Question 1

The nurse's instructions for a new mother to care for the baby's umbilical cord will include:

Accepted Answer

Alcohol is applied at each diaper change to promote drying of the cord, thus preventing infection.

Question 2

The nurse assesses the initial lochia postdelivery, which is:

Accepted Answer

The initial vaginal discharge after delivery is called lochia rubra. It is red and moderately heavy. Lochia rubra lasts for up to 3 days postpartum.

Question 3

A new mother states her preference to formula-feed her newborn. The nurse planning discharge instructions would tell her about a measure to help suppress lactation and promote comfort, which is:

Accepted Answer

When a mother does not wish to breastfeed, a snug bra worn around the clock can help alleviate discomfort from engorgement.

Question 4

On the second postpartum day, a mother bathed her newborn for the first time. She tells the nurse, "I don't think I did it right." Based on the mother's comment, she is most likely in the postpartum psychological stage of:

Accepted Answer

In phase 2, taking hold, the mother begins to initiate action and becomes interested in caring for the baby. In doing so, she may become critical of her performance.

Question 5

When a woman asks about resumption of her menstrual cycle after childbirth, the nurse responds that:

Accepted Answer

Menstrual periods resume in about 6 to 8 weeks if the woman is not breastfeeding.

Question 6

The nurse assessing a newborn recognizes a sign of hypoglycemia, which is:

Accepted Answer

There are many signs of hypoglycemia in the newborn. One is a high-pitched cry.

Question 7

The statement that indicates the new mother is breastfeeding correctly is:

Accepted Answer

Alternating breasts increases milk production, particularly hindmilk, which has a higher protein and fat content.

Question 8

The nurse assessing the fundus of the uterus immediately after delivery would expect to find the uterus:

Accepted Answer

Immediately after the placenta is expelled, the uterine fundus can be felt as a firm mass, about the size of a grapefruit, at the level of the umbilicus.

Question 9

The nurse should teach the postpartum woman about perineal self-care by instructing her to:

Accepted Answer

Cleansing from front to back prevents contamination from the rectal area.

Question 10

A primipara tells the nurse, "My afterpains get worse when I am breastfeeding." The most appropriate nursing response would be:

Accepted Answer

Breastfeeding mothers may have more afterpains because infant suckling causes the posterior pituitary to release oxytocin, which is a hormone that contracts the uterus.

Question 11

A woman will be discharged 48 hours after a vaginal delivery. When planning discharge teaching, the information the nurse would include about lochia is:

Accepted Answer

A return to bright red lochia rubra may indicate a late postpartum hemorrhage.

Question 12

The nurse instructed a postpartum woman about storing and freezing breast milk. The nurse determines that the teaching was effective when the woman says:

Accepted Answer

Breast milk can be safely stored in glass or clear hard plastic containers.

Question 13

Following delivery, the nurse's assessment reveals a soft, boggy uterus located above the level of the umbilicus. The appropriate intervention is to:

Accepted Answer

A poorly contracted uterus should be massaged until firm to prevent hemorrhage.

Question 14

After birth, the nurse quickly dries and wraps the newborn in a blanket to prevent heat loss by:

Accepted Answer

Newborns lose heat quickly after birth as fluid evaporates from their bodies.

Question 15

The nurse counseling a lactating mother about diet would include instructions to:

Accepted Answer

To maintain nutrient stores while breastfeeding, the mother needs 500 additional calories each day over her prepregnancy diet.

Question 16

The nurse can expect which of the following interventions to be ordered if the postpartum woman is not immune to rubella?

Accepted Answer

The woman who is not immune to rubella is immunized in the immediate postpartum period because there is no danger of her being pregnant.

Question 17

The statement made by a new mother that indicates she needs additional information about breastfeeding is:

Accepted Answer

Supplemental feedings of formula or water should not be offered to a healthy newborn who is breastfeeding.

Question 18

The nurse explains that the physician will order RhoGAM in the event that a/an:

Accepted Answer

The Rh-negative woman should receive RhoGAM within 72 hours after the birth of an Rh-positive infant.

Question 19

A new mother has decided not to breastfeed her newborn. The nurse planning to teach the mother about formula feeding would include:

Accepted Answer

The nipple of the bottle should be kept full of formula to reduce the amount of air the baby swallows.

Question 20

In the recovery room, the nurse checks the newly delivered woman's fundus following a cesarean section. How would the nurse proceed with this assessment?

Accepted Answer

The fundus is checked gently by walking the fingers from the side of the uterus to the midline.

Quiz 9: The Family After Birth