Postpartum Hemorrhage and Related Conditions

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to postpartum hemorrhage, associated conditions, and nursing care practices.

Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH)

Excessive bleeding following childbirth, typically defined as blood loss greater than 500 mL after vaginal delivery or 1000 mL after cesarean delivery.

Boggy Uterus

A term used to describe a uterus that is soft and not firm, indicating inadequate contraction and increased risk of bleeding.

Fundal Massage

A technique used to stimulate uterine contractions and restore tone to the uterus after childbirth.

Uterotonic Medications

Medications used to stimulate uterine contractions; examples include oxytocin, misoprostol, methergine, and hemabate.

Methergine

A uterotonic medication that causes uterine contractions and vasocontraction, contraindicated in patients with hypertension.

TXA (Tranexamic Acid)

A medication that enhances clotting and reduces bleeding by blocking the interaction between plasmin and fibrin.

Shoulder Dystocia

A complication during childbirth where the fetal shoulder becomes lodged behind the mother's pelvic bone, often indicated by the 'turtle sign'.

Von Willebrand Disease

A genetic disorder characterized by a deficiency in von Willebrand factor, essential for blood clotting, increasing the risk for postpartum hemorrhage.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

A condition where blood clots form in veins, particularly in the legs, with risk factors including pregnancy and obesity.

Endometritis

The most common postpartum infection, characterized by fever, chills, tachycardia, and foul-smelling lochia.

Postpartum Blues

A transient mood disorder that begins 2 to 5 days after childbirth and resolves within two weeks.

Postpartum Psychosis

A severe mental health disorder that can occur after childbirth, characterized by psychotic behavior and may involve harming the infant.

Uterine Inversion

A medical emergency where the uterus turns inside out following delivery.

Perineal Laceration

Tears that occur in the perineum during childbirth, requiring nursing education for proper care to reduce infection risk.

CBC (Complete Blood Count)

A blood test used to evaluate the hemodynamic status, including hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.

Sitz Bath

A warm water bath used to soothe and promote healing of the perineal area after childbirth.