Postpartum Care PDF

CARE OF THE MOTHER, CHILD AND ADOLESCENT (WELL CLIENTS) NCM 107
RLE Study Guide for Online Alternative Activity
Postpartum Nursing Care
Introduction
Welcome to the Postpartum Nursing Care unit of the Maternity Series.
This resource consists of eight learning modules on postpartum nursing care. In the
accompanying simulation game ("game"), learners will work through concepts related to both
postpartum and newborn care.
Please note: Content on newborn health is located in our unit on Newborn Care.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this unit, you should be able to:
1. Describe a holistic approach to postpartum care.

2. Apply components of a postpartum assessment while identifying the physiological and
psychosocial changes that occur during this period.
3. Assess and evaluate postpartum home-care needs.
4. Develop inclusive and holistic nursing strategies for diverse families.
Game
When you are ready to test your comprehension, the game promotes the application of
knowledge and skills related to the assessment of a postpartum woman and newborn.
After completing the simulation game, if not attending an organized debrief, make sure you
download and complete the self-debriefing questions to optimise your learning experience.
Prepared by:
Lianna Rose D. Espino, RN
This study source was downloaded by 100000846669110 from CourseHero.com on 12-11-2022 18:08:16 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/71427358/Postpartum-Carepdf/
Module 1 Introduction to Postpartum
Introduction
The postpartum period (puerperium or fourth trimester) occurs after birth and lasts approximately
six weeks, when the woman’s body physically readjusts to her non-pregnant state and
psychosocially adapts to her new situation. This module will highlight important components of
a comprehensive postpartum assessment to ensure a safe recovery post delivery. This module
will address the physiological and psychosocial changes a woman may experience during the
postpartum period.
Nurse’s Role in a Postpartum Assessment
This unit will introduce the learner to the role of a postpartum nurse and essential care for the
mother and newborn. Competent care, therapeutic communication, and continuous critical
thinking are required for a comprehensive postpartum assessment. The nurse's role in a
postpartum assessment focuses on the following key points:
 Knowledge of the physiological and psychosocial processes during the postpartum

transitional period
 Perform and document of a thorough postpartum head-to-toe assessment
 Support and assess for the postpartum client, newborn and family needs as they adjust to
their new roles
 Educate the postpartum client and family about postpartum resources and services available
for the family
 Provide safe, competent client and family-centred care to promote the well-being of the
family unit
Take some time to view the video on postpartum assessments and interventions at
https://youtu.be/g5kACb1it2o.
Reflect on your thoughts about working as a nurse in postpartum care.
Module 2 Postpartum Assessment: Physical Changes
Learning Objectives
By the end of this section, you should be able to apply components of a postpartum assessment
while identifying the physiological changes that occur during this period.
Recommended Resources
Review a chapter on maternal physiological changes during the postpartum period in a current
Maternal Child Nursing Care textbook.
Introduction to Postpartum Assessment: Physical Changes
A woman’s physical body goes through many changes during the postpartum period. It is
important for the nurse to be knowledgeable of the anatomical and physiological changes during
the postpartum period, to ensure a comprehensive and systematic assessment is performed.
The purpose of the postpartum assessment is to:
 Ensure the woman’s healthy transition to her pre-pregnant state.

 Assess for potential risk factors and complications.
 Provide a teaching opportunity to educate the woman about self-care and well-being.
 Support, promote, and advocate for the woman’s autonomy.
Read the module and answer the learning activities at

https://de.ryerson.ca/games/nursing/maternity/postpartum/modules.html?m=2.
Summary
It is important for nurses to be knowledgeable in normal and abnormal physiological changes

that occur during the postpartum period. A thorough physical assessment supports the nurse’s
ability to assist postpartum women’s transition to their healthy non-pregnant state and identify
potential complications or abnormalities.
Module 3 Postpartum Assessment: Psychosocial Changes
Learning Objectives
By the end of this section, you should be able to apply components of a postpartum assessment
while identifying the psychosocial changes that occur during this period.
Review a chapter on maternal psychosocial changes during the postpartum period in a current
Maternal Child Nursing Care textbook.
Introduction to Postpartum Assessment: Psychosocial Changes
The postpartum period is a time of changes, both physically and psychosocially. Each system and
situation can affect and impact another as the woman begins to readjust during the postpartum
period. As women adapt to their postpartum physical changes, the nurse needs to assess how
these changes can impact her emotional, mental, social, and spiritual well-being.
Read the module and answer the learning activities at

