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. One mechanism for the diaphoresis and diuresis that this woman is experiencing during the early postpartum period is:

A. Elevated temperature caused by postpartum infection
B. Increased basal metabolic rate after giving birth
C. Loss of increased blood volume associated with pregnancy
D. Increased venous pressure in the lower extremities

Answer 1

The woman is experiencing diaphorises and diuresis during the early postpartum period due to the loss of increased blood volume associated with pregnancy and increased urine production.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the early postpartum period, the woman is experiencing diaphoresis and diuresis due to several factors. One mechanism is the loss of increased blood volume associated with pregnancy. Blood volume increases during pregnancy to meet the demands of fetal nourishment and waste removal. After childbirth, the body eliminates the excess blood volume, leading to diaphoresis and diuresis. The increased urine production is also caused by the maternal urinary system processing both maternal and fetal wastes, further increasing the total volume of urine.