Physiological Adaptation NCLEX RN Related

Review Physiological Adaptation NCLEX RN related questions and content

The nurse teaches a postpartum client about postdelivery lochia. The nurse determines that the education has been effective when the client says that on the second day postpartum, the lochia should be which color?

  • A. Red
  • B. Pink
  • C. White
  • D. Yellow
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The uterus rids itself of the debris that remains after birth through a discharge called lochia, which is classified according to its appearance and contents. Lochia rubra is dark red in color. It occurs from delivery to 3 days postpartum and contains epithelial cells, erythrocytes, leukocytes, shreds of decidua, and occasionally fetal meconium, lanugo, and vernix caseosa. Lochia serosa is a brownish pink discharge that occurs from days 4 to 10. Lochia alba is a white discharge that occurs from days 10 to 14. Lochia should not be yellow or contain large clots; if it does, the cause should be investigated without delay.