Lochia, in its various forms, may normally persist for what time interval postpaum?: (A) 2 weeks, (B) 4 weeks, (C) 6 weeks, (D) 8 weeks
Answer is B. - Sloughing of decidual tissue results in a vaginal discharge of variable quantity. For the first few days after delivery, there is blood sufficient to color it red--lochia rubra. - After 3 or 4 days, lochia becomes progressively pale in color--lochia serosa. After approximately the 10th day, because of an admixture of leukocytes and reduced fluid content, lochia assumes a white or yellow-white color--lochia alba. - The average duration of lochial discharge ranges from 24 to 36 days