Answers 2026/2027 Galen College
Q1. What is uterine involution?
A) Development of the placenta
B) Return of the uterus toward its prepregnancy size and condition
C) Initiation of lactation
D) Separation of the abdominal muscles
Correct Answer: B) Return of the uterus toward its prepregnancy size and
condition
Rationale: Uterine involution is the process by which the enlarged
postpartum uterus contracts and returns toward its prepregnancy state.
Q2. Which fundal finding is expected during the early postpartum
period?
A) A fundus that remains permanently above the umbilicus
B) A fundus that descends progressively after birth
C) A fundus that becomes progressively higher each day
D) A fundus that cannot be palpated immediately after birth
Correct Answer: B) A fundus that descends progressively after birth
Rationale: After birth, the uterus contracts and the fundal height gradually
decreases as involution occurs.
Q3. Which lochia is normally bright red during the first few
postpartum days?
A) Lochia alba
B) Lochia serosa
C) Lochia rubra
D) Leukorrhea
Correct Answer: C) Lochia rubra
Rationale: Lochia rubra consists primarily of blood and is normally dark or
bright red during the initial postpartum period.
**Q4. Lochia serosa is best described as:
A) Green and foul-smelling
B) Pinkish or brownish
, C) Bright yellow with clots
D) Clear and odorless throughout the postpartum period
Correct Answer: B) Pinkish or brownish
Rationale: Lochia serosa follows lochia rubra and typically becomes pink to
brown as blood content decreases.
Q5. Which type of lochia generally occurs later in the postpartum
period and becomes whitish or yellowish?
A) Rubra
B) Serosa
C) Alba
D) Hemorrhagic
Correct Answer: C) Alba
Rationale: Lochia alba is the later postpartum discharge and contains more
leukocytes and mucus, giving it a whitish or yellowish appearance.
Q6. A postpartum client has a boggy uterus and heavy vaginal
bleeding. What should the nurse do first?
A) Encourage ambulation
B) Massage the fundus
C) Apply a heating pad
D) Place the client in a sitting position
Correct Answer: B) Massage the fundus
Rationale: A boggy uterus suggests uterine atony, a common cause of
postpartum hemorrhage. Fundal massage promotes uterine contraction and
can reduce bleeding.
Q7. Which finding is most concerning for postpartum hemorrhage?
A) Scant lochia rubra
B) A firm midline fundus
C) Heavy bleeding with signs of hypovolemia
D) Mild uterine cramping during breastfeeding
Correct Answer: C) Heavy bleeding with signs of hypovolemia
Rationale: Excessive blood loss can cause tachycardia, hypotension, pallor,
dizziness, and other signs of circulatory compromise.