Postpartum Care Flashcards

Which screening tool is most widely validated and recommended for postpartum depression screening in midwifery practice?

Answer: Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is the most widely used and validated screening tool specifically designed and normed for the postpartum population.

A breastfeeding mother on postpartum day 4 presents with hard, warm, bilaterally painful, and engorged breasts. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Answer: Breast engorgement associated with milk coming in

Bilateral breast engorgement is common on days 3–5 postpartum when mature milk production begins; it is distinguished from mastitis by its bilateral presentation, absence of systemic fever, and timing.

Which combination of findings is most consistent with postpartum endometritis?

Answer: Uterine tenderness on palpation, fever above 38°C, and foul-smelling lochia

Postpartum endometritis classically presents with uterine tenderness, fever (>38°C), and malodorous lochia and requires prompt antibiotic treatment.

Which postpartum complication is defined as failure of the uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy size at the expected rate?

Answer: Uterine subinvolution

Subinvolution is the failure of normal uterine involution; it is often caused by retained placental fragments, uterine infection, or uterine fibroids, and presents with a uterus larger than expected for the postpartum day.

What is the generally recommended minimum interval before resuming vaginal intercourse following an uncomplicated vaginal birth?

Answer: 4–6 weeks postpartum to allow perineal healing and cervical closure

Most providers recommend waiting at least 4–6 weeks postpartum before resuming intercourse to allow adequate healing of perineal tissues and cervical closure, reducing infection risk.

Which postpartum finding would most raise the midwife's suspicion for deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

Answer: Unilateral calf pain, warmth, and swelling with low-grade fever

Unilateral calf pain, warmth, and swelling are classic signs of DVT; postpartum women are at elevated thromboembolism risk due to hypercoagulable state and reduced mobility.

According to updated ACOG guidelines, what is the recommended postpartum care timeline for low-risk vaginal delivery clients?

Answer: Initial contact within 3 weeks and a comprehensive visit completed by 12 weeks postpartum

ACOG (2018) updated guidance recommends initial postpartum contact within 3 weeks and a comprehensive postpartum visit completed no later than 12 weeks, recognizing that the traditional single 6-week visit is inadequate for detecting complications.