Which instructions should be included in the discharge teaching plan to assist the patient in recognizing early signs of complications?
a. Palpate the fundus daily to ensure that it is soft.
b. Notify the physician of any increase in the amount of lochia or a return to bright red bleeding.
c. Report any decrease in the amount of brownish red lochia.
d. The passage of clots as large as an orange can be expected.
ANS: B
An increase in lochia or a return to bright red bleeding after the lochia has become pink indicates a complication. The fundus should stay firm. The lochia should decrease in amount over time. Large clots after discharge are a sign of complications and should be reported.
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