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L&D nurse speaking to postpartum patient

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:

  1. Define postpartum hemorrhage.
  2. List the “Four T’s” of postpartum hemorrhage etiology.
  3. Identify maternal risk factors for PPH.
  4. List early and advanced warning signs of PPH.
  5. State why risk assessment is important for emergency department nurses.
  6. List the steps for integrating risk assessment into nursing workflow.
  7. State which method of measuring blood loss is most accurate.
  8. Identify first-line pharmacologic therapy for PPH.
  9. 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

L&D nurse speaking to postpartum patient

Course Author

Author photo for Kendall Moore

Kendall Moore

Kendall is a 2022 Magna Cum Laude graduate from Tyler Junior College with an Associate Degree in Nursing and completed Pacific College of Health and Science’s RN-to-BSN in Holistic Nursing program in 2026, also graduating Magna Cum Laude.

In addition to her academic and professional accomplishments, Kendall serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Pedagogy Education, where she oversees the company’s day-to-day operations and contributes as an educational course author. Her combination of leadership experience, clinical knowledge, and passion for holistic health reflects her ongoing commitment to advancing both patient care and healthcare education.

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Course Accreditation

See our Accreditation Statements page to view our accreditation information.

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