Final answer:
The appropriate course of action for a mother admitted for postpartum care after delivering outside of the hospital is a thorough examination, monitoring for hemorrhage and uterine contractions, ensuring complete expulsion of the placenta and membranes, supporting breastfeeding, and educating on self-care and follow-up visits.
Step-by-step explanation:
The appropriate course of action when a mother delivers outside the hospital and is admitted for postpartum care with no complications is to ensure a thorough examination, monitor for normal post-delivery processes, and provide supportive care. The mother should undergo a physical exam checking for signs of postpartum hemorrhage and ensuring that the uterus is contracting properly to avoid excessive bleeding. It is also important to ensure that the placenta and membranes are expelled completely, as retained fragments can cause complications.
Monitoring includes checking vitals, managing pain, and supporting breastfeeding, which helps with uterine involution and reduces the risk of engorgement. Education on postpartum self-care and recognizing signs of potential complications is essential. If the mother is breastfeeding, assistance with latch and positioning can be provided, and signs of successful breastfeeding should be observed.
Lochia discharge should also be monitored to ensure it follows normal patterns, transitioning from lochia rubra to lochia serosa, and finally to lochia alba. The mother's emotional well-being should be addressed, as postpartum depression is a concern. In the absence of any complications, the mother may be discharged with instructions on postpartum recovery and a schedule for follow-up visits.