Question 1

Approximately how long is engorgement expected to last?

Accepted Answer

A)  12 hours 
B)  48 hours 
C)  72 hours 
D)  1 week 
A)  12 hours 
B)  48 hours 
C)  72 hours 
D)  1 week B

Question 2

What should the nurse be aware of with regard to postpartum ovarian function?

Accepted Answer

A)  Almost 75% of women who do not breastfeed resume menstruating within a month after birth. 
B)  Ovulation occurs slightly earlier for breastfeeding women. 
C)  Because of menstruation/ovulation schedules, contraception considerations can be postponed until after the puerperium. 
D)  The first menstrual flow after childbirth usually is heavier than normal. 
A)  Almost 75% of women who do not breastfeed resume menstruating within a month after birth. 
B)  Ovulation occurs slightly earlier for breastfeeding women. 
C)  Because of menstruation/ovulation schedules, contraception considerations can be postponed until after the puerperium. 
D)  The first menstrual flow after childbirth usually is heavier than normal. D

Question 3

Childbirth may result in injuries to the vagina and uterus.Pelvic floor exercises,also known as Kegel exercises,will help to strengthen the perineal muscles and encourage healing.The nurse knows that the patient understands the correct process for completing these conditioning exercises when she reports which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A)  "I contract my thighs, buttocks, and abdomen." 
B)  "I do 10 of these exercises every day." 
C)  "I stand while practicing this new exercise routine." 
D)  "I pretend that I am trying to stop the flow of urine midstream." 
A)  "I contract my thighs, buttocks, and abdomen." 
B)  "I do 10 of these exercises every day." 
C)  "I stand while practicing this new exercise routine." 
D)  "I pretend that I am trying to stop the flow of urine midstream." D

Question 4

Which of the following is true about lochia?

Accepted Answer

A)  It is similar to a light menstrual period for the first 6 to 12 hours. 
B)  It is usually greater after Caesarean births. 
C)  It will usually decrease with ambulation and breastfeeding. 
D)  It should smell like normal menstrual flow, unless an infection is present. 
A)  It is similar to a light menstrual period for the first 6 to 12 hours. 
B)  It is usually greater after Caesarean births. 
C)  It will usually decrease with ambulation and breastfeeding. 
D)  It should smell like normal menstrual flow, unless an infection is present.

Question 5

Which hormone remains elevated in the immediate postpartum period of the breastfeeding woman?

Accepted Answer

A)  Estrogen 
B)  Progesterone 
C)  Prolactin 
D)  Human placental lactogen 
A)  Estrogen 
B)  Progesterone 
C)  Prolactin 
D)  Human placental lactogen

Question 6

With regard to the condition and reconditioning of the urinary system after childbirth,nurses should be aware of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A)  Kidney function returns to normal a few days after birth. 
B)  Diastasis recti abdominis is a common condition that alters the voiding reflex. 
C)  Fluid loss through perspiration and increased urinary output accounts for a weight loss of over 2 kg during the puerperium. 
D)  With adequate emptying of the bladder, bladder tone usually is restored 2 to 3 weeks after childbirth. 
A)  Kidney function returns to normal a few days after birth. 
B)  Diastasis recti abdominis is a common condition that alters the voiding reflex. 
C)  Fluid loss through perspiration and increased urinary output accounts for a weight loss of over 2 kg during the puerperium. 
D)  With adequate emptying of the bladder, bladder tone usually is restored 2 to 3 weeks after childbirth.

