A 29-year-old female client, gravida 1 para 1 (G1P1), is admitted to the obstetric unit following a vaginal delivery at 2100 hours at 38 weeks and 1 day of gestation. She delivered a male infant weighing 8 lb 6 oz (3,799 g) and measuring 20 inches (50.8 cm) in length.
The client experienced spontaneous rupture of membranes at home 12 hours prior to delivery. Upon arrival to the labor and delivery unit, her cervical dilation was 5 cm with regular uterine contractions. Intravenous oxytocin was administered to assist with labor progression, and a spinal epidural was placed for pain management. The client labored for 10 hours prior to delivery.
Estimated blood loss was 300 mL. The urinary catheter was removed after delivery, with a total output of 500 mL. The client sustained a first-degree perineal laceration, which was repaired using local anesthetic. She is bottle-feeding the infant.
The client has a history of gestational diabetes mellitus diagnosed at 18 weeks’ gestation using the routine glucose challenge test. At diagnosis, her hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) was 11.4% (normal < 7%). Oral glyburide therapy was initiated at 5 mg/day and increased to a maximum dose of 20 mg/day; however, this did not adequately control her blood glucose levels. Insulin therapy was subsequently initiated and successfully managed her blood glucose.
She also has a history of depression. The client reports no known drug allergies.
Paroxetine 40 mg
Prenatal vitamin
Regular insulin
Insulin glargine
2230:
Oxytocin is infusing via an intravenous line in the right forearm. A bedpan is used due to numbness in the lower extremities. Lochia is moderate and red. Skin is warm and flushed. The client reports extreme thirst. She is assisted into bed, made comfortable, and a pitcher of water is placed at the bedside.
2240:
A physical assessment is completed. The client reports feeling weak and tired and asks if she can have food because she is very hungry.
Neurological:
Alert and oriented.
Pupils reactive to light.
Reports blurred vision.
Bilateral leg numbness extending through L5.
Integumentary:
Skin warm and flushed.
Breasts:
Soft with protruding nipples.
Abdomen:
Uterus firm at the level of the umbilicus and midline.
Bilateral abdominal striae present.
Bowel:
Upper bowel sounds active; lower bowel sounds sluggish.
Has not passed flatus.
Perineum:
Laceration well-approximated with sutures and no redness.
Vaginal bleeding is light rubra.
Mild labial swelling present; ice pack applied for comfort.
2250:
Client reassessed. Fundus remains firm with light rubra lochia. Lower extremity numbness has improved. Blood glucose is checked, and the client is provided a boxed lunch. She has consumed the entire water pitcher, which is refilled. Oxytocin infusion is completed, and the IV line is saline locked.
2300:
Phlebotomy draws blood for prescribed hemoglobin and hematocrit.
2305:
The healthcare provider is notified, and new prescriptions are pending. The client reports increased abdominal and perineal pain at the site of the sutures.
2310:
Regular insulin and insulin glargine are administered. Breastfeeding education is provided, including benefits for glucose management. The client agrees to breastfeed and is assisted; an adequate latch is achieved.
Day 1 Postpartum
0100:
Client completes breastfeeding. Naproxen is administered for pain control. Lochia remains light, and the fundus is firm at the umbilicus. Denies numbness. Ambulates to the bathroom without difficulty.
0600:
Blood is drawn for prescribed laboratory tests. The client reports pain is well controlled.
0730:
The client reports she has ordered breakfast and is ready for insulin if needed. Blood glucose is checked, and 4 units of regular insulin are administered as prescribed.
0800:
The nurse checks back with the client and observes that breakfast consisted of blueberry pancakes with syrup, an apple, orange juice, and yogurt.
2100:
Temperature: 99.5°F (37.5°C)
Heart rate: 72 beats/min
Respiratory rate: 16 breaths/min
Blood pressure: 130/78 mm Hg
Oxygen saturation: 97% on room air
Blood glucose: 140 mg/dL
Height: 5 ft 7 in (170.2 cm)
Weight: 187 lb (84.8 kg)
2330:
Output: 400 mL, clear yellow urine
2240:
Temperature: 99.2°F (37.3°C)
Heart rate: 72 beats/min
Respiratory rate: 14 breaths/min
Blood pressure: 124/74 mm Hg
Oxygen saturation: 97% on room air
Pain:
3/10 abdominal cramping and general discomfort
4/10 headache
Intake:
400 mL water
120 mL juice
2250:
Intake: 120 mL water
Output: 200 mL urine mixed with lochia
2230:
Admit to postpartum unit
Complete oxytocin bolus (30 units in 500 mL 0.9% normal saline), then saline lock IV if bleeding is within normal limits
Blood glucose checks before meals and at bedtime (AC/HS)
Diet: Consistent carbohydrate, medium
Hemoglobin and hematocrit by venipuncture 2 hours post-delivery
Morning labs: CBC, CMP, HbA1C
Acetaminophen 650 mg PO every 6 hours PRN uterine cramps (first choice)
Naproxen 500 mg PO every 12 hours PRN uterine cramps (second choice)
Glycerin-witch hazel pads PRN every 2 hours for perineal discomfort
Benzocaine 20% topical spray PRN up to four times daily
Aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide/simethicone 15 mL PO every 6 hours PRN indigestion
Magnesium hydroxide 30 mL PO daily PRN constipation
Oxygen via nasal cannula 1–5 L/min PRN to maintain SpO₂ ≥ 92%
Postpartum
Hemoglobin: 9.6 g/dL (12–16 g/dL)
Hematocrit: 36% (30–40%)
Day 2
0600:
Hemoglobin: 9.5 g/dL
Hematocrit: 34.2%
RBC: 5.0 × 10⁶/µL
WBC: 6,200/mm³
Platelets: 200 × 10³/mm³
BMP
Sodium: 138 mEq/L
Potassium: 3.6 mEq/L
Chloride: 108 mEq/L
Calcium: 9.5 mg/dL
CO₂: 26 mEq/L
BUN: 15 mg/dL
Creatinine: 0.6 mg/dL
Glucose
200 mg/dL
210 mg/dL
HbA1C
8.8% (normal < 7%)