A nurse is assessing a postpartum client’s lochia and notes that it has an unpleasant odor.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Document the finding in the client’s chart

Encourage the woman to empty her bladder regularly

Palpate the fundus for firmness

Administer oxytocics as prescribed

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The correct answer is choice B. Sexual intercourse may be uncomfortable due to vaginal dryness.According to Mayo Clinic, hormonal changes after pregnancy might leave the vagina dry and tender, especially if the client is breast-feeding.

This can cause pain and discomfort during sex.

The client can use lubricant or try alternative forms of intimacy to ease the discomfort.

Choice A is wrong because sexual intercourse can be resumed after 4 weeks postpartum only if the client feels comfortable and has no complications.The general recommendation is to wait until 6 weeks postpartum or until the provider clears the client for sex.

Choice C is wrong because sexual intercourse should not be avoided until lochia alba stops.

Lochia alba is the last stage of postpartum bleeding that lasts from 10 to 14 days after delivery.The client can resume sex before lochia alba stops if they feel ready and use contraception to prevent pregnancy.

Choice D is wrong because sexual intercourse may not cause uterine bleeding or infection if the client follows proper hygiene and uses protection.The risk of complications is highest during the first two weeks after delivery, but it decreases after that.

A. “Apply heat to your perineum.” B. “Use an ice pack on your perineum.” C. “Take a warm sitz bath.” D. “Use a heating pad on your abdomen.”

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 perineum and can help relieve pain and swelling after a vaginal birth with an episiotomy.A sitz bath can also promote healing and prevent infection by keeping the area clean.

Choice A is wrong because applying heat to the perineum can increase inflammation and delay healing.Choice B is wrong because using an ice pack on the perineum is only recommended for the first 24 hours after delivery to reduce swelling.After that, ice can cause tissue damage and slow down blood flow to the area.Choice D is wrong because using a heating pad on the abdomen has no effect on the perineal pain and can also cause burns or overheating.

Normal ranges for postpartum perineal pain vary depending on the type and degree of injury, but generally it should improve within a few weeks.If the pain persists or worsens, or if there are signs of infection such as fever, foul-smelling discharge, or redness, it is important to seek medical attention.

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A nurse is assessing a postpartum client’s lochia and notes that it has an unpleasant odor. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is educating a postpartum client about resuming sexual intercourse after delivery. What information should the nurse provide to the client?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 week postpartum and has a vaginal birth with an episiotomy. The client reports that she has pain in her perineal area and asks the nurse what she can do to relieve the discomfort. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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A nurse is assessing a postpartum client’s lochia and notes that it has an unpleasant odor.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take?