NCLEX Maternity Questions Related

Review NCLEX Maternity Questions related questions and content

The primiparous client, who is bottle feeding her infant, asks the nurse when she can expect to start having her menstrual cycle again. Which response by the nurse is most accurate?

  • A. “Most women who bottle feed can expect their period within 6 to 10 weeks after birth.”
  • B. “Your period should return a few days after your lochial discharge stops.”
  • C. “Your lochia will change from pink to white; when white, your period should return.”
  • D. “Bottle feeding delays the return of a normal menstrual cycle until 6 months postbirth.”
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In nonlactating women, the average time to first ovulation is 45 days, and the return of menstruation usually happens within 6 to 10 weeks postbirth. Most women can expect to have lochial discharge for up to 24 days. However, the cessation of discharge is not related to the return of menstruation. The change in lochial color is not related to the return of menstruation. The return of ovulation and menstruation is associated with a rise in serum progesterone levels. Bottle feeding does not affect when this change occurs in the client’s body.