Postnatal Care # MCQs Practice set

Q.1 What is the primary focus of postnatal care in the first 24 hours after delivery?

Initiating breastfeeding
Monitoring maternal vital signs
Providing family planning advice
Administering vaccinations
Explanation - In the first 24 hours after delivery, it is crucial to monitor the mother's vital signs to detect early signs of complications like hemorrhage or infection.
Correct answer is: Monitoring maternal vital signs

Q.2 Which hormone primarily facilitates uterine involution after childbirth?

Progesterone
Oxytocin
Prolactin
Estrogen
Explanation - Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions, which help the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size, a process called involution.
Correct answer is: Oxytocin

Q.3 How often should a postnatal mother be checked for lochia during the first week?

Once a day
Every 8 hours
Every 2-4 hours
Every 12 hours
Explanation - Frequent monitoring of lochia helps in early detection of abnormal bleeding or infection.
Correct answer is: Every 2-4 hours

Q.4 Which position is recommended for a mother to initiate breastfeeding comfortably?

Supine position
Upright sitting position
Side-lying position
Prone position
Explanation - The upright sitting position allows the mother to support the baby properly and reduces discomfort during breastfeeding.
Correct answer is: Upright sitting position

Q.5 Which vitamin is essential to continue supplementation for mothers who are exclusively breastfeeding?

Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Vitamin K
Explanation - Vitamin D supplementation is recommended for breastfeeding mothers to ensure adequate bone health for both mother and infant.
Correct answer is: Vitamin D

Q.6 The term 'lochia rubra' refers to:

Yellowish discharge after 1 week
Bright red postpartum bleeding
Whitish vaginal discharge
Blood-tinged mucus at 6 weeks
Explanation - Lochia rubra is the initial bright red vaginal discharge after delivery, consisting mostly of blood and decidual tissue.
Correct answer is: Bright red postpartum bleeding

Q.7 Which of the following is a common psychological issue in the early postnatal period?

Postpartum blues
Schizophrenia
Bipolar disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Explanation - Postpartum blues are common in the first week after delivery, characterized by mood swings, tearfulness, and anxiety.
Correct answer is: Postpartum blues

Q.8 What is the recommended fluid intake for a breastfeeding mother to maintain adequate milk production?

1-2 liters per day
2-3 liters per day
3-4 liters per day
Less than 1 liter per day
Explanation - Adequate hydration is necessary to support lactation, and 2-3 liters of fluids per day is generally recommended.
Correct answer is: 2-3 liters per day

Q.9 Which postpartum complication is characterized by sudden, heavy vaginal bleeding?

Endometritis
Uterine atony
Mastitis
Urinary tract infection
Explanation - Uterine atony, the failure of the uterus to contract after delivery, is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage.
Correct answer is: Uterine atony

Q.10 The best method to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in a postnatal mother is:

Bed rest for 1 week
Leg exercises and early ambulation
High-protein diet
Using compression garments only
Explanation - Early ambulation and leg exercises improve blood circulation and help prevent DVT in postnatal women.
Correct answer is: Leg exercises and early ambulation

Q.11 Which sign indicates potential postpartum infection?

Low-grade fever and malaise
Bright red lochia
Breast engorgement
Uterine involution
Explanation - Fever, malaise, and tenderness may indicate infection in the postnatal period, requiring prompt attention.
Correct answer is: Low-grade fever and malaise

Q.12 When should the first postnatal check-up ideally occur?

Within 24 hours after delivery
3-5 days after delivery
6 weeks after delivery
3 months after delivery
Explanation - Initial postnatal assessment should occur within 24 hours to monitor for immediate complications such as hemorrhage or infection.
Correct answer is: Within 24 hours after delivery

Q.13 Which of the following is an appropriate nursing intervention for perineal pain after vaginal delivery?

Encourage prolonged sitting
Apply cold packs
Avoid ambulation
Massage the perineum vigorously
Explanation - Cold packs help reduce swelling and discomfort in the perineal area during the early postnatal period.
Correct answer is: Apply cold packs

Q.14 What is the main purpose of assessing a postnatal mother’s bladder function?

