Maternity Nursing: Postpartum Q 24
On which of the postpartum days can the client expect lochia serosa?
A. Days 3 and 4 PP
B. Days 3 to 10 PP
C. Days 10-14 PP
D. Days 14 to 42 PP
Correct Answer: B. Days 3 to 10 PP.
On the third and fourth PP days, the lochia becomes a pale pink or brown and contains old blood, serum, leukocytes, and tissue debris. This type of lochia usually lasts until PP day 10. The mother might notice increased lochia when she gets up in the morning when she is physically active, or while breastfeeding. Moms who have cesarean sections may have less lochia after 24 hours than moms who had vaginal deliveries. The bleeding generally stops within 4 to 6 weeks after delivery. The mother should wear pads, not tampons, as nothing should go in the vagina for six weeks.
Option A: The lochia is the vaginal discharge that originates from the uterus, cervix, and vagina. The lochia is initially red and comprises blood and fragments of decidua, endometrial tissues, and mucus and lasts 1 to 4 days. Lochia rubra usually lasts for the first 3 to 4 days PP.
Option C: The lochia then changes color to yellowish or pale brown, lasting 5 to 9 days, and is composed mainly of blood, mucus, and leukocytes. Lochia alba, which contains leukocytes, decidua, epithelial cells, mucus, and bacteria, may continue for 2 to 6 weeks PP.
Option D: Finally, the lochia is white and contains mostly mucus, lasting up to 10 to 14 days. The lochia can persist up to 5 weeks postpartum. The persistence of red lochia beyond one week might be an indicator of uterine subinvolution. The presence of an offensive odor or large pieces of tissue or blood clots in lochia or the absence of lochia might be a sign of infection.