1. What is the definition of puerperal infection?

A puerperal infection occurs when bacteria infect the uterus and surrounding areas after a
woman gives birth. It is also known as postpartum infection.
Postpartum infections, also known as childbed fever and puerperal fever, are any
bacterial infections of the female reproductive tract following childbirth or miscarriage. Signs
and symptoms usually include a fever greater than 38.0 °C (100.4 °F), chills, lower abdominal
pain, and possibly bad-smelling vaginal discharge.[1] It usually occurs after the first 24 hours and
within the first ten days following delivery
There are several types of postpartum infections, including:
 Endometritis: an infection of the uterine lining
 Myometritis: an infection of the uterine muscle
 Parametritis: an infection of the areas around the uterus

2.What anatomic features of the woman's reproductive tract make infection there
potentially serious?
 Vaginal and Uterine secretions

3. What is the key difference between postpartum blues and postpartum depression?

 Timeline. 
 The baby blues occur for a few hours each day and should disappear within
fourteen days after delivery.
 Postpartum depression on the other hand can occur within four weeks to several
months after childbirth, and can last up to a year.

 Symptoms. 
 Some of the symptoms of baby blues are irritability, fatigue, and sadness.
 PPD symptoms are often more severe and include aggression, extreme stress, and
potentially feelings of detachment from the baby.

4. Which nursing interventions are appropriate for the woman with postpartum
depression?

 Assess the woman’s psychological health even before the delivery.

 Assess her history of illnesses to determine if she needs any counseling prior to her
delivery to avoid postpartum depression.
 Assist the woman in planning for her daily activities, such as her nutrition program,
exercise, and sleep.
 Recommend support groups to the woman so she can have a system where she can share
her feelings.
 Advise the woman to take some time for herself every day so she can have a break from
her regular baby care.
 Encourage the woman to keep in touch with her social circle as they can also serve as her
support system.