Breasts:

inspect: size, symmetry,

shape of breast and nipples
taking note of erection,
flatness, redness, bruising,
open wounds, presence of
mastitis and colostrum
palpate: fullness, soft or
engorged, firmness and
lumps
pain assessment
Uterus (Fundus):
palpate: firmness/bogginess,
location of the fundus in
relation to the abdomen,
determine the location of the
fundus in relation to the belly
button to determine amount
of fundal involution
inspect incision site
check policy: in some
organizations, they may not
assess fundal involution by
palpation due to fear of
dehiscence
Bladder:
void amount (~30ml/hr)
assess for distention,
incontinence, urinary
retention, urinary infection
especially if the patient had a
foley catheter
Bowel:
last bowel movement/flatus
assess for distention,
abdominal pain
Lochia:
amount, color, odour
assess for postpartum
hemorrhage
Episiotomy
level of laceration
number of stitches, redness,
edema, bruisin, discharge,
approximation of wound
edges
assess perineal area
Homans Sign-for DVT
assess for pain with
dorsiflexion
check policy: this is
sometimes not done in
organizations
Emotional State:
assess for signs and
symptoms of postpartum
depression and infant-
maternal bonding
At my postpartum placement,
one of the nurses gave us a
very helpful handout on what
to look for specifically in
cesarean and vaginal
deliveries
postpartum. Again,
the Disclaimer is that these
were tips she found useful in
assessing her patients, do not
use this information to guide
your practice, checking
college standards and
organizational regulations is
imperative to good practice.