Concept Review

Exam 2

NUR2513-Spring 2021

Postpartum

Lochia

Fundal Assessment

Preeclampsia

Postpartum depression

Activity Modification

Postpartum

Period

 Aka…the “4th Trimester” or the puerperium

 Postpartum care begins immediately after childbirth

and continues through 6 weeks post delivery

 Mom can usually return to work by 6 weeks

postpartum

 During this time, the nurse assists the new mother in

learning how to care for herself and her baby.

 Assess for signs of reproductive tract

infections- most common site! (endometritis)

 Main nursing actions:

 EDUCATION (!!!)

 Assessment

Lochia

Lochia Color Postparta

l Day

Composit

ion

Rubra Red 1-3 Blood,

fragments of

decidua, and

mucus

Serosa Pink 3-10 Blood,

mucus, and

invading

leukocyte

Alba white 10-14

(may last

6 wks)

Largely

mucus;

leukocyte

count high

Assessment

of the

fundus

Support the lower uterine segment

with one hand and palpate the fundus

with the other

Assess lochia at the same time (color,

amount, clots?)

If boggy Massage

If boggy and displaced massage

and empty bladder

 Decreased bladder sensation results from

edema because of pressure of birth…

increases risk for urinary retention

 May require straight cath to empty