The nurse working in a women’s clinic admits a patient who is almost 6 weeks postpartum and describes a yellow-white vaginal drainage.The nurse interprets this as indicating what?
Fungal infection.
Expected lochia progression.
Retained placenta.
Bacterial infection.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Fungal infections typically present with itching, redness, and a thick, white discharge resembling cottage cheese. The yellow-white vaginal drainage described is more consistent with lochia alba, the final stage of lochia, which is a normal postpartum discharge.
Choice B rationale
Lochia alba is the final stage of lochia, occurring around 10 to 14 days postpartum and lasting up to six weeks. It is characterized by a yellowish-white discharge, indicating the end of the postpartum bleeding process.
Choice C rationale
Retained placenta can cause prolonged bleeding and infection, but it is usually associated with heavy bleeding and not a yellow-white discharge. The presence of lochia alba suggests normal postpartum progression.
Choice D rationale
Bacterial infections often present with a foul-smelling discharge, pain, and fever. The yellow-white discharge described is more indicative of lochia alba, a normal postpartum occurrence.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A cervical or perineal laceration would typically result in continuous bleeding rather than a gush that stops. The uterus would also not be firm and midline if there were a significant laceration.
Choice B rationale
Abnormally excessive lochia rubra flow would be continuous and not stop after a gush. The uterus being firm and midline indicates that the bleeding is not excessive.
Choice C rationale
A normal postural discharge of lochia occurs when pooled blood in the vagina is expelled upon standing or changing position. This is common and expected in the postpartum period.
Choice D rationale
A vaginal hematoma would present with localized pain and swelling, and the bleeding would not stop suddenly. The uterus being firm and midline also indicates that a hematoma is unlikely.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice C rationale
Postpartum blues are characterized by tearfulness, insomnia, lack of appetite, and a feeling of letdown. These symptoms are common and usually resolve within a few weeks without medical intervention.
Choice A rationale
The letting-go phase occurs when the woman has assumed responsibility for caring for herself and her infant. It is not associated with the symptoms described.
Choice B rationale
Postpartum fatigue can cause tiredness and lack of energy but does not typically include tearfulness and a feeling of letdown.
Choice D rationale
Postpartum psychosis is a severe mental health condition that includes symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and severe mood swings. It is not characterized by the milder symptoms described. .