NUR 401 module 3
1. expected progression of uterine involution: Contraction of muscle fibers, catabolism (the
process of breaking down cells into simpler compounds), and regeneration of uterine epithelium
6 weeks
2. afterpains: contractions to remove anythig left in uterus
3. fundus changes: around umbilical
finger breaths
down 1 cm a day
should not be palpable on day 14
4. factors that facilitate or inhibit this involution: Hemorrhoids, as well as perineal trauma,
episiotomy, or lacerations
5. maximum amount of lochia: 1 pad per hour
6. worrisome clots: ping pong ball size
7. tears: avoid enema and monitor
1/5
, 8. vagina: 6-10 weeks
9. perineum: 4-6 months
10. Lochia rubra: days 1-3
Bloody; small clots; fleshy, earthy odor, red or red/brown
11. lochia serosa: days 4-10
Decreased amount; serosanguineous; pink or brown tinged
12. lochia alba: days 11-21
Further decreased amounts; white, cream, or light yellow
13. cardiovascular: Increase in cardiac output
eliminated in sweat and pee
cardiac output returns to normal in 6-12 weeks
blood clotting factors are up for several days to weeks after birth, thrombis risk
WBC elevation
14. other damage: vaginal wall, urethra, and cervix
15. urinary: Diuresis
2/5
1. expected progression of uterine involution: Contraction of muscle fibers, catabolism (the
process of breaking down cells into simpler compounds), and regeneration of uterine epithelium
6 weeks
2. afterpains: contractions to remove anythig left in uterus
3. fundus changes: around umbilical
finger breaths
down 1 cm a day
should not be palpable on day 14
4. factors that facilitate or inhibit this involution: Hemorrhoids, as well as perineal trauma,
episiotomy, or lacerations
5. maximum amount of lochia: 1 pad per hour
6. worrisome clots: ping pong ball size
7. tears: avoid enema and monitor
1/5
, 8. vagina: 6-10 weeks
9. perineum: 4-6 months
10. Lochia rubra: days 1-3
Bloody; small clots; fleshy, earthy odor, red or red/brown
11. lochia serosa: days 4-10
Decreased amount; serosanguineous; pink or brown tinged
12. lochia alba: days 11-21
Further decreased amounts; white, cream, or light yellow
13. cardiovascular: Increase in cardiac output
eliminated in sweat and pee
cardiac output returns to normal in 6-12 weeks
blood clotting factors are up for several days to weeks after birth, thrombis risk
WBC elevation
14. other damage: vaginal wall, urethra, and cervix
15. urinary: Diuresis
2/5
