Postpartum care questions...

[shortstuff31117]

Just simple questions

How often do you check the incision of a c-section pt.?

How often do you check a pts. postpartum bleeding?

How often do you look at their perineum (as in stitches)?

Thanks!!!

[Canadian_Nurse]

Just simple questions

How often do you check the incision of a c-section pt.?

How often do you check a pts. postpartum bleeding?

How often do you look at their perineum (as in stitches)?

Thanks!!!

I work L&D but have worked PP in the past, and as I recall...

1. On admission, then once a day and PRN

2. On admission, q1hx3 after initial assessment, then OD and PRN

2. On admission, OD (I think) and PRN

Hope this helps.

[pirap]

1. Upon admission to the floor, then q1 hrx4, then q2 hrsx2 then 1x per shift and PRN

2. Same as above-vag and section

3. I have never peeped between anyones legs to look at stitches-unless I had to straight cath and sometimes you can't miss them, but when you assess their bleeding and pull the pad back or help them with pericare you can assess their perineum for swelling, etc. I look for hemorrhoids after I assess perineum and bleeding.

[cherokeesummer]

Just simple questions

How often do you check the incision of a c-section pt.?

How often do you check a pts. postpartum bleeding?

How often do you look at their perineum (as in stitches)?

Thanks!!!

1. At each assessment (so in a 12 hour shift that would be twice at least) but if they are a new c/s patient, less than 24 hours, it would be more than twice in a 12 hour shift.

2. Bleeding is checked at my 730am assessment and my 3pm assessment. On patients less than 24 hours postpartum, it would be another time at noon. New admits its every 1/2 hour for 2 hours then every four hours for 24 hours.

3. I look at the perineum at each assessment b/c I'm assessing bleeding but I don't get into the nitty gritty of everything in between assessments unless they have complaints of problems.

[RNmommy]

1. C/S incision is assessed on admit and then q shift and PRN.

2. PP bleeding is assessed on admit, q1h until first spontaneous void, post void x first 2 spontaneous voids, q shift and PRN

3. Perineal assessment on admit, q shift and PRN

[NurseNora, BSN, RN]

After the recovery period (q15 X4, q30 X2) we check these things in 4 hours, then q 8 h. To be perfectly honest, I don't do a really good perineal exam more than once a shift, unless there seems to be a problem. For that one really good look, I have the patient turn to her side in a 3/4 prone position with her top leg drawn up, spread her cheeks with a gloved hand and use a flashlight to get a good look at her perineum. On really "fluffy" patients it's the only way I can see anything at all.