The visiting nurse must be aware that women who have had a postpartum hemorrhage are subject to a variety of complications after discharge from the hospital. These include which of the following? (Select all that apply.)

Question

a. Anemia
b. Dehydration
c. Exhaustion
d. Postpartum infection
e. Failure to attach to her infant

Answer 1

ANS: A, C, D, E
Postpartum hemorrhage often results in anemia, and iron therapy may need to be initiated. Exhaustion is common after hemorrhage. It may take the new client weeks to feel like herself again. Fatigue may interfere with normal parent-infant bonding and the attachment processes. The client is likely to require assistance with housework and infant care. Excessive blood loss increases the risk for infection. The excessive blood loss that this client has experienced is likely to lead to risk for infection rather than dehydration. It is important that all mothers be educated about adequate fluid intake after birth.