CPM CPM Postpartum Care and Recovery

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

At the level of the umbilicus

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Cervical or vaginal laceration

Answer

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.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Saturating more than one pad per hour for two consecutive hours

Answer

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.

Question 4

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?

Accepted Answer

Encourage frequent feeding and breast emptying

Answer

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.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Within 48–72 hours

Answer

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

CPM - Certified Professional Midwife Practice Test

CPM - Certified Professional Midwife Practice Test

CPM CPM Postpartum Care and Recovery