A nurse is caring for a 30-year-old female client who is 36 hours postpartum in the postpartum unit. Exhibits After reviewing the information in the client’s medical record, which of the following complications poses a greater risk for the client? Complete the following sentence by using the list of options: The complication that poses the greatest risk for the client is dropdownas evidenced by their dropdown.

The complication that poses the greatest risk for the client is hemorrhage as evidenced by their amount of lochia. Rationale for correct answers Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a major concern when excessive lochia and a boggy uterus are present. The nurse’s assessment reveals a boggy fundus, which firmed with massage but then softened again, indicating uterine atony, a leading cause of PPH. Additionally, the saturation of the perineal pad with lochia rubra and small clots suggests ongoing bleeding that requires close monitoring. Rationale for incorrect Response 1 options Infection: No fever (≥38°C or 100.4°F) or foul-smelling lochia, which would indicate postpartum endometritis. Thrombophlebitis: No calf pain, swelling, or localized tenderness suggesting deep vein thrombosis. Mastitis: Breasts are soft, warm, and tender but without redness or localized pain, making mastitis unlikely. Rationale for incorrect Response 2 options Breast tenderness: Expected due to milk production, not indicative of infection or complications. Calf pain: No evidence of thrombophlebitis or deep vein thrombosis. Fever: Temperature is normal at 37.2°C, ruling out systemic infection.