Newborn Care and Postpartum Management

These flashcards cover key concepts related to newborn care, postpartum management, and nursing assessments.

What are the normal blood sugar levels for a newborn after birth?

Blood glucose levels fall after birth and stabilize at 40 mg/dL by 1 to 2 hours after birth, then rise to 50 to 80 mg/dL by 3 hours of age.

What is considered hypoglycemia in a newborn?

A blood glucose lower than 45 mg/dL 2 hours after birth.

List some symptoms of hypoglycemia in newborns.

Jitteriness, poor muscle tone, sweating, respiratory difficulty, low temperature, poor suck, high-pitched cry, lethargy, and seizures.

What is the expected position of the fundus postpartum?

Midline, at or below the level of the umbilicus, as a firm mass about the size of a grapefruit.

How does the fundus change after delivery?

It begins to descend about 1 cm each day and should no longer be palpable by 10 days postpartum.

What should be done to promote successful breastfeeding?

Alternating breasts, ensuring a proper latch, and avoiding strict time limits for nursing.

What important steps should be followed for peri care post delivery?

Women should perform perineal care after each voiding or bowel movement, using warm water and patting dry.

What indicates abnormal postpartum bleeding in terms of lochia?

Reports should happen for foul-smelling lochia, lochia rubra persisting beyond the third day, large clots, or heavy flow.

Describe the administration of the rubella vaccine.

Given subcutaneously in the upper arm; women should avoid pregnancy for one month after vaccination.

How is RhoGAM administered to an Rh-negative mother?

Administer a dose within 72 hours after giving birth to an Rh-positive newborn.

What are the methods of infant heat loss?

Evaporation, conduction, convection, and radiation.

How should nurses teach umbilical cord care?

Keep the cord dry, above the diaper, and report if there is a foul odor or redness.

What is the significance of breastfeeding in postpartum recovery?

Breastfeeding stimulates the secretion of oxytocin, which causes uterine contractions.

What are some signs of mastitis?

Redness and heat in the breast, tenderness, edema, and possibly purulent drainage.

What clinical manifestations indicate postpartum depression?

Lack of enjoyment in life, intense feelings of inadequacy, disturbed sleep or appetite, and constant fatigue.

What are the signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism?

Sudden chest pain, cough, dyspnea, decreased level of consciousness, and signs of heart failure.

List the characteristics of normal lochia rubra.

Lochia rubra is red, composed mostly of blood, and lasts about 3 days after birth.

What is the technique for assessing the fundus after vaginal delivery?

Place one hand on the fundus and another above the symphysis pubis to support the lower uterus.

What are the indications of post-partum hypovolemic shock?

Tachycardia, pale and clammy skin, and decreased urine output.

How should breast milk be stored?

Breast milk can be stored at room temperature for 4-6 hours, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and in the freezer for 2 weeks.

What are essential nursing actions for uterine atony?

Massage the fundus until firm, empty the bladder, and encourage breastfeeding.

What are characteristics of a preterm infant?

Transparent loose skin, lack of subcutaneous fat, short extremities, and abundant vernix caseosa.