RN Physiological Adaptation NCLEX Questions Related

Review RN Physiological Adaptation NCLEX Questions related questions and content

The nurse caring for a postpartum client should suspect that the client is experiencing endometritis if which is noted?

  • A. Breast engorgement
  • B. Elevated white blood cell count
  • C. Lochia rubra on the second day postpartum
  • D. Fever over 38°C (100.4°F), beginning 2 days postpartum
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Endometritis is a common cause of postpartum infection. The presence of fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or more on 2 successive days of the first 10 postpartum days (not counting the first 24 hours after birth) is indicative of a postpartum infection. Breast engorgement is a normal response in the postpartum period and is not associated with endometritis. The white blood cell count of a postpartum woman is normally elevated; thus, this method of detecting infection is not of great value in the puerperium. Lochia rubra on the second day postpartum is a normal finding.