On the second postpartum day the client has lochia rubra. The nurse should:
ExplanationInitially, lochia is bright red. It consists mainly of blood and decidual debris from the shedding of the uterine lining. It is labeled lochia rubra; the nurse records the finding on the client’s chart. After 3 to 4 days the discharge becomes pale pink or brown and is called lochia serosa. In about 10 days to 2 weeks, the discharge becomes yellow or white. The discharge may last up to 6 weeks. If the lochia becomes bright red after it has changed to pink, brown, or yellow, the woman is advised to get off her feet and rest. If the bright red bleeding continues, she is advised to contact her HCP. It is not necessary to start an IV infusion as the finding is normal.
