Maternity Nursing: Postpartum Q 37

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Which type of lochia should the nurse expect to find in a client 2 days PP?

  

     A. Foul-smelling

     B. Lochia serosa

     C. Lochia alba

     D. Lochia rubra

    

    

Correct Answer: D. Lochia rubra

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Lochia, also known as postpartum bleeding, is a normal discharge of blood and mucus from the uterus after childbirth. It begins right after delivery and can continue for four to six weeks postpartum, with the heaviest flow occurring for the first 10 to 14 days. Some women may have a shorter period of discharge, while others may have lochia for slightly longer than four to six weeks. At first, lochia will look dark red and the flow may be heavy. This is called lochia rubra. The lochia is initially red and comprised of blood and fragments of decidua, endometrial tissues, and mucus and lasts 1 to 4 days.

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Option A: 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. The cervix and vagina may be edematous and bruised in the early postpartum period and gradually heal back to normal.

Option B: The lochia then changes color to yellowish or pale brown, lasting 5 to 9 days, and is comprised mainly of blood, mucus, and leukocytes. This is called lochia serosa.

Option C: Finally, the lochia is white and contains mostly mucus, lasting up to 10 to 14 days. This is lochia alba. The lochia can persist up to 5 weeks postpartum. The persistence of red lochia beyond one week might be an indicator of uterine subinvolution.

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