Which of the following assessment findings should a nurse expect for a client who is 4 days postpartum?

A client who is 4 days postpartum is typically expected to exhibit lochia serosa, which refers to the vaginal discharge that occurs after childbirth. This type of discharge generally appears around the third to fourth day postpartum and continues for about 10 days, transitioning from the initial lochia rubra (which is bright red and composed of blood) to a pinkish-brown flow. Lochia serosa contains serous fluid, red blood cells, and leukocytes, reflecting the normal healing process of the uterus as it returns to its non-pregnant state.

In this context, the other options represent findings that would not be typical or indicate complications. For example, a fundus that is 4 cm above the umbilicus is higher than expected at this stage; by day 4, the fundus should be descending, generally located at the level of the umbilicus or slightly below. A cervix that is fully dilated would not be a normal finding postpartum, as the cervix typically closes gradually after delivery. Increased vaginal bleeding could signal possible complications such as retained placental fragments or uterine atony, which would need further investigation and intervention.

Thus, the assessment of lochia serosa aligns with normal postpartum findings, indicating