Final answer:
To estimate postpartum blood loss, besides weighing saturated pads, the nurse can monitor the time elapsed between pad changes, which provides a direct measure of blood loss rate. The correct answer is option: d. Time elapsed between pad changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
- To estimate blood loss in a postpartum client, besides evaluating the degree of perineal pad saturation by weighing the pads, the nurse can also assess the time elapsed between pad changes.
- While lochia odor and the presence of small clots on the pad can provide some information about the healing process, they are not reliable indicators for estimating the volume of blood loss.
- The color of the lochia can indicate the stage of the postpartum period but does not provide a precise estimate of blood volume lost.
- Monitoring the frequency of pad changes can provide a more direct measure of the rate of blood loss and, therefore, can help determine if bleeding is within normal limits or if there may be cause for concern of postpartum hemorrhage.