Question

When assessing postpartum women during the first 24 hours after birth, the nurse must be alert for signs that

could indicate the development of postpartum physiologic complications. Which of the following signs would
be of concern to the nurse? (Circle all that apply.)
a. Temperature—38° C
b. Fundus—midline, boggy
c. Lochia—3/4 of pad saturated in 3 hours
d. Anorexia
e. Voids approximately 150 to 200 ml of urine for each of the first three voiding's after birth.

Answer 1

The nurse must be alert for signs of postpartum physiologic complications, including fever, deviated or boggy fundus, and heavy lochia.

Step-by-step explanation:

Postpartum physiologic complications are a concern for nurses when assessing postpartum women during the first 24 hours after birth. Signs that could indicate the development of complications include:

1. Temperature—38°C: A temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher could be a sign of infection, such as postpartum endometritis.
2. Fundus—midline, boggy: A fundus that is deviated from the midline or feels soft and boggy may indicate uterine atony, which can lead to excessive bleeding.
3. Lochia—3/4 of pad saturated in 3 hours: Lochia saturating a pad in less than two hours could be a sign of heavy bleeding, which may be indicative of postpartum hemorrhage.