A nurse is conducting a home visit on a client who is 5 weeks postpartum. The client says they are still experiencing a "yellow-ish white vaginal discharge.’’ What should the nurse include in the teaching to the client about this type of discharge?
A postpartum individual can have lochia rubra at 5 weeks postpartum.
A postpartum individual should not have any lochia at 5 weeks postpartum.
A postpartum individual can have lochia serosa up to 6 weeks postpartum.
A postpartum individual can have lochia alba ranging from 10 to 14 days and up to weeks postpartum.
The Correct Answer is D
A) A postpartum individual can have lochia rubra at 5 weeks postpartum:
Lochia rubra is the first stage of lochia, consisting of bright red blood and tissue, and is typically seen in the first 3-4 days postpartum. By 5 weeks postpartum, the lochia should no longer be in the rubra phase, and the discharge should have progressed to lochia serosa or alba. If the client is still experiencing lochia rubra at 5 weeks, this could indicate a problem, such as retained placental tissue or infection, and requires further evaluation.
B) A postpartum individual should not have any lochia at 5 weeks postpartum:
While it is true that lochia should be minimal or absent by 5 weeks postpartum, it is not uncommon for some women to still experience small amounts of lochia, particularly in the form of lochia alba, which can last up to 6 weeks. The type of discharge should be assessed, and if the discharge is abnormal (such as foul-smelling or accompanied by other symptoms), the nurse should investigate further. However, some amount of discharge, especially lochia alba, can be normal at this stage.
C) A postpartum individual can have lochia serosa up to 6 weeks postpartum:
Lochia serosa, which is pinkish or brownish in color and consists of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue, usually occurs between 4 to 10 days postpartum. It is not typically seen at 5 weeks postpartum unless there is a delay in the normal progression of lochia stages. By 5 weeks postpartum, lochia serosa should have already transitioned to lochia alba, a whitish or yellowish discharge.
D) A postpartum individual can have lochia alba ranging from 10 to 14 days and up to weeks postpartum:
Lochia alba is the final stage of lochia and typically starts around 10–14 days postpartum, lasting up to 6 weeks in some women. It consists mainly of leukocytes, epithelial cells, and mucus, and it is usually white or yellowish in color. This type of discharge is normal in the later weeks postpartum, and its presence at 5 weeks is considered a normal finding as long as it is not accompanied by foul odor, significant odor, or other signs of infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) "Have you had any health concerns during your pregnancy?"
While it's important to assess the client's overall health and pregnancy history, this question doesn't directly address the current concern of possible labor and does not immediately help assess the client's status for labor evaluation. The focus should be on signs of labor or complications at this point.
B) "Do you have a support person present?"
Although this is a helpful question to ask in preparation for labor, it doesn't provide the necessary information needed to assess whether the client is in labor. The priority at this stage is determining if the client is in labor or experiencing any complications, such as rupture of membranes.
C) "Have you noticed any fluid leaking from your vagina?"
This is the most important question to ask next. If the client has ruptured membranes (i.e., water breaking), it is important to assess the timing and nature of the fluid leakage, as it would indicate the need for immediate evaluation at the hospital. Rupture of membranes requires monitoring for infection and should prompt the client to come in for assessment regardless of the frequency or intensity of contractions.
D) "When was your last prenatal visit?"
While it is helpful to know when the client had their last prenatal visit, this question does not directly address the issue of possible labor. The priority is to determine if the client is in labor, whether their membranes have ruptured, or if there are any other complications such as bleeding or abnormal fetal movement. The question about fluid leakage is more immediate and relevant to their current condition.
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"C","dropdown-group-2":"D"}
Explanation
Uterine rupture: A client in active labor with a history of prior vaginal birth is at risk for uterine rupture, particularly when experiencing intense contractions and increasing pelvic pressure. While previous vaginal delivery lowers the risk compared to a history of cesarean section, prolonged or strong contractions can still contribute to uterine rupture, especially if there is an undiagnosed uterine scar or excessive uterine stress.
Increasing pelvic pressure: The client reports increasing pelvic pressure despite receiving an epidural, which can be a sign of impending uterine rupture. While pelvic pressure is expected during labor, a sudden or intense sensation, particularly in the setting of strong contractions and rapid cervical dilation, warrants close monitoring.
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