Which of the following findings would be abnormal in a postpartal woman?
A . Chills shortly after delivery
B . Pulse rate of 60 bpm in morning on first postdelivery day
C . Urinary output of 3000 mL on the second day after delivery
D . An oral temperature of 101F (38.3C) on the third day after delivery
Answer: D
Explanation:
(A) Frequently the mother experiences a shaking chill immediately after delivery, which is related to a nervous response or to vasomotor changes. If not followed by a fever, it is clinically innocuous.
(B) The pulse rate during the immediate postpartal period may be low but presents no cause for alarm. The body attempts to adapt to the decreased pressures intra-abdominally as well as from the reduction of blood flow to the vascular bed.
(C) Urinary output increases during the early postpartal period (12C24 hours) owing to diuresis. The kidneys must eliminate an estimated 2000C3000 mL of extracellular fluid associated with a normalpregnancy.
(D) A temperature of 100.4F (38C) may occur after delivery as a result of exertion and dehydration of labor.
However, any temperature greater than 100.4F needs further investigation to identify any infectious process.
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