Accurate Answers 2024/2025
1. Physiological Changes: Postpartum - ANS -1. Uterine involution
2. Lochia flow
3. Cervix shortens, regains its form, and becomes firm, gradually closing
4. Vagina gradually returns to pre-pregnancy size
5. Hematomas or hemorrhoids may be present
6. Breasts secrete colostrum immediately after birth, turning to milk 3-5
days after delivery
7. The cardiovascular system undergoes a decrease in blood volume
8. Diaphoresis and diuresis of excess fluid accumulated during the last
part of pregnancy is excreted 2-3 days post-delivery
,9. Readjustment in maternal vasculature in response to elimination of
the placenta and rapid reduction in size of the uterus
10. GI changes include increased appetite, constipation, and
hemorrhoids
11. GU changes include urinary retention and postpartal diuresis
12. The musculoskeletal system returns to pre-pregnancy state as joints
are restabilized and muscle tone is restored
2. Lochia - ANS -Post-birth uterine discharge that contains blood,
mucous, and uterine tissue
3. 3 Stages of Lochia - ANS -1. Lochia rubra: bright red, blood
consistency, fleshy odor; can contain small clots; transient flow
increases during breastfeeding and upon rising; lasts 3-10 days
after delivery
, 2. Lochia serosa: pinkish brown and serosanguinous consistency; lasts
approximately 4-10 days after delivery
3. Lochia alba: yellowish white creamy color, fleshy odor; lasts
approximately from day 11 to 4-8 weeks postpartum
4. Measurement: Lochia - ANS -1. Scant (blood only on tissue when
wiped or 1-2 inch stain)
2. Light (4 inch or less stain)
3. Moderate (less than 6 inch stain)
4. Heavy (saturate pad)
QBL (quantitative blood loss)
-Weigh pads
-Ask when pad was last changed (timing is IMPORTANT)