Which lochia characteristic should a nurse expect in a postpartum client during the fourth stage of labor?

During the fourth stage of labor, which occurs immediately after the delivery of the placenta, the lochia observed is typically bright red with a heavy flow, often referred to as lochia rubra. This type of discharge consists of blood, decidual tissue, and mucus, lasting about three to four days following birth. It reflects the body's healing process as the uterine lining begins to shed.

The bright red color indicates fresh bleeding from the open blood vessels at the site where the placenta was attached. It’s essential for nurses to monitor the characteristics of lochia closely, as changes can signal complications. For example, if the lochia becomes foul-smelling or changes significantly in color or volume, it could indicate infection or other issues requiring medical attention.

In contrast, the other characteristics mentioned would occur at later stages of postpartum recovery. Clear and odorless lochia would suggest a healthy absence of complications typically expected after a few days postpartum. Pink and watery lochia, known as lochia serosa, usually appears around the end of the first week after birth as the discharge transitions from bright red to pink. Yellow and thick lochia would indicate a later stage in the discharge process and might suggest lochia alba, which occurs weeks after delivery when the discharge becomes