Overview

17-year-old Deborah Nelson is sitting in her bed. Her (2 day) newborn is out of the room for a hearing screening. She is upset and teary eyed as she doesn't know how to care for a newborn baby. Deborah lives with her mother; however, her mother works full time.

The father of the baby is not involved in the care of the infant.

Physiologic State Phase 1 (Maternal)

T = 97.8 F oral

BP = 122/68

P = 86

RR = 20

O2 Sat = 98% (room air)

Pain Level = 2/10; uterine cramping

• Heart sounds: Regular

• Lung sounds: Clear

• Breasts: Full; no tenderness; no masses

• Fundus: Firm; 2 cm below the umbilicus

• Bowel sounds: Active

• Bladder: Non-distended

• Lochia: Moderate Rubra

• Perineum: Intact (no episiotomy or laceration

noted)

• No hemorrhoids

• Extremities: No edema

• Pulses: 2+

• Patient's speech: Clear, anxious

• Patient states, "I am so scared to go home. I

don't know how to take care of a baby!"



1. How would the nurse respond to Deborah Nelson's statement, "I don't know how to take care of a baby?"

2. What normal findings would the nurse expect in a focused assessment for a woman 2 days post-partum?