A 30 year-old, postpartum female had a home delivery seven days ago. Since delivery, she has developed not only a high fever and foul-smelling vaginal discharge, but also a rapid pulse, low blood pressure, and generalized abdominal pain. Which of the following is the probable diagnosis?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Puerperal sepsis
Puerperal pyrexia is defined as the presence of a fever in a woman, within six weeks of giving birth-which is greater than or equal to 100 degrees (Fahrenheit) or 38 degrees (Centigrade). Puerperal sespsis is a systemic infection of the genital tract that occurs as a complication of delivery.
Causes of puerperal sepsis can include:
1. Bacteria
2. Malnutrition and anemia
3. Delivery in unhygienic conditions
4. Vaginal examinations in unhygienic conditions
5. Infection during cesarean delivery

A 30 Year-Old, Postpartum Female Had a Home Delivery Seven