Headache in the postpartum period is a red flag that should prompt evaluation because it can indicate a hypertensive complication such as preeclampsia or postpartum hypertension. These conditions can develop or worsen after delivery, sometimes with little warning, and severe headache may be one of the first signs. When a patient reports a new or worsening headache, nurses should assess blood pressure and look for accompanying symptoms like visual changes, photophobia, RUQ pain, or swelling, and promptly notify the provider if readings are elevated or other warning signs are present. Fatigue, normal vaginal discharge, and mild breast tenderness are common, expected findings during the postpartum period and do not inherently require emergency evaluation.

The main idea here is postpartum fundal height as a measure of uterine involution. On the first day after birth, the uterus should still be at the level of the umbilicus, indicating that involution is just beginning and the uterus is returning toward its pre-pregnant size. It then descends about 1 cm per day in the days that follow. A full bladder can push the fundus upward, so if it isn’t at the expected height, checking for bladder distention is important. The other landmarks describe positions that aren’t typical for the first postpartum day.

Engorgement after delivery in a nonlactating client is painful and swollen, but milk production isn’t being actively stimulated. The goal is to reduce swelling and provide comfort without triggering more milk flow. Fresh cabbage leaves provide a cooling, anti-inflammatory effect that can help relieve breast engorgement and tenderness. They’re a noninvasive, commonly recommended remedy for this situation—simply wash the leaves, chill or use cool, place them on the breasts for short periods, and replace as they wilt. Wearing a supportive, well-fitted bra helps support the breasts and reduce swelling. Massaging the breasts can stimulate milk production and worsen discomfort when not lactating. Ice packs can also help with swelling, but cabbage leaves specifically address the inflammatory component and are the best-aligned intervention here.

Protecting the healing wound is the priority after a circumcision. Keeping the area clean and dry helps prevent irritation and infection, and applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the diaper area as advised creates a barrier so the diaper won’t stick to the healing skin and cause reopening. It’s important to monitor for any signs that healing isn’t progressing normally—such as ongoing or heavy bleeding, increasing redness or warmth, swelling, drainage, a foul odor, or fever—and to contact a healthcare provider if these occur. Hydrogen peroxide should be avoided because it can irritate the healing tissue and slow recovery. Follow caregiver instructions about diaper care, typically keeping the diaper on with a gentle, loose fit to protect the wound, rather than removing the diaper for several days. If anything seems off, or if instructions differ, rely on the clinician’s specific guidance.