2/2/2021 OneNote

Postpartum Assessment
Sunday, January 31, 2021 5:59 PM

The Postpartum Assessment: BUBBLE PLEB The mnemonic BUBBLE PLEB is used to assist with the
assessment of a postpartum patient:
B—Breasts and chest
U—Uterus and abdomen
B—Bladder
B—Bowels
L—Lochia
E—Episiotomy/Lacerations
P—Pain
L—Lower and upper extremities
E—Emotional status
B—Bonding and attachment

Wound assessment (surgical incision/perineum): REEDA

Redness
Ecchymosis
Edema
Drainage
Approximation of skin edges

Expected findings
• Lochia rubra (days 0–3): red, rustcolored discharge
• Lochia serosa (days 3–14): pink, brownish colored discharge
• Lochia alba (2 weeks and beyond): whitish yellow discharge

The amount of lochia is typically documented as scant, moderate, or heavy and is assessed in relation to
when the patient delivered. Keep in mind that visual inspection of pads is subjective. Weighing pads will
give a better estimation of the amount of blood loss. Remember, 1 g = 1 mL.

Laceration
• First degree: involves the perineal skin and the vaginal mucous membrane
• Second degree: includes muscles of the perineum
• Third degree: not only includes the skin, mucous membranes, and the muscles of the perineum, but
also the anal sphincter
• Fourth degree: extends all the way through the mucosa of the rectum

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