(2)
Identify presence of bright red bleeding or blood clots.
(3)
Document thick, foul-smelling lochia.
(4)
Observe for constant trickle of bright red lochia. This may indicate
lacerations.
(5)
Identify lochia amounts as small, moderate, or heavy (large) (see
figure 2-11).
(6)
Document lochia flow when the fundus is massaged.
(a) Every fifteen (15) minutes times one hour.
(b)
Every thirty (30) minutes times one hour.
(c)
Every hour until ready for transfer.
g. Observe the mother for chills. The cause of the mother being chilled following
birth is unknown. However, it refers primarily to the result of circulatory changes after
delivery. The best means of relief is to cover the mother with a warm blanket.
Figure 2-11. Assessing lochia flow.
MD0922
2-25