Detect urinary tract infection
Determine hydration status
Evaluate breastfeeding ability
Prevent constipation
Explanation - Monitoring bladder function helps detect urinary retention and urinary tract infections, which are common postpartum issues.
Correct answer is: Detect urinary tract infection

Q.15 Which factor increases the risk of postpartum hemorrhage?

Short labor duration
Multiple pregnancies
Epidural anesthesia
Vaginal delivery without episiotomy
Explanation - Multiparity increases the risk of uterine atony, which can lead to postpartum hemorrhage.
Correct answer is: Multiple pregnancies

Q.16 Mastitis is most commonly caused by:

Bacterial infection due to blocked ducts
Viral infection
Fungal infection
Poor maternal nutrition
Explanation - Mastitis usually results from milk stasis and bacterial entry into the breast ducts, causing inflammation.
Correct answer is: Bacterial infection due to blocked ducts

Q.17 Which is the most common symptom of postpartum blues?

Severe depression
Mood swings and tearfulness
Hallucinations
Aggressive behavior
Explanation - Postpartum blues are characterized by mild mood swings, tearfulness, and emotional lability within the first week postpartum.
Correct answer is: Mood swings and tearfulness

Q.18 The perineum should be assessed for healing during postnatal visits to check for:

Infection and proper wound healing
Breast engorgement
Uterine contractions
Urinary retention
Explanation - Proper perineal assessment ensures there are no infections or complications such as dehiscence of episiotomy.
Correct answer is: Infection and proper wound healing

Q.19 Which is the most effective way to prevent constipation in the postpartum period?

High-fiber diet and adequate fluids
Avoiding ambulation
Reducing fluid intake
Taking only laxatives
Explanation - Adequate fiber intake, hydration, and mobility promote normal bowel function postpartum.
Correct answer is: High-fiber diet and adequate fluids

Q.20 A postnatal mother complains of excessive fatigue, palpitations, and pallor. What should the nurse suspect?

Postpartum anemia
Urinary tract infection
Endometritis
Mastitis
Explanation - These symptoms are indicative of anemia due to blood loss during delivery or poor iron intake.
Correct answer is: Postpartum anemia

Q.21 Which activity should a mother avoid immediately after a cesarean section?

Walking short distances
Deep breathing exercises
Heavy lifting
Changing positions in bed
Explanation - Heavy lifting can strain the surgical incision and delay healing after a cesarean section.
Correct answer is: Heavy lifting

Q.22 Why is early skin-to-skin contact important after delivery?

Promotes mother-infant bonding and breastfeeding
Prevents uterine atony
Reduces maternal fever
Accelerates lochia discharge
Explanation - Skin-to-skin contact stabilizes the newborn’s temperature and heart rate while enhancing bonding and successful breastfeeding.
Correct answer is: Promotes mother-infant bonding and breastfeeding

Q.23 Which factor indicates abnormal lochia in the postpartum period?

Small clots with normal color
Foul-smelling, heavy discharge
Lochia decreasing in amount
Pinkish discharge on day 3
Explanation - Foul odor and excessive bleeding may indicate infection or retained placental fragments and need medical attention.
Correct answer is: Foul-smelling, heavy discharge

Q.24 The recommended frequency of breastfeeding for a newborn in the first month is:

Every 1-2 hours
Every 2-3 hours
Every 4-5 hours
Once every 6 hours
Explanation - Frequent feeding ensures adequate milk intake and stimulates milk production in the early postnatal period.
Correct answer is: Every 2-3 hours

Q.25 Which sign suggests postpartum depression rather than postpartum blues?

Mild tearfulness for 3 days
Persistent sadness and inability to care for the baby
Mood swings that resolve in a week
Occasional irritability
Explanation - Postpartum depression involves prolonged sadness, loss of interest, and impaired maternal functioning, requiring professional intervention.
Correct answer is: Persistent sadness and inability to care for the baby