Final answer:
The priority nursing diagnosis during the postpartum period is typically risk for postpartum hemorrhage. Nurses can identify and monitor potential risk factors to provide timely interventions and prevent or minimize postpartum hemorrhage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The priority nursing diagnosis during the postpartum period is typically risk for postpartum hemorrhage. This is because postpartum hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide and can occur due to a variety of factors such as retained placental fragments or uterine atony.
Potential risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage include:
- Previous history of postpartum hemorrhage
- Multiple gestation (twins, triplets, etc.)
- Prolonged labor or augmented labor with oxytocin (Pitocin)
- Caesarean birth
- Placenta previa or abruptio placentae
- Uterine distention (polyhydramnios, large fetus)
By identifying and monitoring for these risk factors, nurses can provide timely interventions and prevent or minimize postpartum hemorrhage.