Question

Which findings would lead the nurse to suspect that a postpartum woman has developed metritis? Select all that apply.

A. Elevated blood pressure
B. Bradycardia
C. Uterine tenderness
D. Increased urinary output

Answer 1

Uterine tenderness is the primary symptom that would lead a nurse to suspect metritis in a postpartum woman; the other options listed are not specific to metritis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The findings that would lead a nurse to suspect that a postpartum woman has developed metritis include uterine tenderness and potentially other signs of infection, though not necessarily the ones listed in the options. Elevated blood pressure and bradycardia are not typical signs of metritis. Increased urinary output may be related to other postpartum changes and is not a specific indicator of metritis. Metritis, an inflammation of the uterine lining after childbirth, is commonly associated with signs of infection such as fever, malaise, tachycardia, foul-smelling lochia, and in some cases, an elevated white cell count. Uterine tenderness is a specific symptom that would alert the nurse to the presence of this condition.