Final answer:
The best question would be 'What color is the lochia on the pad?' as it helps assess the mother's bleeding and identify any concerns.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best question by the nurse to elicit information needed to determine the mother's status would be 'C. What color is the lochia on the pad?'
Lochia is the postpartum vaginal discharge that mothers experience after giving birth. By asking about the color of the lochia, the nurse can assess whether the mother's bleeding is within normal range and can also identify any potential concerns such as excessive bleeding or infection.
Keywords: postpartum, vaginal discharge, lochia, bleeding, infection