Summary
It is important for nurses to be familiar and knowledgeable about psychological changes that
occur during the postpartum period. A comprehensive postpartum assessment allows nurses to
provide the appropriate psychosocial nursing care and support resources to postpartum women
and identify potential complications or abnormalities.
Module 4 Postpartum Complications
Learning Objectives
By the end of this section, you should be able to identify complications during the postpartum
period and potential nursing interventions required.
Review a chapter on maternal postpartum complications during the postpartum period in a

current Maternal Child Nursing Care textbook.
Introduction to Postpartum Complications
During the postpartum period, complications can occur. Comprehensive nursing assessment and
safe competent care can help to decrease potential postpartum complications. This folder will
address complications including:
 Postpartum hemorrhage
 Thromboembolic disorders
 Postpartum infections
 Psychological complications
 Perinatal loss and grief that can occur during the postpartum period
Read the modules and answer the learning activities at

https://de.ryerson.ca/games/nursing/maternity/postpartum/modules.html?m=4#pagetop.
Summary
Thorough assessments can help nurses to identify postpartum risk factors, as well as signs and
symptoms of potential complications during the postpartum period. If complications occur, it is
important for nurses to provide safe, efficient care and support the mother, newborn and family.
Module 5 Focused Postpartum Assessment Prior to Discharge
Learning Objectives
By the end of this section, you should be able to apply components of a focused postpartum
assessment required prior to discharge.
Review a chapter on postpartum assessment required prior to discharge in a current Maternal

Child Nursing Care textbook.
Introduction to Focused Postpartum Assessment Prior to Discharge
Postpartum women’s birthing experiences are diverse and personal. It is important for the nurse
to regularly assess the woman’s physical and psychosocial adaptions of her perinatal experience
to ensure she is recovering well, and to support a healthy transition into parenthood. Assessment
of the postpartum woman includes the newborn and support people (i.e. family, friends) who will
be part of the transitional process.
Summary
Nursing care focuses on the woman’s needs and should be family-centred. Prior to discharge, the
nurse should focus of the woman’s specific health related physiological and psychosocial need
and required resources to ensure a safe discharge home.
Module 6 Discharge Teaching
Learning Objectives
By the end of this section, you should be able to assess and evaluate postpartum home-care needs
to assist with discharge teaching.
Review a chapter on discharge teaching for postpartum woman in a current Maternal Child
Nursing Care textbook.
Introduction to Discharge Teaching
Discharge teaching and planning should focus on the woman’s specific needs to support
independence in her new role. Facilities will have specific requirements prior to discharging the
mother and newborn. The discharge health requirements can include:
 Laboratory results
 Prescribed medications
 Client’s self-care needs and ability
 Completed discharge teaching requirements
 Follow-up appointments for the woman and newborn

Summary
Discharge teaching should be a holistic family-centred approach and inclusive to the woman’s
specific needs related to physiological and psychosocial health; self and infant care; and
supportive resources available in their community to ensure a successful transition back home.
Module 7 Family-Centred Care
Learning Objectives
By the end of this section, you should be able to apply inclusive and holistic family-centred care
nursing strategies for diverse families.
Review a chapter on family-centred care and transition to parenthood during the postpartum
period in a current Maternal Child Nursing Care textbook.
Introduction to Family-Centred Care
The arrival of a newborn brings many changes for the family. The nurse has an important role in
supporting the family during this transition. In providing this support, the nurse needs to take into
account the birthing experience, the family members involved, and their relationships with each
other, and parental expectations for life with a newborn. Teaching about what to expect regarding
changes in the mother’s body after delivery, and normal responses of newborns, can help the
family deal with the challenges they may experience.

