QUESTION: "After teaching the client about lochia, the nurse determines that the client understands the instructions when she says that on the 10th or 11th postpartum day, the lochia should be which of the following?"
CHOICES
( X ) a.) Pink.
( O ) b.) White.
( X ) c.) Dark red.
( X ) d.) Brown.
RATIONALE: About the 10th day after delivery, the discharge becomes thin, scanty, and almost without color (white). At this time it is called lochia alba. The vaginal discharge from approximately day 4 through 9 becomes more serous and watery, pink to pinkish or brown in color. At this time it is called lochia serosa. The vaginal discharge that normally occurs for 2 to 3 days after delivery, lochia rubra, contains mostly blood and is dark red in color. A brown vaginal discharge is commonly associated with lochia serosa, the vaginal discharge from approximately day 4 through 9. NURSING PROCESS STEP: Evaluation CLIENT NEEDS CATEGORY: Health promotion and maintenance CLIENT NEEDS SUBCATEGORY: None
