NURS 3112 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Vernix Caseosa, Lochia, Exudate
23 Jun 2017
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Document Summary
The uterus rids itself of the debris remaining after birth through a discharge called lochia, which is classified according to its appearance and contents. Lochia rubra, named for the latin word for red,is dark red in color. It is present for the first 2 to 3 days postpartum and contains epithelial cells, erythrocytes,leukocytes, bacteria, shreds of the decidua, and, occasionally,fetal meconium, lanugo, and vernix caseosa. Clotting is often the result of pooling of blood in the upper portion of the vagina. A few small clots (no larger than a nickel) are common, particularly in the first few days after birth. However, lochia should not contain large (plum sized) clots; if it does, the cause should be investigated without delay. It follows from about the 3rd to the 10th day. Lochia serosa is composed of serous exudate, shreds of degenerating decidua, erythrocytes, leukocytes, cervical mucus, and numerous microorganisms.
