1. Nursing Care of Women with Complications After Birth
Chapter 10
Nursing Care of Women with Complications After Birth

2. Objectives
Describe signs and symptoms for each postpartum complication.
Identify factors that increase a woman’s risk for developing each complication.
Explain nursing measures that reduce a woman’s risk for developing specific postpartum complications.
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3. Objectives (cont.)
Describe the medical and nursing management of postpartum complications.
Explain general and specific nursing care for each complication.
Compare and contrast mood disorders in the postpartum period.
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4. Categories of Postpartum Complications
Discuss shock and hemorrhage.
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5. Shock
Defined as a condition in which the cardiovascular system fails to provide essential oxygen and nutrients to the cells
Cardiogenic
Hypovolemic
Anaphylactic
Septic
Describe cardiogenic, hypovolemic, anaphylactic, and septic shock.
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6. Hemorrhage Early—within 24 hours postpartum
Late—between 24 hours and 6 weeks postpartum
Major risk is hypovolemic shock
Interrupts blood flow to body cells
Prevents normal oxygenation, nutrient delivery, and waste removal
Signs and symptoms
Tachycardia
Falling systolic blood pressure
Pale, cold, and clammy skin
Mental status changes
Decreased urinary output
Discuss the differences and clinical manifestations of early and late hemorrhage.
Provide scenarios describing clinical manifestations of early and late hemorrhage.
Audience Response Question #1
The first sign of hypovolemic shock is most often:
1. decreased urinary output.
2. pale skin.
3. decreased systolic blood pressure.
4. tachycardia.
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7. Safety Alert
Because postpartum women often have a slow pulse rate, suspect hypovolemic shock or infection if the pulse rate is greater than 100 beats/min
Discuss the pathophysiology regarding a pulse rate greater than 100 beats/min and its indication for hypovolemic shock or infection.
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8. Nursing Care Frequent vital signs Monitor oxygen saturation levels
Assessment of lochia
Observation for perineal hematoma
Assessment of fundus
Firm with bleeding may indicate vaginal laceration
Accurate measurement of intake and output
Monitoring intravenous fluid therapies
Monitor for signs of anemia
Provide emotional support to the woman
Discuss the rationale for and give an example of frequently assessing vital signs.
In what ways could you provide emotional support to a postpartum woman?
Discuss methods to monitor anemia.
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9. Early Postpartum Hemorrhage
Causes
Uterine atony
Lacerations or tears of the reproductive tract
Hematomas in the reproductive tract
Describe the pathophysiology for each cause listed.
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10. Late Postpartum Hemorrhage
Causes
Retention of placental fragments
Subinvolution
Nursing care
Teach the woman to report persistent bright red bleeding
Return of red bleeding after it has changed to pink or white
Prepare for intravenous medication
Prepare for possible surgical intervention
What is the medical treatment for postpartum hemorrhage?
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11. Thromboembolic Disorders
A venous thrombosis is a blood clot within a vein
Causes or risks
Venous stasis during pregnancy
Pressure behind knees if legs are in stirrups
Fibrinogen levels increase during pregnancy, whereas clot-dissolving factors in the blood are normally decreased during pregnancy
Varicose veins
Types of thromboembolic disorders
Superficial vein thrombosis (SVT)
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Pulmonary embolism (PE)
Discuss the pathophysiology regarding the causes or risks of thromboembolic disorders.
Describe each type of thromboembolic disorder.
Audience Response Question #2
Classic symptoms of DVT include muscle pain, positive Homans' sign, and swelling of the affected limb.
1. True
2. False
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12. Nursing Care to Prevent a Thromboembolism
Watch for signs or symptoms of PE
Dyspnea
Coughing
Chest pain
Teach woman not to cross legs, as it impedes blood flow
Avoid pressure in the popliteal space behind the knee
Early ambulation and range of motion exercises
If antiembolic stockings are prescribed, the nurse should teach the woman the correct method of putting on the stockings
Describe the correct method to put on antiembolic stockings.
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13. Anticoagulant Therapy
Teach the woman taking this type of medication
Danger signs
Prolonged bleeding from minor injuries
Nosebleeds
Unexplained bruising
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
Stress the importance of completing follow-up blood tests
Help the woman cope with this form of medical therapy
What is the nurse’s role regarding anticoagulant therapy and patient education?
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14. Puerperal Infection
An infection or septicemia after childbirth, with a fever of 38° C (100.4° F) after the first postpartum day
Risks
Cracks in the nipples of the breasts
Surgical incision
Tissue trauma during labor
Open wound at the placental insertion site
Retained placenta or blood clots
Increased pH of the vagina after birth
Endometritis (inflammation of the lining of the uterus)
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15. The Dangers of Puerperal Infection
A localized infection of the perineum, vagina, or cervix can ascend the reproductive tract and spread to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and peritoneum, causing peritonitis, a life-threatening condition
Discuss the pathophysiology of peritonitis and the necessity for rapid assessment and treatment of the disorder.
