The colour of lochia rubra is?

Appeared in: Tripura CHO - 2021

Explanation

Lochia is the vaginal discharge after giving birth, containing blood, mucus, and uterine tissue.
Lochia rubra is the first stage of postpartum discharge, typically lasting for the first 3 to 5 days.
Its characteristic red color is due to a high content of blood, shreds of fetal membranes, and decidual tissue as the uterus heals.

Option A: White or yellowish-white discharge is characteristic of lochia alba, the final stage of postpartum discharge.
Option C: A yellowish or pale brownish color is characteristic of lochia serosa, the second stage, or lochia alba, the final stage.
Option D: Lochia does not typically have an orange color. The normal progression is from red to pinkish-brown to yellowish-white.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Postpartum assessment and stages of lochia as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Assessing lochia is a critical nursing responsibility in the postpartum period to monitor for complications such as hemorrhage and infection.
The color, amount, and odor of lochia provide vital clues about uterine involution. A foul odor can indicate an infection (puerperal sepsis), while excessive bleeding can signal postpartum hemorrhage.
What if? - If lochia rubra persists for more than a week or reappears after it has changed to serosa, it could indicate subinvolution of the uterus or retained placental fragments, requiring immediate medical evaluation.

How to Approach the Question

This is a direct recall question testing knowledge of postpartum care.
Identify the key term in the question: 'lochia rubra'.
Recall the three stages of postpartum lochia: rubra, serosa, and alba.
Remember the color associated with each stage. Lochia rubra is the first stage and is characterized by its red color due to the presence of blood.
Compare this knowledge with the given options and select the correct one.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QnCC--OBCSEkD99PHWeTc5

E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur pp. 1-5, 51-62

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 45-63

Practise the full Tripura CHO - 2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.