Maternity Nursing Q 129
The lochia on the first few days after delivery is characterized as
A. Pinkish with some blood clots
B. Whitish with some mucus
C. Reddish with some mucus
D. Serous with some brown tinged mucus
Correct Answer: C. Reddish with some mucus
Right after delivery, the vaginal discharge called lochia will be reddish because there is some blood, endometrial tissue, and mucus. Since it is not pure blood it is non-clotting. Lochia rubra (or cruenta) is the first discharge, Composed of blood, shreds of fetal membranes, decidua, vernix caseosa, lanugo and membranes. It is red in color because of the large amount of blood it contains. It lasts 1 to 4 days after birth, before easing to light “spotting”.
Option A: Lochia serosa is the term for lochia that has thinned and turned brownish or pink in color. It contains serous exudate, erythrocytes, leukocytes, cervical mucus, and microorganisms. This stage continues until around the tenth day after delivery. Lochia serosa which persists to some weeks after birth can indicate late postpartum hemorrhaging and should be reported to a physician.
Option B: Lochia alba (or purulenta) is the name for lochia once it has turned whitish or yellowish-white. It typically lasts from the second through the third to sixth weeks after delivery. It contains fewer red blood cells and is mainly made up of leukocytes, epithelial cells, cholesterol, fat, mucus and microorganisms. Continuation beyond a few weeks can indicate a genital lesion, which should be reported to a physician.
Option D: Between days four and seven, the blood should turn a pinkish or brownish color. Clots should get smaller or disappear. By the end of the first week, the discharge will likely be white or yellow in color. In three to six weeks, it should stop.