Question 7

The nurse caring for the postpartum woman understands that breast engorgement is caused by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A)  Overproduction of colostrum 
B)  Accumulation of milk in the lactiferous ducts 
C)  Hyperplasia of mammary tissue 
D)  Congestion of veins and lymphatics 
A)  Overproduction of colostrum 
B)  Accumulation of milk in the lactiferous ducts 
C)  Hyperplasia of mammary tissue 
D)  Congestion of veins and lymphatics

Question 8

The interval between the birth of the newborn and the return of the reproductive organs to their normal nonpregnant state is referred to as which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A)  Involutionary period, because of what happens to the uterus 
B)  Lochia period, because of the nature of the vaginal discharge 
C)  Mini-tri period, because it lasts only 3 to 6 weeks 
D)  Puerperium, or fourth trimester of pregnancy 
A)  Involutionary period, because of what happens to the uterus 
B)  Lochia period, because of the nature of the vaginal discharge 
C)  Mini-tri period, because it lasts only 3 to 6 weeks 
D)  Puerperium, or fourth trimester of pregnancy

Question 9

Two days ago a woman gave birth to a full-term infant.Last night she awakened several times to urinate and noted that her gown and bedding were wet from profuse diaphoresis.What is responsible for the diaphoresis and diuresis that this woman is experiencing during the early postpartum period?

Accepted Answer

A)  Elevated temperature caused by postpartum infection 
B)  Increased basal metabolic rate after giving birth 
C)  Loss of increased blood volume associated with pregnancy 
D)  Increased venous pressure in the lower extremities 
A)  Elevated temperature caused by postpartum infection 
B)  Increased basal metabolic rate after giving birth 
C)  Loss of increased blood volume associated with pregnancy 
D)  Increased venous pressure in the lower extremities

Question 10

Several changes in the integumentary system that appear during pregnancy disappear after birth,although not always completely.What change is almost certain to be completely reversed?

Accepted Answer

A)  Nail brittleness 
B)  Darker pigmentation of the areolae and linea nigra 
C)  Striae gravidarum on the breasts, abdomen, and thighs 
D)  Spider nevi 
A)  Nail brittleness 
B)  Darker pigmentation of the areolae and linea nigra 
C)  Striae gravidarum on the breasts, abdomen, and thighs 
D)  Spider nevi

Question 11

Which condition,not uncommon in pregnancy,is likely to require careful medical assessment during the puerperium?

Accepted Answer

A)  Varicosities of the legs 
B)  Carpal tunnel syndrome 
C)  Periodic numbness and tingling of the fingers 
D)  Headaches 
A)  Varicosities of the legs 
B)  Carpal tunnel syndrome 
C)  Periodic numbness and tingling of the fingers 
D)  Headaches

Question 12

A woman gave birth to a 3100 g infant girl 1 hour ago.The birth was vaginal,and the estimated blood loss (EBL)was approximately 1500 mL.Which of the following would the nurse be concerned about?

Accepted Answer

A)  Temperature 37.9°C, heart rate 120, respirations 20, blood pressure (BP) 90/50 
B)  Temperature 37.4°C, heart rate 88, respirations 36, BP 126/68 
C)  Temperature 38°C, heart rate 80, respirations 16, BP 110/80 
D)  Temperature 36.8°C, heart rate 60, respirations 18, BP 140/90 
A)  Temperature 37.9°C, heart rate 120, respirations 20, blood pressure (BP) 90/50 
B)  Temperature 37.4°C, heart rate 88, respirations 36, BP 126/68 
C)  Temperature 38°C, heart rate 80, respirations 16, BP 110/80 
D)  Temperature 36.8°C, heart rate 60, respirations 18, BP 140/90

Question 13

Which woman is most likely to experience strong afterpains?

Accepted Answer

A)  A woman who experienced oligohydramnios 
B)  A woman who gave birth to twins 
C)  A woman who is bottle-feeding her infant 
D)  A woman whose infant weighed 5 pounds, 3 ounces 
A)  A woman who experienced oligohydramnios 
B)  A woman who gave birth to twins 
C)  A woman who is bottle-feeding her infant 
D)  A woman whose infant weighed 5 pounds, 3 ounces

Question 14

What should the nurse be aware of with regard to the postpartum uterus?

