A woman had a vaginal delivery two days ago and is preparing for discharge. To help prevent postpartum complications, the nurse plans to teach the woman to report any:
Change in lochia from red to white
Fatigue and irritability
Fever
Contractions
The Correct Answer is C
Fever. This is because fever is a sign of infection, which is a common and potentially serious postpartum complication. Infection can affect various parts of the body, such as the uterus (endometritis), the bladder (cystitis), the breast (mastitis), the wound (wound infection), or the blood (sepsis). Infection can cause symptoms such as fever, chills, pain, foul-smelling discharge, redness, swelling, or warmth at the site of infection.
Choice A is not correct because the change in lochia from red to white is not a sign of postpartum complication. Lochia is the vaginal discharge that occurs after childbirth. It changes color and amount over time, from red to pink to brown to yellow to white. This is a normal process of healing and does not indicate a problem unless the lochia is foul-smelling, heavy, or contains large clots³.
Choice B is not correct because fatigue and irritability are not signs of postpartum complications. Fatigue and irritability are common feelings after childbirth due to hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, physical recovery, and emotional adjustment. They do not necessarily indicate a problem unless they are severe or persistent and interfere with daily functioning or bonding with the baby.
Choice D is not correct because contractions are not signs of postpartum complication. Contractions are normal after childbirth and help the uterus shrink back to its pre-pregnancy size. They are usually mild and subside within a few days. They may be more intense during breastfeeding due to the release of oxytocin, which stimulates uterine contractions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Jaundice in an infant who is 4-hr old. This is because jaundice is a yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes caused by high levels of bilirubin in the blood. Jaundice usually appears between the second and fourth day after birth and lasts for one to two weeks. Jaundice that appears within the first 24 hours of life is considered early-onset jaundice and may indicate a serious problem, such as an infection, a blood type mismatch, or a liver disorder. The nurse should notify the charge nurse of this finding and request a blood test to check the bilirubin level.
Choice A is wrong because a hematocrit of 60% in an infant who is 8-hr old is not abnormal. Hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. Newborns normally have higher hematocrit levels than older children and adults because they have more red blood cells at birth.
Choice C is wrong because a blood glucose fingerstick of 40 mg/dL for an infant who is 1-hr old is not abnormal.
Blood glucose is the amount of sugar in the blood. Newborns normally have lower blood glucose levels than older children and adults because they have less glycogen (stored sugar) at birth.
Choice D is wrong because acrocyanosis in an infant who is 2-hr old is not abnormal. Acrocyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the hands and feet caused by poor circulation. Newborns normally have acrocyanosis for the first few days of life because they are adjusting to the temperature outside the womb.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This can be from the sudden withdrawal of your hormones. It's not a cause for alarm. This is because newborn female babies may have a little bloody vaginal discharge in their diaper due to the withdrawal of maternal hormones after delivery. This usually stops as the hormones return to normal levels¹².
Choice B is wrong because the baby does not need an appointment for this condition.
Choice C is wrong because the mother does not need to watch her baby for this condition.
Choice D is wrong because the blood is not related to cleaning her perineal area.
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