Summary
Holistic family-centred care nursing strategies are required to provide optimal care for Canada’s
diverse population. Family-centred care principles support the unique health needs of mothers,
newborns and their families.
Module 8 Final Notes on Postpartum
Summary
The postpartum period consists of many changes that a woman must transition through, both
physiologically and psychologically. Physiological changes involve the cardiovascular,
genitourinary, endocrine, respiratory, neurological, musculoskeletal and integumentary systems.
Comprehensive postpartum assessment enables the nurse to promptly intervene to minimize
potential risk factors and complications. Educating the postpartum client regarding self-care,
newborn care and their well-being empowers the woman to develop a healthy self-concept as she
adjusts to the new role of motherhood.
Pause & Reflect
1. What knowledge have I gained from this module? What additional knowledge do I need?
2. How will I maintain current knowledge in postpartum health?
3. Why is it important for a nurse to thoroughly assess a woman’s physical and psychological
changes during the postpartum period?
4. How can the nurse create an inclusive, welcoming, holistic approach to postpartum care?
5. When determining postpartum home care needs, how can a nurse incorporate the client’s
cultural beliefs, values, and practices?
References
Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada. (2009). Cultural Competence and Cultural Safety in
First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nursing Education. An Integrated Review of the Literature.
Ottawa: Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada. Retrieved from https://www.uleth.ca
/dspace/bitstream/handle/10133/720/An_Integrated_Review_of_the_Literature.pdf?sequenc
e=1
Allan, B & Smylie, J. (2015). First Peoples, second class treatment: The role of racism in the
health and well-being of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Toronto, ON: the Wellesley
Institute. Retrieved from http://www.wellesleyinstitute.com/publications/first-
peoples-second-class-treatment/
Best Start Resource Centre. (2009). Giving Birth in a New Land: Strategies for Service Providers
Working with Newcomers(Opens PDF document). Toronto: Best Start Resource Centre.
Retrieved from https://www.beststart.org/resources/rep_health/Newcomer_%20
Guide_Final.pdf
Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing. (2017). Canadian Association of Schools of

Nursing (CASN) Entry-to-Practice Competencies for Nursing Care of the Childbearing
Family f or Undergraduate Education(Opens PDF document). Retrieved from
https://www.casn.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/FINAL-CHILDBEARING-FAMILY-CO
MPETENCIES-revised.pdf
College of Nurses of Ontario. (2009). Practice Guideline: Culturally Sensitive Care. Toronto, ON:
Author.
Jarvis, C. (2014). Physical examination & health assessment, second Canadian edition. Toronto,
ON: Saunders/Elsevier Canada.
kineticstreaming. (2013, August 28). Postpartum Assessments and Interventions(Opens new

window). [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/Je2r6gc7gGo
London, M.L., Ladewig, P.A., Davidson, M.R., Ball, J.W., Binder, R.C.M., & Cowen K.J.
(2017). Maternal & child nursing care (5th ed). Hoboken, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
McGowan, A. (2017). A Rural Registered Nurse’s Experience with Postpartum Care. [Video
file].
Orton, C. (2017). Om Sweet Home Blog. Retrieved from

http://omsweethomeblog.com/index.php/about/
Perry, S.E., Hockenberry, M.J., Lowdermilk, D.L., Wilson, D., Keenan-Lindsay, l., & Sams, C.A.
(2017). Maternal child nursing care in Canada (2nd Canadian ed.). Elsevier.
Perry, S.E., Hockenberry, M.J., Lowdermilk, D.L., Wilson, D., Sams, C.A. & Keenan-Lindsay, L.
(2012). Maternal child nursing care in Canada (First Canadian ed.). Elsevier.
Public Health Agency of Canada. (2013). Maternal Mortality Rate in Canada(Opens PDF
document). Retrieved from https://sogc.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/
REVISEDMortality-EN-Final-PDF.pdf
Statistics Canada. (Date modified: 2017-03-09). Leading causes of deaths, infants, by sex,
Canada. Retrieved from http://www5.statcan.gc.ca/cansim/a26?lang=eng&id=1020562
Wilson, D., de la Ronde, S., Brascoupé, S., Apale, A. N., Barney, L., Guthrie, B., . . . Pauktuutit
Inuit Women of Canada. (2013). Health professionals working with First Nations, Inuit, and
Métis consensus guideline.(Opens PDF document) Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Canada, 35(6), 550. Retrieved from http://old.sogc.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/June
-JOGC-2013-CPG293_Supplement_Eng_Online-Final_NO-cropmarks_REV-F.pdf
POSTPARTUM SIMULATION GAME
Learning Objectives
The game promotes the application of knowledge, skills and assessment of a postpartum woman
and newborn.
The objectives of the simulation game are to:
1. Apply components of a postpartum assessment while identifying the physiological and

