The nurse is caring for a postpartum patient who had an estimated blood loss of 500 ml following a vaginal birth. What is the best clinical measure of the patient's actual blood loss?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A decrease in hematocrit of 10 points between admission and post-birth indicates a significant loss of blood volume and is the most accurate measure of blood loss. Clinical estimation of blood loss can be inaccurate, as can saturation of linens since not all blood loss is captured on linens. Blood pressure and pulse changes can be due to other factors as well.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Postpartum Patient Who Had