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 after-birth period is:

a. elevated temperature caused by after-birth 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 mechanism for the diaphoresis and diuresis that the woman is experiencing is the loss of increased blood volume associated with pregnancy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The mechanism for the diaphoresis and diuresis that the woman is experiencing during the early after-birth period is the loss of increased blood volume associated with pregnancy.

During pregnancy, a woman's blood volume increases to support the developing fetus. After giving birth, the excess blood volume is no longer needed, so the body eliminates it through diuresis (increased urination) and diaphoresis (excessive sweating).

This process helps the body return to its pre-pregnancy state and can cause the woman to feel hot and sweaty.