Question

Two days ago a woman gave birth to a full-term infant. Last night she awakened several times to urinate and noted that her gown and bedding were wet from profuse diaphoresis. Which physiologic alteration is the cause for the diaphoresis and diuresis that this client is experiencing?

1) Elevated temperature caused by postpartum infection
2) Increased basal metabolic rate after giving birth
3) Loss of increased blood volume associated with pregnancy
4) Increased venous pressure in the lower extremities

Answer 1

The diaphoresis and diuresis in the client are caused by the loss of increased blood volume associated with pregnancy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The cause for the diaphoresis and diuresis that the client is experiencing is the loss of increased blood volume associated with pregnancy.

During pregnancy, blood volume increases significantly to meet the demands of the fetus. By childbirth, the blood volume exceeds its preconception volume by approximately 1-2 liters. After giving birth, the body starts to eliminate the excess blood volume, leading to diaphoresis (sweating) and diuresis (increased urine production).