Free Postnatal Care and Breastfeeding MCQs with Answers

• A. Scanty white discharge with no odour
• B. Bright or dark red discharge with small clots
• C. Heavy bleeding that saturates a pad in 15 minutes
• D. Foul-smelling greenish discharge with fever

Explanation: Lochia rubra is normally red and contains blood, decidual tissue and mucus during the first three to four days.

• A. Apply a warm compress to the perineum
• B. Massage the uterine fundus and call for help
• C. Encourage oral fluids and reassess in 30 minutes
• D. Place the woman in a sitting position for comfort

Explanation: A boggy uterus with heavy bleeding indicates possible uterine atony, a circulation emergency.

• A. Mild perineal discomfort while sitting
• B. Lochia changing from red to pink
• C. Temperature of 38°C with uterine tenderness
• D. Passing flatus on the first postpartum day

Explanation: Fever with uterine tenderness may indicate puerperal infection, such as endometritis, and requires prompt assessment.

• A. Assess bladder distension and encourage voiding
• B. Restrict fluids until bladder control returns
• C. Insert an indwelling catheter immediately
• D. Tell her that urinary retention is expected

Explanation: The nurse should first assess for bladder distension and promote privacy, mobility and normal voiding.

• A. Apply an ice pack wrapped in cloth intermittently
• B. Scrub the wound firmly after every urination
• C. Keep the woman on strict bed rest for 48 hours
• D. Apply talcum powder directly over the incision

Explanation: A wrapped cold pack can reduce pain and swelling during the first 24 hours.

• A. I will feed the baby only when my breasts feel full
• B. I will offer breastfeeds about 8 to 12 times each day
• C. I will give formula at night so my milk can collect
• D. I will limit each breastfeed to exactly five minutes

Explanation: Newborns usually breastfeed on demand, commonly about 8 to 12 times in 24 hours.

• A. It provides passive protection through immune factors
• B. It contains more fat than mature milk for rapid weight gain
• C. It prevents all neonatal infections after one feeding
• D. It has no nutritional value until mature milk appears

Explanation: Colostrum is rich in immunoglobulin A and other protective factors, and it provides concentrated early nutrition.

• A. The baby sucks only on the nipple tip
• B. The mother's nipple is pinched and painful after feeding
• C. The baby's mouth is wide open with more areola visible above
• D. The baby's lips are pursed and the cheeks are deeply dimpled

Explanation: With good attachment, the mouth is wide open, the chin is close to the breast, and more areola is usually visible above the upper lip.

• A. Stop breastfeeding from the affected breast until redness disappears
• B. Continue breastfeeding or expressing milk and seek clinical assessment
• C. Bind both breasts tightly to prevent further milk production
• D. Apply strong pressure over the red area during every feed

Explanation: Fever with a painful localized red area suggests mastitis and needs clinical assessment, often including antibiotic treatment.

• A. Mild afterpains during breastfeeding
• B. Foul-smelling lochia with uterine tenderness
• C. Small amount of pink lochia on day four
• D. Mild perineal discomfort when sitting

Explanation: Foul-smelling lochia with uterine tenderness suggests infection of the uterine lining, especially when accompanied by fever.

• A. Apply firm massage to the swollen area
• B. Encourage the woman to walk around
• C. Notify the provider and assess vital signs
• D. Offer oral fluids and reassess later

Explanation: Severe pain, pressure and swelling with little visible bleeding suggest a concealed perineal or vaginal haematoma.

• A. Persistent sadness lasting longer than two weeks
• B. Loss of interest in the baby and usual activities
• C. Tearfulness that improves with rest and support
• D. Thoughts of harming herself or the newborn

Explanation: Postpartum blues commonly cause temporary tearfulness, mood changes and irritability during the first days after birth, with improvement…

• A. Massage the calf to improve circulation
• B. Encourage brisk walking several times daily
• C. Keep the leg at rest and notify the provider
• D. Apply a tight bandage around the calf

Explanation: Unilateral swelling, warmth and pain may indicate deep vein thrombosis, which can lead to pulmonary embolism.

• A. Mild ankle swelling at the end of the day
• B. Severe headache with blurred vision
• C. Mild fatigue after interrupted sleep
• D. Breast fullness before a feed

Explanation: A severe headache with blurred vision may indicate dangerously raised blood pressure or postpartum pre-eclampsia.

• A. Oxytocin
• B. Prolactin
• C. Progesterone
• D. Human chorionic gonadotropin

Explanation: Prolactin stimulates the mammary glands to produce breast milk after progesterone levels fall following placental delivery.

• A. Remove the breast and relatch the newborn deeply
• B. Continue feeding because pain is expected
• C. Limit each breast to five minutes
• D. Clean the nipple with antiseptic before feeding

Explanation: Pinching pain and clicking suggest shallow attachment or loss of suction.

• A. Stop breastfeeding until the breasts soften
• B. Feed frequently and use warmth before feeds
• C. Restrict fluids until breast fullness decreases
• D. Apply vigorous pressure over both breasts

Explanation: This pattern is consistent with breast engorgement, which improves when milk is removed frequently.

• A. The newborn sucks rapidly without pauses
• B. The mother hears regular swallowing during the feed
• C. The newborn remains asleep throughout the feed
• D. The mother's nipples become increasingly painful

Explanation: Regular audible swallowing indicates that milk is moving from the breast to the newborn.

• A. It prevents every form of newborn infection
• B. It supports temperature control and early breastfeeding
• C. It replaces the need for newborn assessment
• D. It guarantees that the newborn will sleep quietly

Explanation: Skin-to-skin contact supports thermal stability, bonding and early initiation of breastfeeding, including the newborn's innate feeding…

• A. Lochia has a mild fleshy odour
• B. The uterus is becoming firmer each day
• C. The pulse remains above 100 beats per minute
• D. The perineal wound has increasing tenderness

Explanation: Progressive uterine firmness and descent indicate normal involution. A foul odour, persistent tachycardia, or increasing perineal pain may…