Postpartum Complications and Nursing Care

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to postpartum complications and the nursing care associated with them.

Postpartum Hemorrhage

Defined as blood loss greater than 500 mL for vaginal deliveries and greater than 1,000 mL for cesarean deliveries, often leading to serious complications.

Four Ts of Hemorrhage

Precipitating factors for postpartum hemorrhage: Tone (uterine atony), Tissue (retained placenta), Trauma (lacerations), Thrombin (coagulation disorders).

Uterine Atony

A condition where the uterus fails to contract sufficiently post-delivery, often leading to excessive bleeding.

Subinvolution

Failure of the uterus to return to its normal size and position post-delivery, potentially due to retained placental tissue or other complications.

Oxytocin

A hormone used to prevent or treat postpartum hemorrhage by stimulating uterine contractions.

PPD (Postpartum Depression)

A mood disorder that occurs in about 11.5% of women and is characterized by severe depression within the first six to twelve months after childbirth.

DIC (Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation)

A serious condition where the coagulation pathways are overstimulated, leading to the formation of blood clots followed by hemorrhage.

VTE (Venous Thromboembolism)

A condition associated with blood clots forming in the veins, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

Endometritis

An infection of the lining of the uterus that can occur postpartum, often indicated by fever and abdominal pain.

Maternal Psychological Complications

Psychiatric conditions triggered by childbirth, including postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis.