Within the BUBBLE-HE postpartum assessment framework, what does the Emotions/Homans sign component assess?

• A. Assessing emotional status and screening for deep vein thrombosis
• B. Assessing appetite and hormonal changes
• C. Assessing urinary continence
• D. Assessing wound approximation

Answer: (A)

The Emotions/Homans sign part of the BUBBLE-HE postpartum assessment covers two areas: how the mother is emotionally and psychologically after birth, and whether there are signs suggesting a risk for deep vein thrombosis. Emotionally, you’re looking at mood, affect, coping, bonding with the newborn, and any symptoms that might indicate postpartum mood changes or depression. This helps ensure the mother’s mental health is supported during a time when mood fluctuations are common but when more serious issues can develop.

The Homans sign portion screens for DVT risk by assessing calf pain or tenderness with dorsiflexion, along with signs like swelling or warmth in the legs. Postpartum women have an increased risk of clots due to a hypercoagulable state, so including this screen in the emotional/homans pairing makes sense.

Other options don’t fit this component because appetite and hormonal changes relate to endocrine or general physiological changes, urinary continence falls under the bladder assessment, and wound approximation relates to the episiotomy/incision area.