A nurse is assessing a client who is 2 days postpartum.
Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Lochia rubra
Lochia serosa
Lochia alba
No lochia
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A. Lochia rubra. This is because lochia rubra is the first stage of postpartum bleeding and discharge, which lasts for about three to four days after giving birth. Lochia rubra is dark or bright red in color and contains blood, mucus, uterine tissue and other materials from the uterus.
Choice B. Lochia serosa is wrong because lochia serosa is the second stage of postpartum bleeding and discharge, which lasts for four to 12 days after giving birth. Lochia serosa is pinkish brown in color and thinner and more watery than lochia rubra.
Choice C. Lochia alba is wrong because lochia alba is the third and final stage of postpartum bleeding and discharge, which lasts from about 12 days to six weeks after giving birth. Lochia alba is yellowish white in color and contains little to no blood.
Choice D. No lochia is wrong because lochia is a normal part of the postpartum healing process and does not usually cause complications. Lochia helps clear the uterus of any residual tissue, blood and fluid after pregnancy. No lochia may indicate a problem such as infection or retained placenta.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Palpate the fundus for firmness.This is because an unpleasant odor of lochia (postpartum vaginal discharge) can indicate an infection or retained placental fragments in the uterus.Palpating the fundus can help assess the uterine involution and detect any abnormalities.
Choice A is wrong because documenting the finding is not enough to address the potential problem.The nurse should also notify the provider and take further actions as ordered.
Choice B is wrong because encouraging the woman to empty her bladder regularly is not related to the odor of lochia.It is a general measure to prevent urinary tract infections and promote uterine contraction.
Choice D is wrong because administering oxytocics as prescribed is not a nursing action for lochia with an unpleasant odor.Oxytocics are drugs that stimulate uterine contractions and are used to prevent or treat postpartum hemorrhage.
They do not affect the infection or retention of placental fragments.
Normal ranges for lochia are:
• Lochia rubra: dark or bright red blood, lasts for 3 to 4 days, flows like a heavy period, small clots are normal.
• Lochia serosa: pinkish brown discharge, lasts for 4 to 12 days, thinner and more watery than lochia rubra, moderate flow, less or no clots.
• Lochia alba: yellowish white discharge, lasts from 12 days to 6 weeks, light flow or spotting, no clots.
Lochia should have a stale, musty or metallic odor like menstrual blood.It should not smell fishy or foul, which can indicate an infection.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C.“Take a warm sitz bath.” A sitz bath is a shallow bath that covers the hips and buttocks and can help reduce swelling and discomfort in the perineal area after delivery.A warm sitz bath can also ease the pain of urination and promote blood flow to the area for faster healing.
Choice A is wrong because applying heat to the perineum can increase inflammation and pain.Choice B is wrong because using an ice pack on the perineum can cause an uncomfortable, sudden sensation of coldness on the skin.Choice D is wrong because using a heating pad on the abdomen has no effect on the perineal area and can also increase inflammation.
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