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.