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16. Safety Alert
Proper hand hygiene is the primary method to avoid the spread of infectious organisms
Gloves should be worn when in contact with any blood, body fluids, or any other potentially infectious materials
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17. Nursing Care The objective is to prevent the infection from occurring
Use and teach hygienic measures
Promote adequate rest and nutrition for healing
Teach and observe for signs of infection
Teach the woman how to correctly apply perineal pads (front to back)
Teach the woman to take all antimicrobial medications as prescribed
What hygienic measures would you teach the patient?
What should the nurse teach the patient about signs and symptoms of infection?
Discuss the rationale for correct application of perineal pads.
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18. Mastitis An infection of the breast Signs and symptoms
Redness and heat in the breast
Tenderness
Edema and heaviness of the breast
Purulent drainage may or may not be present
Fever, chills, and other systemic signs of infection
An abscess may form
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19. Treatment of Mastitis Prescribed antibiotics, mild analgesics
Continue to breastfeed with unaffected breast
Pump and discard the milk from affected breast (weaning can lead to engorgement and stasis of milk, which can worsen the infection)
Heat promotes blood flow to the area
Massage the area of inflammation to improve milk flow and reduce stasis
Encourage fluid intake
Wear a supportive bra
Provide emotional support to the woman
What is the nurse’s role in providing emotional support to the patient with mastitis?
Audience Response Question #2
A woman develops mastitis in the postpartum period. She states “I am so sad I have to stop breastfeeding my baby.” The nurse responds:
1. “I will provide with the information regarding formula feeding.”
2. “You can always breastfeed if you have another child.”
3. “I will inform your physician that you are feeling sad.”
4. “It is not necessary that you discontinue breastfeeding.”
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20. Subinvolution of the Uterus
The slower-than-expected or failure of the uterus to return to its normal prepregnant condition
Normally the uterus descends at the rate of 1 cm per day
Signs and symptoms
Fundal height greater than expected
Persistence of lochia rubra
Pelvic pain and heaviness
Fatigue
Discuss the location of a prepregnant uterus.
How does the nurse assess the fundus?
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21. Nursing Care of the Woman with Subinvolution
Teach the normal changes to expect
Report abnormal pattern
Fever, pain, persistent red lochia
Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Comfort measures
Prepare for possible surgical intervention
Explain medications prescribed
What are some comfort measures for subinvolution?
Discuss nursing interventions to prepare the patient for surgery.
Discuss typical medications ordered for a patient with subinvolution.
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22. Disorders of Mood
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23. What Is a Mood Disorder?
Pervasive and sustained emotion that can color one’s view of life
Give examples of mood disorders.
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24. Postpartum Blues (“Baby Blues”)
Common after birth
Has periods where she feels let down
Finds pleasure in her new role
Usually self-limiting as woman adjusts to her new role
In what ways would a new mother feel depressed?
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25. Postpartum Depression or Psychosis
Serious impairment of one’s perception of reality
More serious than postpartum blues
Usually manifests within 4 weeks after delivery
May interfere with mother’s ability to respond to her infant’s cues
Maternal-infant bonding may also be affected
Give an example of a patient’s impaired sense of reality when severely depressed.
How are postpartum blues different from postpartum depression?
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26. Postpartum Depression
Risk factors
Inadequate social support
Poor relationship with partner
Life and childcare stress
Low self-esteem
Unplanned pregnancy
How does inadequate social support affect the mother?
Discuss how a poor relationship with a partner can contribute to postpartum depression.
What other stressors can contribute to postpartum depression?
Audience Response Question #3
Postpartum depression is an expected reaction following childbirth.
1. True
2. False
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27. Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
Lack of enjoyment in life
Lack of interest in others
Intense feeling of inadequacy
Inability to cope
Loss of mental concentration
Disturbed sleep
Constant fatigue and feeling of ill health
What are manifestations of a mother who lacks enjoyment in life?
Describe situations in which a mother might lose mental concentration.
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28. Nursing Care Refer to a multidisciplinary team
Be a sympathetic listener for the woman
Elicit feelings
Observe for complaints of sleeplessness or chronic fatigue
Provide support
Help woman identify her support system
Determine if the mother is getting enough exercise, sleep, and nutrition
Help the woman identify ways to meet her own needs
Refer to support groups
Who would be appropriate on a multidisciplinary team?
What methods are used to elicit feelings?
Give examples of support systems for a postpartum patient.
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29. Postpartum Psychosis Bipolar disorders Major depression
Characterized by episodes of mania
Major depression
Deep feelings of worthlessness, guilt, and sleep and appetite disturbances
Delusions
Can be fatal for both mother and infant due to use of poor judgment
Possibility of suicide or infanticide
Referral for counseling is essential
Virtually all antipsychotic medications pass through the breast milk; therefore, breastfeeding is contraindicated
What is the difference between postpartum depression and psychosis?
Give an example of a possible fatal situation for a mother with postpartum psychosis.
What medications treat postpartum psychosis?
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30. Homeless Mother and Newborn
Lack of permanent home
Often have difficulty accessing care
Follow-up is difficult
Prior to discharge, ensure mother has a place to go and a way of accessing help
Facilitate referrals to outreach programs, support services within the community
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31. Question for Review
What are the key signs of a bleeding laceration in the postpartum period?
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32. Review Objectives Key Terms Key Points Online Resources
Critical Thinking Question
Review Questions
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