NSG 3111 Lecture 5: WEEK 5
23 Feb 2018
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Document Summary
Maternal physiological changes: postpartum period is interval between birth and return of reproductive organs to their non-pregnant state, referred to as puerperium or fourth trimester of pregnancy, traditionally lasts 6 weeks, although this varies among women. Nursing assessment & interventions: physical, psychosocial, discharge teaching, follow-up after discharge. Alert: excessive lochia, boggy uterus, unstable vital signs, lack of interest in baby. 24-36 hours: for first 72 hours breast binder or tight bra, ice packs, fresh cabbage leaves, or mild analgesics may be used to relieve discomfort. Intervention: assist woman to empty bladder, assess lochia, gentle fundal massage, if no improvement report to md/rm. B bowel: bowel sounds , bowel movement (2-3days, assess for causes of decreased bowel activity, fear of pain, tearing sutures, haemorrhoids, dehydration, immobility. Doing too much if they go back: lochia alba, yellow and white, by about 10 days in most women, leukocytes, decidua, epithelial cells, mucus, serum, and bacteria, may continue 4-8 weeks after birth.
