Complication Postpartum Related

Review Complication Postpartum related questions and content

What assessment finding suggests a possible infection?

  • A. painful fundal massage
  • B. breast-feeding every 2–3 hours
  • C. pulse 72
  • D. WBCs 10,000
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: WBCs 10,000. An elevated white blood cell count (WBC) is a common sign of infection as the body produces more WBCs to fight off pathogens. This increase in WBC count is known as leukocytosis and is a key indicator of an ongoing infection. In contrast, choices A, B, and C are not direct indicators of infection. A painful fundal massage may suggest uterine atony, breast-feeding every 2-3 hours is a normal part of postpartum care, and a pulse rate of 72 is within the normal range. Therefore, the most reliable assessment finding suggesting a possible infection is an elevated WBC count.