Postpartum Hemorrhage: Recognition, Response, and Nursing Interventions
Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Timely recognition, rapid intervention, and effective teamwork are critical to improving outcomes for postpartum patients. This course is designed for both labor and delivery (L&D) nurses and emergency department (ED) nurses, providing comprehensive knowledge and practical strategies for identifying, assessing, and managing PPH. Participants will learn evidence-based approaches to risk assessment, blood loss quantification, maternal warning signs, pharmacologic and mechanical interventions, transfusion therapy, and simulation-based training. By the end of the course, nurses will be prepared to recognize PPH promptly and implement lifesaving interventions in both L&D and ED settings.
Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Define postpartum hemorrhage.
- List the “Four T’s” of postpartum hemorrhage etiology.
- Identify maternal risk factors for PPH.
- List early and advanced warning signs of PPH.
- State why risk assessment is important for emergency department nurses.
- List the steps for integrating risk assessment into nursing workflow.
- State which method of measuring blood loss is most accurate.
- Identify first-line pharmacologic therapy for PPH.
- Identify the benefits of simulation-based training for PPH.
Curriculum
Chapter 1: Overview of Postpartum Hemorrhage
- Definition and significance of PPH
- Classification: primary vs. secondary
- Etiology: The “Four T’s” (Tone, Tissue, Trauma, Thrombin)
- Importance of nursing vigilance and system readiness
Chapter 2: Postpartum Hemorrhage – Risk Assessment
- Maternal, obstetric, and procedural risk factors
- Stratification of low, moderate, and high-risk patients
- Role of ED and L&D nurses in risk assessment
- Evidence-based strategies for proactive monitoring
Chapter 3: Quantification of Maternal Blood Loss
- Limitations of visual estimation
- Objective methods: gravimetric, volumetric, and photometric measurement
- Integration into nursing workflow in ED and L&D settings
- Clinical indicators of significant blood loss
Chapter 4: Maternal Warning Signs
- Early and advanced clinical indicators of PPH
- Combining assessment with objective measurement for diagnosis
- Nursing responsibilities in monitoring, documenting, and escalating care
Chapter 5: Postpartum Hemorrhage Management
- Stages of PPH and corresponding interventions
- Pharmacologic therapy: oxytocin, misoprostol, methylergonovine, carboprost tromethamine
- Mechanical and procedural interventions: uterine massage, balloon tamponade, surgical options
- Supportive care and monitoring in ED and L&D settings
- Teamwork and communication strategies
Chapter 6: Simulation-Based Training
- Benefits of simulation for skill mastery, rapid decision-making, and team coordination
- Designing effective PPH scenarios for ED and L&D nurses
- Debriefing and feedback to reinforce evidence-based practice
Chapter 7: Transfusion Therapy
- Indications for blood product administration
- Types of blood products and their clinical applications
- Safe transfusion practices and monitoring for complications
- Coordination with multidisciplinary teams
Chapter 8: Case Studies & References
- Case Study 1: Primary PPH in Labor & Delivery
- Case Study 2: Secondary PPH in the Emergency Department
- References
- California BON Required Implicit Bias Information
Price: $12.00
Contact Hour: 1
Course Author
Kendall Moore
Kendall is a 2022 Magna Cum Laude graduate from Tyler Junior College with an Associate Degree in Nursing. She has a deep passion for nutrition and hormone health, is a member of the American Holistic Nurses Association, and is currently enrolled in Pacific College's RN-to-BSN in Holistic Nursing program. Upon graduation, Kendall intends to begin a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner program to further expand her expertise.
In addition to her academic and professional pursuits, Kendall serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Pedagogy, where she manages the day-to-day operations of the company while simultaneously attending school and authoring educational courses. Her unique blend of leadership, clinical knowledge, and dedication to holistic health reflects her commitment to advancing both patient care and healthcare education.
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