2. Postdelivery Assessment
• Greatest risk for postpartum complications
is during the first 24 hours after delivery
• Identification of potential problems;
immediate intervention; reassessment
4. • Fundus = Palpated to assess firm & well
contracted
• Bleeding = Assess drainage on pad
• Pulse & Bp = Assess cardiovascular
function
• Perineum = Assess for signs of hematoma,
lacerations, & edema
5. • Assessments are q 15 minutes for the first
hour post delivery
• Temperature is taken at the end of first hour
• Transferred to Postpartum Unit when stable
6. Admission to Postpartum Unit
• Report between L&D Nurse & PP Nurse
• Preparations made for receiving the Mother
such as:
– Room Ready
– IV Pole
– Admission Assessment
– Vital Signs Equipment
7. Assessment
• Assessment is immediately upon arrival to
the PP Unit
– Complete Assessment
– BUBBLE HE & VS included
• Reassessment q Hour x 4 Hours
– Uterus, Lochia, Bladder, Bp & Pulse
– Abnormal Findings
8. Vital Signs
• Elevated Temperature
– Normal finding for first 24 hours
– Sign of Dehydration
– Sign of Infection
• Bradycardia
– Normal Finding
11. Breasts
• Soft, firm, can be lumpy
• Secretion of Colostrum
• Engorgement
• Assessment of:
– Breasts
– Nipples
12. Uterus
• Process of Involution
• Height
– First Day = at Umbilicus
– Decreases 1 FB per Day
• Consistency
– Firm, Round, Smooth; Not “Boggy”
• Location
– Midline
13. Bladder
• Often times will be catheterized in L&D
post delivery
• Assess for Bladder Distention:
– Uterine Atony
– UTI
• Recatheterize in 6 hours if not voided (Dr.)
• Measure Urine Output
14. Bowel
• Assessment for Bowel Sounds
• Complaints of Gas Pains
• Usually has Stool 2-3 days post delivery
• May need medication for gas pains,
laxatives, stool softeners, enemas