Accepted Answer

A)  At the end of the third stage of labour it weighs approximately 500 
B)  After 2 weeks postpartum it should not be palpable abdominally. 
C)  After 2 weeks postpartum it weighs 100 g. 
D)  It returns to its original (prepregnancy) size by 6 weeks, postpartum. 
A)  At the end of the third stage of labour it weighs approximately 500 
B)  After 2 weeks postpartum it should not be palpable abdominally. 
C)  After 2 weeks postpartum it weighs 100 g. 
D)  It returns to its original (prepregnancy) size by 6 weeks, postpartum.

Question 15

Which of the following is accurate with regard to afterbirth pains?

Accepted Answer

A)  They are caused by mild, continuous contractions for the duration of the postpartum period. 
B)  They are more common in first-time mothers. 
C)  They are more noticeable in births in which the uterus was overdistended. 
D)  They are alleviated somewhat when the mother breastfeeds. 
A)  They are caused by mild, continuous contractions for the duration of the postpartum period. 
B)  They are more common in first-time mothers. 
C)  They are more noticeable in births in which the uterus was overdistended. 
D)  They are alleviated somewhat when the mother breastfeeds.

Question 16

Which description of postpartum restoration or healing times is accurate?

Accepted Answer

A)  The cervix shortens, becomes firm, and returns to form within a month postpartum. 
B)  The vagina gradually returns to prepregnancy size by 6 to 10 weeks after childbirth. 
C)  Most episiotomies heal within a week. 
D)  Hemorrhoids usually decrease in size within 2 weeks of childbirth. 
A)  The cervix shortens, becomes firm, and returns to form within a month postpartum. 
B)  The vagina gradually returns to prepregnancy size by 6 to 10 weeks after childbirth. 
C)  Most episiotomies heal within a week. 
D)  Hemorrhoids usually decrease in size within 2 weeks of childbirth.

Question 17

What is the term that refers to the self-destruction of excess hypertrophied tissue in the uterus?

Accepted Answer

A)  Autolysis 
B)  Subinvolution 
C)  Afterpain 
D)  Diastasis 
A)  Autolysis 
B)  Subinvolution 
C)  Afterpain 
D)  Diastasis

Question 18

With regard to the postpartum changes and developments in a woman's cardiovascular system,nurses should be aware of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A)  Cardiac output, the pulse rate, and stroke volume all return to prepregnancy normal values within a few hours of childbirth. 
B)  Respiratory function returns to nonpregnant levels by 6 to 8 weeks after birth. 
C)  The lowered white blood cell count after pregnancy can lead to false-positive results on tests for infections. 
D)  A hypercoagulable state protects the new mother from thromboembolism, especially after a Caesarean birth. 
A)  Cardiac output, the pulse rate, and stroke volume all return to prepregnancy normal values within a few hours of childbirth. 
B)  Respiratory function returns to nonpregnant levels by 6 to 8 weeks after birth. 
C)  The lowered white blood cell count after pregnancy can lead to false-positive results on tests for infections. 
D)  A hypercoagulable state protects the new mother from thromboembolism, especially after a Caesarean birth.

Question 19

What statement by a newly delivered woman indicates that she knows what to expect about her menstrual activity after childbirth?

Accepted Answer

A)  "My first menstrual cycle will be lighter than normal and then will get heavier every month thereafter." 
B)  "My first menstrual cycle will be heavier than normal and will return to my prepregnant volume within three or four cycles." 
C)  "I will not have a menstrual cycle for 6 months after childbirth." 
D)  "My first menstrual cycle will be heavier than normal and then will be light for several months after." 
A)  "My first menstrual cycle will be lighter than normal and then will get heavier every month thereafter." 
B)  "My first menstrual cycle will be heavier than normal and will return to my prepregnant volume within three or four cycles." 
C)  "I will not have a menstrual cycle for 6 months after childbirth." 
D)  "My first menstrual cycle will be heavier than normal and then will be light for several months after."

Question 20

A woman gave birth to a healthy infant boy 5 days ago.What type of lochia would the nurse expect to find when assessing this woman?

