Maternity Week 6 Notes Postpartum Physiology, Nursing Care of the Postpartum Woman, and Transition to Parenthood Nursing Care of the Postpartum Woman Objectives A. Prioritizing of care for the fourth stage of labor B. Nursing Interventions to: prevent infection, prevent excessive bleeding, promote normal bladder and bowel patterns, and to promote care of the breasts of lactating and non-lactating women C. Determine the nurse’s responsibilities related to discharge teaching and preparation for postpartum follow-up strategies Expected Vital Sign Changes A. Postpartum  Time of delivery – for 6 weeks after B. Immediately after: if lost a lot of blood/hemorrhage may not see HR change in first hour/right away a. Be aware of normal fluctuation of vital signs C. Heart Rate – elevated in first hour PP; reaching pre-pregnant state 8-10 weeks postpartum a. Bradycardia may occur in first 48 hours D. Temperature – slight elevation after labor due to dehydration for first 24 hours postpartum, then normalizes a. Running fluids to help dehydration E. Respiratory Rate – pain/anesthesia precautions F. Blood Pressure – usually unchanged a. Orthostatic hypotension seen in first 48 hours due to organ engorgement or with large blood loss/hemorrhage G. Pain: C/S vs SVD a. C-section – low transverse cut (versus classic cut), clips/staples/strips (bandaged after C-section for 24 hours – nurses do not touch jus