Question 1 of 6
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Which emotional expressions of “baby blues” are most common?
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- Exhaustion and withdrawalWomen who are experiencing exhaustion and withdrawal are more likely to have postpartum depression than “baby blues.” Women with the “baby blues” may feel tired; however, they typically do not withdraw from others.
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- Tearfulness and tirednessWomen who are experiencing tearfulness and tiredness most likely have the “baby blues.” These emotional expressions typically subside around 2 weeks after childbirth; however, feelings of tiredness may persist for many months.
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- Anxiety and hopelessnessWomen who are experiencing anxiety and hopelessness are more likely to have postpartum depression than “baby blues.” Women with the “baby blues” may feel anxious at times; however, they typically do not have a feeling of hopelessness (they can see the light at the end of the tunnel).
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- Paranoia and insomniaWomen who are experiencing paranoia and insomnia are more likely to have postpartum psychosis and need to seek medical attention immediately. These emotional expressions are not consistent with the “baby blues.”
Question 2 of 6
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Which situations are considered risk factors for a postpartum mood disorder when they are present before the pregnancy?
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- Low socioeconomic statusWomen who have a lower socioeconomic status have been found to have a higher prevalence of postpartum depression.
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- Strong social supportA strong social support is not a risk factor for postpartum depression. Women who have difficulties in relationships with the father of the baby or her family are at an increased risk for postpartum depression.
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- Infertility treatmentsWomen who have gone through the infertility process and required infertility treatment are at an increased risk for postpartum depression due to the stress that the treatments cause before and after conception.
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- History of depressionWomen who have had a previous diagnosis of a mood disturbance, such as depression, are at an increased risk for postpartum depression due to the history of a mood disorder.
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- 27 years old at time of conceptionWomen who are 25 years of age or younger are at a higher risk for postpartum depression.
Question 3 of 6
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Which characteristic describes sleep disturbances associated with postpartum depression?
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- Unrestful sleepThere is a different quality to sleep problems in women with postpartum depression. It is usual for new mothers to have their sleep interrupted by a crying baby, but women with postpartum depression report that they cannot go to sleep even when the baby is settled and goes to sleep.
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- Caused by the baby’s presenceAll mothers may experience some sleep deprivation due to the baby’s presence; however, sleep deprivation due to the baby’s presence is not considered a sleep disturbance related to postpartum depression.
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- Excessive sleepingExcessive sleeping is rare in women with postpartum depression due to the demands of the baby as well as the symptoms that accompany postpartum depression.
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- Attributed to the need for nighttime feedingsAll new mothers experience a change in sleep patterns due to the need for nighttime feedings; however, the need for feedings during the night is not considered a sleep disturbance related to postpartum depression.
Question 4 of 6
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Which statement by a postpartum woman would require the most immediate attention by the nurse?
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- “I am so tired I do not know how I am going to make it through the day.”Insomnia and fatigue are common with all postpartum mood disorders. Although this statement could indicate a mood disorder and should be addressed, it is not the most concerning statement.
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- “I am not hungry. I am going to skip lunch today.”Loss of appetite is a common symptom with all postpartum mood disorders. Although this statement could indicate a mood disorder and should be addressed, it is not the most concerning statement.
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- “The lactation consultant tried to steal my baby.”Paranoia and hallucinations could indicate postpartum psychosis, a postpartum mood disorder that requires immediate medical attention.
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- “I am never going to feel like myself again.”Having a depressed mood or mood swings may occur in a woman who has the “baby blues” or postpartum depression. Although this statement could indicate a mood disorder and should be addressed, it is not the most concerning statement.
Question 5 of 6
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Which statement by a maternal home care nurse reflects the correct approach to addressing potential and actual postpartum depression in maternal patients?
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- “We include education about postpartum depression to women if they have a history of depression.”A history of depression is a risk factor for postpartum depression; however, screening and education are provided to all pregnant patients, not just those who have a history of depression.
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- “If we suspect a woman may have developed postpartum depression, then we provide specialized education about that topic.”It is important to provide education regarding postpartum depression to all pregnant women, not just those who are suspected of having it. Screening and education should begin in the prenatal period.
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- “Because emotional disorders and imbalances are a very sensitive subject, we try not to offend patients by routinely bringing up the topic of postpartum depression.”Although postpartum depression can be a sensitive subject, all pregnant women should be screened and educated on the risk factors and signs and symptoms of postpartum depression.
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- “Teaching about postpartum depression is a routine part of education for all pregnant patients.”The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that health care providers address the issue of postpartum depression with all pregnant patients during prenatal visits, preferably during the third trimester, to recognize any potential risk factors for postpartum depression and to begin education immediately on prevention and treatment.
Question 6 of 6
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Which advice would the nurse provide a woman regarding the “baby blues” and postpartum depression as part of discharge teaching?
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- “Stay home and avoid outside activities to ensure adequate rest.”Isolation can exacerbate the feelings of the “baby blues” or postpartum depression. Although the postpartum woman needs adequate rest and should not overextend herself, it is important that she maintain a routine that includes socialization to avoid a mood disorder.
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- “Be certain that you are the only caregiver for your baby to facilitate infant attachment.”It is important that the partner as well as family initiate bonding with the baby in addition to the mother. Being the only caretaker may precipitate exhaustion that can exacerbate the feelings of the “baby blues” or postpartum depression.
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- “Talk about your feelings and seek help if needed.”The “baby blues” occurs in almost 85% of postpartum women. This topic can carry feelings of shame, fear, and anxiety. Women should be encouraged to seek help and talk about their feelings, not hold them in.
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- “Keep feelings of sadness and adjustment to your new role to yourself.”The “baby blues” occurs in almost 85% of postpartum women, and postpartum depression occurs in up to 15% of postpartum women. These topics can carry feelings of shame, fear, and anxiety. Women should be encouraged to seek help and talk about their feelings, not hold them in.