What is the decrease in red blood cell count that may indicate postpartum hemorrhage?
Hematocrit < 30%
Hematocrit > 30%
Hematocrit < 40%
Hematocrit > 40%
The Correct Answer is A
Hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in the blood.
A decrease in hematocrit indicates blood loss or anemia. Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is defined as blood loss of ≥ 500–1000 ml within 24 hours after delivery. PPH can cause a significant drop in hematocrit and hemoglobin levels, which can lead to hypovolemia and shock. A normal hematocrit range for women is 36% to 48%.
Therefore, a hematocrit level below 30% may indicate PPH.
Choice B. Hematocrit > 30% is wrong because it does not indicate a decrease in red blood cell count or blood loss. A hematocrit level above 30% may be normal or indicate dehydration, polycythemia, or other conditions.
Choice C. Hematocrit < 40% is wrong because it is within the normal range for women and does not indicate a significant decrease in red blood cell count or blood loss.
Choice D. Hematocrit > 40% is wrong because it does not indicate a decrease in red blood cell count or blood loss.
A hematocrit level above 40% may be normal or indicate dehydration
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Heavy vaginal bleeding in cesarean delivery that may indicate postpartum hemorrhage is more than 500 mL.
Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is severe bleeding and loss of blood after childbirth.It’s a serious and dangerous condition that can lead to death.
Choice B is wrong because more than 1000 mL of blood loss is too high for the definition of PPH after cesarean delivery.
Choice C is wrong because less than 500 mL of blood loss is normal after cesarean delivery.
Choice D is wrong because less than 1000 mL of blood loss is not considered heavy bleeding after cesarean delivery.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
relaxed uterus may indicate internal bleeding in postpartum hemorrhage.This is because the uterus is not contracting properly to compress the blood vessels where the placenta was attached, leading to excessive blood loss.A relaxed uterus is also known as uterine atony, which is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage.
Choice A is wrong because a tense and rigid uterus may indicate retained placenta or uterine clot, which are other causes of postpartum hemorrhage.
These conditions prevent the uterus from contracting fully and expelling the placental fragments or clots.
Choice C is wrong because a soft uterus is similar to a relaxed uterus and may also indicate internal bleeding in postpartum hemorrhage.
Choice D is wrong because a normal uterus is not a sign of postpartum hemorrhage.A normal uterus should be firm and contracted after delivery to prevent excessive bleeding.
Normal ranges for blood loss after delivery are less than 500 mL for vaginal delivery and less than 1000 mL for cesarean delivery.Postpartum hemorrhage is defined as blood loss of more than these amounts or blood loss accompanied by signs of hypovolemia within 24 hours of delivery.
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