Author Question: The discharge teaching plan for the postpartum woman includes information about expected vaginal ... (Read 73 times)

jho37 · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

The discharge teaching plan for the postpartum woman includes information about expected vaginal discharge. Which statement should be included?

a. Lochia normally has an offensive odor.
b. Bright-red bleeding, called lochia rubra, will continue for 10 to 14 days.
c. Small blood clots are normal in lochia rubra, lochia serosa, and lochia alba.
d. Notify your health care provider if lochia does not become lighter in color by the fourth postpartum day.

Question 2

Which finding in a postpartum woman may indicate complications?

a. Temperature of 37.7 C (100 F) on the first postpartum day
b. White blood cell count of 20,000/mm3 on the tenth postpartum day
c. Moderate lochia rubra on the second postpartum day
d. Negative Homans' sign on the fifth postpartum day

Ashley I · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Normally, lochia is red for the first 1 to 3 days, lightens and turns a brownish color from days 4 to 10, and is yellow or white by the tenth day. The odor should not be unpleasant. Small blood clots are normal in the first few days only.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
All of the options are normal, except the elevated white blood cell count on the tenth day. It may be a sign of infection.