Complications of Postpartum Depression

Complications of Postpartum Depression ( 5 Questions)

A nurse is providing education to a client who is pregnant with her first child and has a history of depression.

The nurse should inform the client that she is at increased risk for developing which of the following postpartum disorders?



Correct Answer: D

The correct answer is choice D. Postpartum depression. The nurse should inform the client that she is at increased risk for developing postpartum depression because it is a mood disorder that occurs in mothers after the birth of a baby and can be attributed to a combination of environmental, emotional, hormonal and genetic factors. The client has a history of depression, which is one of the risk factors for postpartum depression.

Choice A is wrong because postpartum blues are mild and transient mood changes that usually resolve within two weeks after delivery and do not require treatment.

Choice B is wrong because postpartum psychosis is a rare and severe mental illness that affects about 1 to 2 per 1000 women after childbirth and causes delusions, hallucinations, paranoia and mood swings.

It is not related to the client’s history of depression.

Choice C is wrong because postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that causes intrusive and unwanted thoughts or images about harming the baby, as well as compulsive behaviors to reduce the anxiety.

It affects about 3 to 5% of new mothers and is not associated with the client’s history of depression.




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