A nurse is conducting a home visit on a client who is 5 weeks postpartum. The client says they are still experiencing a "yellow-ish white vaginal discharge.’’ What should the nurse include in the teaching to the client about this type of discharge?
A postpartum individual can have lochia rubra at 5 weeks postpartum.
A postpartum individual should not have any lochia at 5 weeks postpartum.
A postpartum individual can have lochia serosa up to 6 weeks postpartum.
A postpartum individual can have lochia alba ranging from 10 to 14 days and up to weeks postpartum.
The Correct Answer is D
A) A postpartum individual can have lochia rubra at 5 weeks postpartum:
Lochia rubra is the first stage of lochia, consisting of bright red blood and tissue, and is typically seen in the first 3-4 days postpartum. By 5 weeks postpartum, the lochia should no longer be in the rubra phase, and the discharge should have progressed to lochia serosa or alba. If the client is still experiencing lochia rubra at 5 weeks, this could indicate a problem, such as retained placental tissue or infection, and requires further evaluation.
B) A postpartum individual should not have any lochia at 5 weeks postpartum:
While it is true that lochia should be minimal or absent by 5 weeks postpartum, it is not uncommon for some women to still experience small amounts of lochia, particularly in the form of lochia alba, which can last up to 6 weeks. The type of discharge should be assessed, and if the discharge is abnormal (such as foul-smelling or accompanied by other symptoms), the nurse should investigate further. However, some amount of discharge, especially lochia alba, can be normal at this stage.
C) A postpartum individual can have lochia serosa up to 6 weeks postpartum:
Lochia serosa, which is pinkish or brownish in color and consists of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue, usually occurs between 4 to 10 days postpartum. It is not typically seen at 5 weeks postpartum unless there is a delay in the normal progression of lochia stages. By 5 weeks postpartum, lochia serosa should have already transitioned to lochia alba, a whitish or yellowish discharge.
D) A postpartum individual can have lochia alba ranging from 10 to 14 days and up to weeks postpartum:
Lochia alba is the final stage of lochia and typically starts around 10–14 days postpartum, lasting up to 6 weeks in some women. It consists mainly of leukocytes, epithelial cells, and mucus, and it is usually white or yellowish in color. This type of discharge is normal in the later weeks postpartum, and its presence at 5 weeks is considered a normal finding as long as it is not accompanied by foul odor, significant odor, or other signs of infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Fetal heart monitoring:
Nurses are trained to monitor fetal heart rates, interpret patterns, and identify signs of distress, but this task is typically within the scope of a registered nurse's (RN) practice. It may not involve the critical decision-making or advanced skills associated with the highest level of licensure.
B) Taking specimens to the lab:
Taking specimens to the laboratory is a necessary but routine part of care. While it is important for ensuring proper diagnostic testing, it is a lower-level task and does not demonstrate the highest level of nursing practice. This task is often delegated or performed as part of standard nursing duties.
C) Performing vaginal delivery:
Performing a vaginal delivery is a high-level skill that typically requires advanced education, certification, and licensure beyond that of a registered nurse. This is usually performed by a midwife, obstetrician, or other healthcare providers with advanced training and certification. In many settings, a registered nurse may assist with vaginal deliveries but cannot independently perform them unless they have additional certifications (such as Certified Nurse Midwife).
D) Giving a client a bed bath:
While important for patient care and comfort, giving a client a bed bath is a basic nursing task that does not demonstrate working at the highest level of licensure. It is a fundamental nursing activity often carried out by nurses, nursing assistants, or other support staff. The act of providing a bed bath is part of the foundational skill set and does not require advanced knowledge or decision-making that would demonstrate the highest level of practice.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Goodell’s sign:
Goodell's sign refers to the softening of the cervix that occurs early in pregnancy, typically around 4–6 weeks. It is a probable sign of pregnancy due to increased vascularity and hormonal changes. However, it does not describe the movement of the fetus or the sensation felt by the provider when pressure is applied to the cervix.
B) Lightening:
Lightening refers to the sensation of the fetus dropping or descending into the pelvic cavity, which typically happens in the later stages of pregnancy (around 36 weeks or later). It is not related to the fetal movement felt by the provider through upward pressure on the cervix, but rather to the physical repositioning of the fetus as it prepares for labor.
C) Ballottement:
Ballottement is the correct term for the movement of the fetus that can be felt by the provider when upward pressure is applied to the cervix. This technique involves a gentle tapping or pushing on the cervix, causing the fetus to rise and then "bounce" back. This is a probable sign of pregnancy, typically noticeable between 16 and 18 weeks gestation.
D) Chadwick's sign:
Chadwick’s sign refers to the bluish discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and vulva due to increased blood flow and is often an early sign of pregnancy. It does not relate to the movement of the fetus felt by the provider, but rather to changes in the color of the genital tissues.
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