A nurse is caring for a client who is 12 hours postpartum. The nurse recognizes the client is in the dependent, taking-in phase of maternal postpartum adjustment. Which of the following is an expected finding during this period?
A.
Expressions of excitement
B.
Lack of appetite
C.
Eagerness to learn newborn care skills
D.
Focus on the family unit and its members
The correct answer and Explanation is :
In the immediate postpartum period, particularly during the first 12 hours, the client is typically in the dependent, taking-in phase of maternal postpartum adjustment. During this phase, the mother is often preoccupied with her own needs and experiences, as well as recovering from childbirth. The correct answer to the question is:
B. Lack of appetite
Here’s a 300-word explanation:
During the dependent, taking-in phase, the primary focus of the new mother is on her own physical recovery and comfort rather than on taking an active role in caring for her newborn. This phase is characterized by a high level of dependence on caregivers and healthcare professionals. The mother is likely to be more concerned with her own needs, such as resting, healing, and adjusting to the physical and emotional demands of childbirth.
Lack of appetite is a common finding during this phase because the mother might still be experiencing the physical and emotional effects of labor and delivery. Factors such as fatigue, hormonal changes, and the stress of childbirth can contribute to a reduced interest in food. It’s not unusual for women to have decreased appetite or to find eating unappealing immediately after giving birth.
In contrast, the other options provided are less characteristic of the taking-in phase:
- A. Expressions of excitement: While the mother may experience excitement, it is more common for her to focus on her personal recovery rather than expressing excitement during the immediate postpartum period.
- C. Eagerness to learn newborn care skills: This eagerness typically develops later, in the dependent-independent or letting-go phase. Initially, the mother may feel overwhelmed and less focused on actively learning newborn care.
- D. Focus on the family unit and its members: This focus often occurs in the subsequent phases of adjustment, as the mother begins to integrate the newborn into the family and adapt to her new role.
Understanding these phases helps in providing appropriate care and support to the postpartum mother as she transitions into her new role.