Accepted Answer

A)  Lochia rubra 
B)  Lochia sangra 
C)  Lochia alba 
D)  Lochia serosa 
A)  Lochia rubra 
B)  Lochia sangra 
C)  Lochia alba 
D)  Lochia serosa

Exam 20: Maternal Physiological Changes

Approximately how long is engorgement expected to last?

What should the nurse be aware of with regard to postpartum ovarian function?

Which of the following is true about lochia?

Which hormone remains elevated in the immediate postpartum period of the breastfeeding woman?

With regard to the condition and reconditioning of the urinary system after childbirth,nurses should be aware of which of the following?

The nurse caring for the postpartum woman understands that breast engorgement is caused by which of the following?

The interval between the birth of the newborn and the return of the reproductive organs to their normal nonpregnant state is referred to as which of the following?

Two days ago a woman gave birth to a full-term infant.Last night she awakened several times to urinate and noted that her gown and bedding were wet from profuse diaphoresis.What is responsible for the diaphoresis and diuresis that this woman is experiencing during the early postpartum period?

Several changes in the integumentary system that appear during pregnancy disappear after birth,although not always completely.What change is almost certain to be completely reversed?

Which condition,not uncommon in pregnancy,is likely to require careful medical assessment during the puerperium?

A woman gave birth to a 3100 g infant girl 1 hour ago.The birth was vaginal,and the estimated blood loss (EBL)was approximately 1500 mL.Which of the following would the nurse be concerned about?

Which woman is most likely to experience strong afterpains?

What should the nurse be aware of with regard to the postpartum uterus?

Which of the following is accurate with regard to afterbirth pains?

Which description of postpartum restoration or healing times is accurate?

What is the term that refers to the self-destruction of excess hypertrophied tissue in the uterus?

With regard to the postpartum changes and developments in a woman's cardiovascular system,nurses should be aware of which of the following?

What statement by a newly delivered woman indicates that she knows what to expect about her menstrual activity after childbirth?

A woman gave birth to a healthy infant boy 5 days ago.What type of lochia would the nurse expect to find when assessing this woman?

Contemporary Perinatal Nursing in Canada

The Family and Culture

Community Care

Health Promotion

Health Assessment

Reproductive Health

Infertility, contraception, and Abortion

Preconception, genetics, conception, and Fetal Development

Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy

Nursing Care During Pregnancy

Maternal and Fetal Nutrition

Pregnancy Risk Factors and Assessment: Maternal and Fetal

Pregnancy at Risk: Gestational Conditions

Pregnancy at Risk: Pre-Existing Conditions

Labour and Birth Processes

Comfort Measures for Labour

Fetal Health Surveillance During Labour

Nursing Care During Labour and Birth

Labour and Birth at Risk

Nursing Care During the Fourth Trimester

Transition to Parenthood

Postpartum Complications

Physiological Adaptations of the Newborn

Nursing Care of the Newborn

Newborn Nutrition and Feeding

Infants With Gestational Age-Related Problems

The Newborn at Risk: Acquired and Congenital Problems

Contemporary Pediatric Nursing in Canada

Community-Based Nursing Care of the Child and Family

Family Influences on Child Health Promotion

Social, cultural, and Religious Influences on Child Health Promotion

Developmental Influences on Child Health Promotion

Communication, history, physical, and Developmental Assessment

Pain Assessment and Management

The Infant and Family

The Toddler and Family

The Preschooler and Family

The School-Age Child and Family

The Adolescent and Family

Chronic Illness, disability, and End-Of-Life Care

Cognitive and Sensory Impairment

Family-Centred Home Care

Reaction to Illness and Hospitalization

Pediatric Variations of Nursing Interventions

Respiratory Dysfunction

Gastrointestinal Dysfunction

Cardiovascular Dysfunction

Hematological and Immunological Dysfunction

Genitourinary Dysfunction

Cerebral Dysfunction

Endocrine Dysfunction

Integumentary Dysfunction

Musculoskeletal or Articular Dysfunction

Neuromuscular or Muscular Dysfunction

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