A postpartum nurse is assessing a client for lochia characteristics. Which finding should the nurse advise the client to report immediately?

During the postpartum period, it is essential to monitor the characteristics of lochia, which is the vaginal discharge that occurs after childbirth. Lochia can transition through different colors and consistencies, typically changing from lochia rubra (bright red) to lochia serosa (pink or brown) and then to lochia alba (yellow or white).

Finding reddish lochia on postpartum day 8 should raise concern and be reported immediately. By day 8, a woman is usually transitioning into lochia serosa, which is expected to be pink or brownish. The presence of bright red lochia at this stage could indicate active bleeding or retained placental fragments, warranting further evaluation.

In contrast, pink lochia on postpartum day 4 is within the normal range as it indicates the expected transition to lochia serosa. White lochia on postpartum day 11 is also typical since it indicates the normal progression into lochia alba. Similarly, bloody lochia on postpartum day 2 is expected shortly after delivery when lochia rubra is normal. Each of these findings is consistent with the expected changes in lochia during the postpartum period, while reddish lochia on day 8 is concerning and should be assessed promptly.