The nurse is concerned that a new mother is developing a ...

[MirandaLo]

The nurse is concerned that a new mother is developing a postpartum complication. What did the nurse most likely assess in this patient?
 
  A) Absence of lochia
  B) Red-colored lochia for the first 24 hours
  C) Lochia that is the color of menstrual blood
  D) Lochia appearing pinkish-brown on the fourth day

Question 2

The nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of teaching on perineal care provided to a postpartum patient. Which outcome indicates that teaching has been effective?
 
  A) Patient performs perineal care independently with every morning shower.
  B) Patient explains the purpose of performing perineal care at least once a day.
  C) Patient flushes the commode before standing when performing perineal care.
  D) Patient washes the perineum from back to front when performing perineal care.

[Ptupou85]

Answer to Question 1

A
Feedback:
Lochia should never be absent during the first 1 to 3 weeks because absence of lochia may indicate postpartal infection. Red-colored lochia for the first 24 hours is normal. Lochia that is the color of menstrual blood is normal. Lochia appearing pinkish-brown on the fourth postpartum day is normal.

Answer to Question 2

A
Feedback:
The nurse should instruct the postpartum patient to include perineal care as part of a daily bath or shower and after every voiding or bowel movement. The patient should stand before flushing the commode when performing perineal care because water from the commode can splash the perineum and cause an infection. The patient should be instructed to wash the perineum from front to back to reduce the potential for contamination from the rectal area.