Nursing Interventions for Lochia
Nursing Interventions for Lochia ( 12 Questions)
A nurse is teaching a postpartum client about lochia and when to report abnormal findings.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
heavy bleeding is expected for the first few days after delivery and then gradually decreases. However, if the bleeding is excessive or does not slow down, it could indicate a postpartum hemorrhage and should be reported immediately.
abdominal pain is normal after delivery as the uterus contracts and shrinks back to its pre-pregnancy size. However, if the pain is severe or does not improve with pain medication, it could indicate a complication such as infection or retained placenta and should be reported.
I should report foul odor.” This indicates an understanding of the teaching because foul odor is a sign of infection and should be reported to the healthcare provider. Lochia is the normal vaginal discharge after childbirth that contains blood, mucus,
perineal itching is common after delivery due to healing of the tissues and stitches. However, if the itching is accompanied by redness, swelling, discharge or fever, it could indicate an infection and should be reported.
The correct answer is choice C. “I should report foul odor.” This indicates an understanding of the teaching because foul odor is a sign of infection and should be reported to the healthcare provider. Lochia is the normal vaginal discharge after childbirth that contains blood, mucus, uterine tissue and other materials. It has three stages: lochia rubra (red), lochia serosa (pinkish brown) and lochia alba (yellowish white). Lochia usually lasts for four to eight weeks.
Choice A is wrong because heavy bleeding is expected for the first few days after delivery and then gradually decreases. However, if the bleeding is excessive or does not slow down, it could indicate a postpartum hemorrhage and should be reported immediately.
Choice B is wrong because abdominal pain is normal after delivery as the uterus contracts and shrinks back to its pre-pregnancy size. However, if the pain is severe or does not improve with pain medication, it could indicate a complication such as infection or retained placenta and should be reported.
Choice D is wrong because perineal itching is common after delivery due to healing of the tissues and stitches. However, if the itching is accompanied by redness, swelling, discharge or fever, it could indicate an infection and should be reported.