White or yellowish white secretions that lasts for 10 to 15 days after delivery is called?

Appeared in: Tripura CHO - 2021

Explanation

Lochia alba is the final stage of postpartum vaginal discharge.
It typically begins around day 10 after delivery and can last for up to 6 weeks, though the initial phase is around 10-15 days.
Its characteristic appearance is yellowish-white or pale white, consisting of leukocytes, decidual cells, mucus, and bacteria.
This matches the description in the question of a white or yellowish-white secretion lasting for 10 to 15 days.

Option A: Lochia rubra is the initial discharge, which is red and bloody due to the presence of fresh blood.
Option B: Lochia serosa is the second stage of discharge, which is pinkish or brownish in color.
Option D: This option is incorrect because the stages of lochia are distinct and sequential, not simultaneous. The description in the question specifically points to only one of the stages.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Stages of Postpartum Lochia as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Assessing lochia is a fundamental nursing responsibility in postpartum care to monitor uterine involution and identify potential complications.
A foul odor associated with any stage of lochia can be a sign of a puerperal infection and requires immediate investigation.
A return to lochia rubra after the discharge has progressed to serosa or alba is a warning sign of late postpartum hemorrhage and must be reported to the healthcare provider.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key descriptors in the question: the color ('White or yellowish white') and the timing ('10 to 15 days after delivery').
Recall the three stages of postpartum lochia: rubra, serosa, and alba.
Mentally review the characteristics of each stage: Lochia rubra is red (days 1-4), Lochia serosa is pink/brown (days 5-9), and Lochia alba is white/yellow (days 10+).
Compare the information in the question to the characteristics of each stage.
The description 'White or yellowish white' and '10 to 15 days' directly corresponds to Lochia alba.
Select the option 'Lochia alba' as the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Stages of Postpartum Lochia
Stem keywords: White or yellowish white secretions, 10 to 15 days, after delivery
Lead-in keywords: is called

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E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 45-63

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

Practise the full Tripura CHO - 2021

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