A nurse is assessing a client who is 2 days postpartum.

Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

The correct answer is choice C. Palpate the fundus for firmness.This is because uterine atony is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage and palpating the fundus can help assess the tone of the uterus and stimulate contractions.If the fundus is boggy or soft, the nurse should massage it gently until it becomes firm.

Choice A is wrong because documenting the finding in the client’s chart is not an immediate action to stop the bleeding and may delay the treatment.

Choice B is wrong because encouraging the woman to empty her bladder regularly is a preventive measure for postpartum hemorrhage, not a treatment.A full bladder can displace the uterus and prevent it from contracting properly.

Choice D is wrong because notifying the provider is not enough to manage postpartum hemorrhage.The nurse should initiate interventions such as oxytocin administration, uterine massage, bimanual compression, fluid replacement, and blood transfusion as needed.

Notifying the provider should be done after or along with these interventions.

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.