Postpartum Depression Assignment Discussion Paper

Please read and respond to at least two of your peers’ initial postings. In your responses, you may consider the following questions:

  • How do your answers compare to those of your peers?  How are they similar or different?
  • What is something surprising about your peers’ responses?
  • What additional information can you add to help support the responses of your peers?
  • Ask a clarifying question to your peers to continue the conversation about this case.
  • Please be sure to validate your opinions and ideas with citations and references in APA format. Postpartum Depression Assignment Discussion Paper

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Carla,

Hello class,  The top 3 concerns that were of importance during this case are listed below ;

First would be postpartum preeclampsia: Kristen’s elevated blood pressure (170/110 mmHg) along with her complaints of severe headaches and general feeling of being overwhelmed raise concerns for postpartum preeclampsia.

Second would be postpartum depression: Kristen’s feelings of being a bad mother and her emotional state, as evidenced by her crying and statements, may suggest postpartum depression.

Finally, infection at the episiotomy site: Kristen’s complaint of increased pain at the episiotomy site raises concerns for an infection. Given her symptoms and the fact that the episiotomy was performed one month ago, an assessment for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, and discharge, is warranted. (Wormer, 2022)

Additional assessments that should be conducted by the nurse- The nurrse should conduct a thorough mental health assessment to evaluate the severity of Kristen’s emotional distress and assess for any other symptoms of postpartum depression. This assessment can help determine the appropriate interventions needed for her treatment while in the hospital.  Since Kristen has stated that she has severe headaches, a neurological assessment should be conducted to evaluate the nature and severity of her headaches, including characteristics, location, intensity, and any associated symptoms.

Physician orders expected for this patient: A CMP, CBC, and coagulation profile may be ordered to assess her overall health, liver function, kidney function, and to check for any signs of infection. Frequent blood pressure measurements may be ordered to monitor Kristen’s blood pressure and determine the need for intervention or medication. A referral may be made to a mental health professional for further evaluation and management of possible postpartum depression. (CDC,2021)

Priority nursing interventions for this patient: Monitor vital signs closely, to detect any further changes or worsening of symptoms. Provide emotional support and reassurance to Kristen, addressing her concerns about being a mother and her inability to breastfeed. Offer education on postpartum emotional changes and available resources for support. Assist with pain management for the episiotomy site, such as providing warm sitz baths, administering prescribed pain medications, and promoting proper wound care and hygiene.

Additional question: How can the nurse effectively educate Kristen about the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression and provide her with appropriate resources and support? Postpartum Depression Assignment Discussion Paper

Rebecca,

Based on the chief complaint and provided information what do you think is going on with Kristen? (Top 3 concerns and why)

Based on the chief complaint and provided information, my top three concerns are pre-eclampsia, infection of episiotomy or endometritis, and postpartum migraine. Due to the high blood pressure, and headache postpartum pre-eclampsia is a concern. “Postpartum pre-eclampsia is a condition that occurs when a patient has high blood pressure and excess protein in the urine after childbirth” (Mayo Clinic., 2021). Due to the high heart rate and high temperature, infection such as endometritis is a concern. “Endometritis is inflammation or irritation of the lining of the uterus caused by infection” (Simple Nursing., 2022). Due to the headaches, postpartum migraine is a concern. Due to rapid changes in hormones, many postpartum patients experience severe headaches.

What additional assessments are needed and why?

Additional assessments such as additional questions regarding chief complaint. For example, I would ask, “how long have you been experiencing headaches, is your headache relived by medication, are you experiencing any vision changes, is there any drainage in from your episiotomy, how long have you had a fever?” In addition, I would do a physical assessment by taking additional vitals, heart/lung/bowel auscultation, palpating the abdomen, assessing signs of edema, deep tendon reflexes, and assessing her episiotomy. It is important to assess the patient further to determine the cause of her chief complaint. In addition, these assessments cover common symptoms of postpartum pre-eclampsia, infection, and endometritis.

What physician orders do you expect for this patient? (Both diagnostic and treatments) Postpartum Depression Assignment Discussion Paper

I expect the physician to place diagnostic orders such as bloodwork (CBC), urinalysis, and culture swab. The bloodwork can reveal the WBC count revealing presence of infection. The urinalysis can rule out excess protein in the urine. I expect the physician to place treatment orders such as an antibiotic, a blood pressure medication, pain medication, fluids, and topical treatment for the episiotomy.

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What are priority nursing interventions for this patient?

Priority interventions for this patient are to obtain diagnostic orders such as labs, administer ordered medication and fluids, and provide education on medication, diagnostics, prevention of further complications, and provide emotional support due to mental state.

Add a question:

What type of emotional support could you provide Kristen at this time?

What instructions could you provide Kristen to properly take care of her episiotomy?

Postpartum Depression Assignment Discussion Paper