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Difficulty: EasyAnte/Intra/Postpartum and Newborn Care

A nurse is educating a client who is 24 hours postpartum about the expected progression of vaginal discharge. Arrange the types of lochia in the chronological order they occur, from immediately after delivery to the final stage of healing.

  1. 1Lochia rubra (dark red discharge)
  2. 2Lochia serosa (pinkish-brown discharge)
  3. 3Lochia alba (creamy white or yellowish discharge)

Answer

The correct sequence of postpartum vaginal discharge is Lochia rubra, followed by Lochia serosa, and finally Lochia alba.
Following delivery, the uterus sheds its lining resulting in vaginal discharge known as lochia. The correct chronological sequence reflects the normal healing of the placental site: rubra (dark red, days 1-3), serosa (pink/brown, days 4-10), and alba (yellow/white, day 10 up to 6 weeks).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the immediate postpartum period (days 1-3).
Lochia rubra is the first discharge.
Fresh bleeding from the placental site is initially dark or bright red.
2
Identify the intermediate postpartum period (days 4-10).
Lochia serosa is the second discharge.
As active bleeding slows, the discharge transitions to a pinkish-brown color, containing old blood and serum.
3
Identify the late postpartum period (day 10 to 6 weeks).
Lochia alba is the final discharge.
The placental site continues to heal, producing a yellowish-white discharge composed of white blood cells and healing tissue.

Key Concept

Postpartum physiological adaptations: Progression of Lochia
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Ante/Intra/Postpartum and Newborn Care

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