The pale white lochia which develops 10-15 days after delivery is known as:

Appeared in: DSSSB 12 August 2024

Explanation

Lochia alba is the final stage of postpartum uterine discharge, typically appearing from day 10 up to day 15 or even longer after delivery.
It is characterized by its pale white or yellowish-white color, which signifies a decrease in red blood cells and an increase in white blood cells (leukocytes) as the uterus continues to heal.
The composition of lochia alba is primarily leukocytes, decidual cells, epithelial cells, mucus, serum, and bacteria.

Option A: 'Lochia sangous' is not a standard medical term used to describe any stage of postpartum discharge.
Option B: Lochia rubra is the first stage of postpartum discharge, occurring in the first 1-4 days. It is characterized by its bright red color due to a high blood content.
Option C: Lochia serosa is the second stage, which is pinkish or brownish in color and typically occurs from day 5 to day 9 postpartum.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Stages and characteristics of postpartum lochia as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Assessing the progression, color, amount, and odor of lochia is a crucial nursing responsibility to monitor normal uterine involution and identify potential postpartum complications.
A foul odor at any stage can indicate an infection, such as endometritis. The persistence of lochia rubra beyond the normal timeframe may suggest subinvolution of the uterus or retained placental fragments.
What if? If a patient on day 14 postpartum reports a sudden return to bright red, heavy bleeding, this is an abnormal finding. It would not be considered lochia alba and could signify late postpartum hemorrhage, requiring immediate medical evaluation.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key descriptors in the question stem: 'pale white lochia' and the timeline '10-15 days after delivery'.
This is a factual recall question that requires knowledge of the normal physiological changes during the postpartum period.
Recall the three distinct stages of lochia: Lochia rubra (red, days 1-4), Lochia serosa (pinkish/brown, days 5-9), and Lochia alba (white/yellowish, from day 10 onwards).
Match the description provided in the question (pale white color at 10-15 days) to the correct stage.
Lochia alba is the stage that fits this description. The other options can be eliminated based on their different colors and timings.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QhCykrzVK-1Gkj9Ay781fk

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 45-63

E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur p. 51-62

Practise the full DSSSB 12 August 2024

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