A nurse is assessing the amount, color, odor, consistency, and presence of clots or tissue in the lochia of a postpartum client.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report as abnormal?
Lochia rubra on day 2 postpartum
Lochia serosa on day 4 postpartum
Lochia alba on day 10 postpartum
Large clots on day 3 postpartum.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is choice D. Large clots on day 3 postpartum. This is because large clots indicate excessive bleeding and may be a sign of postpartum hemorrhage, which is a rare but potentially fatal condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Choice A is wrong because lochia rubra, which is dark or bright red blood, is normal for the first three to four days after birth.
Choice B is wrong because lochia serosa, which is pinkish brown discharge that’s less bloody looking, is normal for four to 12 days after birth.
Choice C is wrong because lochia alba, which is yellowish white discharge with little to no blood, is normal from about 12 days to six weeks after birth.
Normal ranges for lochia are:
• Lochia rubra: lasts for three to four days, flows like a heavy period, small clots are normal.
• Lochia serosa: lasts for four to 12 days, flow is moderate, less clotting or no clots.
• Lochia alba: lasts from about 12 days to six weeks, light flow or spotting, no clots.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","E"]
No explanation
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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