Which of the following signs, if noted, would be an early sign of excessive blood loss in a mother in the immediate postpartum period?

Correct option is A

Ans. (a) An increase in the pulse rate from 88 to 102 beats/min
Sol. Tachycardia (increased pulse rate) is an early sign of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). When a mother experiences excessive blood loss, the body compensates by increasing the heart rate to maintain adequate perfusion. A significant increase in pulse rate before a drop in blood pressure is a key clinical indicator of hypovolemia due to hemorrhage.
Explanation of each option:
· (a) An increase in the pulse rate from 88 to 102 beats/min – Correct answer. Tachycardia is an early warning sign of excessive blood loss.
· (b) Blood pressure changes from 130/88 to 124/80 mmHg – Incorrect. A slight drop in blood pressure occurs later and is not an early sign.
· (c) A temperature of 100.4°F – Incorrect. A mild fever is more suggestive of infection rather than blood loss.
· (d) An increase in the respiratory rate from 18 to 22 breaths/min – Incorrect. While respiratory rate may increase, it is not the earliest sign of hemorrhage.