Postpartum infection is also referred to as puerperal infection and it comprises different entities which occur during cesarean or vaginal delivery or even at breastfeeding with a fever of 100.4F (38C) or even higher for at least two days after the first twenty four hours after delivery or postpartum. The infection may occur at the cesarean section incision or even within the woman's reproductive tract (Ricci & Kyle, 2009).
Postpartum infection occur due to risk factors such as the ones listed here: precipitous labor; prolonged labor; microscopic tears found in birth canal; forceps or vacuum assisted delivery; PROM or prolonged rupture of membranes; manual placental delivery; urinary catheterization; episiotomy; history of previous infection; postpartum hemorrhage; and poor health such as poor nutrition, fatigue, anemia, and diabetes (Ricci & Kyle, 2009).
This patient with postpartum infection is managed in various ways. First, the patient is given broad spectrum antibiotics to cover for the infection. Incision and drainage would be indicated in puss formation. The wound is then cleaned and covered to avoid its contamination which would predispose the patient to more infections. Analgesics should be provided to relieve pain. Sitz baths are also indicated to facilitate wound healing, together with surgical debridement to remove any dead tissues (Ricci & Kyle, 2009). The patient should also be taught hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and rinsing them with a lot of water to avoid contamination of the affected area through touching. Lastly, a partner should be there to check the wound daily to assess its healing.
In the first time when Maggie visits the hospital, the nurse should enquire whether there is any puss formation and a rise in body temperatures. In the second visit at the hospital, the nurse should advice Maggie to seek medical attention from her physician. The nurse should then tell the neonatologist concerning Maggie's condition to avoid predisposing her newborns to neonatal sepsis. When Maggie returns back after discharge, the nurse should have a concern for Maggie's hygiene in general. She should ask her whether she touches the incision area and whether she is taking the medication as prescribed and following the doctor's advice. Maggie's condition would affect her newborns since the infection may be passed to them, and there is also limited milk production for the newborns. The staff should closely monitor Maggie's condition to facilitate her healing and avoid her contaminating her newborns and other infants in the unit (Ricci & Kyle, 2009).
Reference
Ricci, S. R., & Kyle, T. (2009). Maternity and Pediatric nursing. New York: NY, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
