Question

The home care nurse's assignment is to visit a new mother at home 24 to 48 hours after discharge. What should the nurse expect to note in a healthy mother who is breastfeeding her newborn infant?

A. Fever and chills
B. Bright red lochia
C. Nipple tenderness
D. Decreased uterine contractions

Answer 1

Expectations for a healthy breastfeeding mother after childbirth include normal temperature, bright red lochia, no nipple tenderness, and decreased uterine contractions.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a healthy mother who is breastfeeding her newborn infant, the nurse would expect to note the following:

1. Normal temperature: The mother should not have a fever and chills.
2. Bright red lochia: This is a normal postpartum vaginal discharge that occurs for 2-3 days.
3. No nipple tenderness: Nipple tenderness can be a sign of improper latch or other breastfeeding issues.
4. Decreased uterine contractions: Uterine contractions gradually decrease after childbirth.