CPM Postpartum Care and Recovery Flashcards

What is the normal uterine position 24 hours after a vaginal birth?

Answer: At the level of the umbilicus

At 24 hours postpartum, the uterine fundus is typically palpable at the level of the umbilicus and descends approximately one fingerbreadth per day.

A postpartum client presents with a firm, midline uterus but reports saturating a pad in 15 minutes. What is the most likely cause?

Answer: Cervical or vaginal laceration

A firm, contracted uterus with excessive bleeding points to a cervical or vaginal laceration rather than uterine atony, which would present with a boggy uterus.

Which finding in the first 24 hours postpartum warrants immediate evaluation for postpartum hemorrhage?

Answer: Saturating more than one pad per hour for two consecutive hours

Saturating more than one perineal pad per hour for two or more consecutive hours is a clinical threshold that indicates postpartum hemorrhage requiring urgent assessment.

When assessing a breastfeeding client on day 3 postpartum who reports engorged, firm breasts and a temperature of 38.0°C, what is the most appropriate first intervention?

Answer: Encourage frequent feeding and breast emptying

Day 3 engorgement with a low-grade fever is common with milk coming in; frequent, effective feeding and ensuring complete breast emptying usually resolves it without antibiotics.

How long after birth should a midwife perform a routine postpartum home visit if the client gave birth at a freestanding birth center?

Answer: Within 48–72 hours

NARM and MANA standards recommend a postpartum home visit within 48–72 hours after birth to assess maternal and newborn wellbeing.

A client at 4 days postpartum reports perineal pain, dysuria, and a foul-smelling lochia. Which condition do these findings most suggest?

Answer: Endometritis

Foul-smelling lochia combined with systemic symptoms such as dysuria at 4 days postpartum is classic for endometritis and requires prompt antibiotic treatment.