Final answer:
Cardiac output, pulse rate, and stroke volume generally return to normal soon after childbirth. Nurses should be aware that the hypercoagulable state increases thromboembolism risk. Lochia discharge and uterine involution are other key physiological changes occurring postpartum.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Postpartum Physiologic Alterations
The correct answer to the question regarding postpartum physiologic alteration that the nurse should be cognizant of is: Cardiac output, pulse rate, and stroke volume all return to prepregnancy normal values within a few hours of childbirth. Postpartum hemorrhage is a risk if fragments of the placenta remain in the uterus, so examining the expelled placenta is crucial. Moreover, the postpartum period involves lochia, which progresses from lochia rubra to lochia serosa, and finally to lochia alba over several weeks. Additionally, breastfeeding can aid the process of involution, where the uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy size.
While the postpartum period presents various physiological changes, statement 4 regarding the hypercoagulable state is important to note as it does not protect against thromboembolism but rather increases the risk, especially after a cesarean birth. Respiratory function does usually return to pre-pregnancy levels, but this takes place relatively quickly, not 6-8 weeks. Moreover, while the white blood cell count is typically elevated during the postpartum period, it does not necessarily lead to false-positive results in infection tests.