ATI Maternal Newborn Related

Review ATI Maternal Newborn related questions and content

During ambulation to the bathroom, a postpartum client experiences a gush of dark red blood that soon stops. On data collection, a nurse finds the uterus to be firm, midline, and at the level of the umbilicus. Which of the following findings should the nurse interpret this data as being?

  • A. Evidence of a possible vaginal hematoma
  • B. An indication of a cervical or perineal laceration
  • C. A normal postpartum discharge of lochia
  • D. Abnormally excessive lochia rubra flow
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: A normal postpartum discharge of lochia. This finding indicates a normal postpartum process. Lochia is the vaginal discharge after childbirth consisting of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue. The gush of dark red blood followed by cessation is typical of lochia rubra, the initial stage of postpartum bleeding. The firm, midline, and well-positioned uterus indicates proper involution. Choices A and B are incorrect as the firm uterus rules out hematoma or laceration. Choice D is incorrect as the amount of bleeding described is within the normal range for postpartum lochia.