Medical-surgical Nursing Demystified

(Sean Pound) #1

CHAPTER 14 Women’s Health^525


PROGNOSIS


Return to prepregnant state.


HALLMARK SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS



  • Vaginal drainage (lochia) lessens, becomes lighter in color

  • Uterus shrinks in size

  • Abdomen shrinks

  • Breasts enlarge and fill with milk

  • Body weight decreases


INTERPRETING TEST RESULTS



  • CBC to assess blood loss.


TREATMENTS



  • Iron supplementation if indicated.


NURSING DIAGNOSES



  • Fatigue

  • Disturbance in body image

  • Effective breastfeeding


NURSING INTERVENTIONS



  • Explain lochia (postpartum vaginal discharge)—color, amount.

  • Answer breast-feeding questions.

  • Remind patient to call obstetrician if fever develops, or if there is excessive
    vaginal bleeding, chest pain, or dyspnea.

  • Discuss contraception—ovulation may occur before menses resume.

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