psychosocial changes that occur during this period.
2. Identify normal findings, abnormal variations and potential complications during the
postpartum assessment.
3. Assess and evaluate postpartum home-care needs.
4. Demonstrate therapeutic interventions when caring for a postpartum woman.
How to play
Watch the video story unfold. You will assume the role of a clinical nurse completing a client
assessment.
1. Occasionally, the video will pause, and you will be asked to respond to questions.
2. Choose your responses carefully because your choices will affect how the story unfolds.
3. The goal is to get to the end of the story, answering as few questions as possible.
4. The best possible result is 12. You can play this game unlimited times to improve your
result.
5. Game play progresses forward only; there is no option to go back to a previous decision
point.
6. At the end of the game you will see a summary report of your answers. The summary can be
downloaded and saved to your computer.
7. You can pause the game at any time by clicking on the video or pressing the spacebar.
8. You can turn captions on or switch to full-screen, by selecting Game Options from the
menu.
9. The game uses high resolution videos, which require high-speed internet to upload easily.
10. The game takes about 30–60 minutes to complete.
Access the simulation game at https://de.ryerson.ca/games/nursing/maternity/postpartum/game/#/
Submit a screen capture of the last window that shows you completed the simulation game.
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CARE OF THE MOTHER, CHILD AND ADOLESCENT (WELL CLIENTS) NCM 107

RLE Study Guide for Online Alternative Activity

Postpartum Nursing Care

Welcome to the Postpartum Nursing Care unit of the Maternity Series.

By the end of this unit, you should be able to:

1. Describe a holistic approach to postpartum care.

Lianna Rose D. Espino, RN

Nurse’s Role in a Postpartum Assessment

 Knowledge of the physiological and psychosocial processes during the postpartum

Reflect on your thoughts about working as a nurse in postpartum care.

Module 2 Postpartum Assessment: Physical Changes

Introduction to Postpartum Assessment: Physical Changes

 Ensure the woman’s healthy transition to her pre-pregnant state.

Read the module and answer the learning activities at

It is important for nurses to be knowledgeable in normal and abnormal physiological changes

Module 3 Postpartum Assessment: Psychosocial Changes

Introduction to Postpartum Assessment: Psychosocial Changes

Read the module and answer the learning activities at

Module 4 Postpartum Complications

Review a chapter on maternal postpartum complications during the postpartum period in a

Introduction to Postpartum Complications

Read the modules and answer the learning activities at

Module 5 Focused Postpartum Assessment Prior to Discharge

Review a chapter on postpartum assessment required prior to discharge in a current Maternal

Introduction to Focused Postpartum Assessment Prior to Discharge

Module 6 Discharge Teaching

Introduction to Discharge Teaching

Read the modules and answer the learning activities at

Module 7 Family-Centred Care

Introduction to Family-Centred Care

Read the modules and answer the learning activities at

Module 8 Final Notes on Postpartum

Pause & Reflect

Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing. (2017). Canadian Association of Schools of

kineticstreaming. (2013, August 28). Postpartum Assessments and Interventions(Opens new

Orton, C. (2017). Om Sweet Home Blog. Retrieved from

POSTPARTUM SIMULATION GAME

The objectives of the simulation game are to:

1. Apply components of a postpartum assessment while identifying the physiological and

Access the simulation game at https://de.ryerson.ca/games/nursing/maternity/postpartum/game/#/

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