineum or breasts (depending on preference), sitz bath (after episiotomy), ice packs on perineum (for first 24 hours), pillow support for abdomen (after cesarean section) or breasts (when engorged)

• Educate the woman and her partner on self-care measures such as emptying bladder regularly; maintaining good perineal hygiene; changing pads frequently; washing hands before and after; avoiding tampons,douching,tub baths,pools,hottubs until lochia stops