1. Two days after delivery, a postpartum client prepares for discharge.

What should the nurse teach her about lochia flow?

Incorrect: Lochia does change color but goes from lochia rubra (bright

red) on days 1-3, to lochia serosa (pinkish brown) on days 4-9, to lochia

alba (creamy white) days 10-21.

Incorrect: Numerous clots are abnormal and should be reported to the

physician.

Incorrect: Saturation of the perineal pad is considered abnormal and

may indicate postpartum hemorrhage.

Correct: Lochia normally lasts for about 21 days, and changes

from a bright red, topinkish brown, to creamy white.

The color of the lochia changes from a bright red to white after four days

Numerous large clots are normal for the next three to four days

Saturation of the perineal pad with blood is expected when getting up

from the bed

Lochia should last for about 3 weeks, changing color every few days