Physiological AdaptationQuestion 2007 of 2368
A client who is 2 days postpartum has a red, warm, swollen left calf. Later the client reports sudden shortness of breath and chest pain. The nurse suspects which complication?
- Subinvolution of the uterus
- Postpartum anemia
- Pulmonary embolism
- Urinary tract infection
Show answer
Correct answer: Pulmonary embolism
A deep vein thrombosis can dislodge and become a pulmonary embolism that causes shortness of breath and chest pain.
Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), Postpartum Care: EXTREMITIES. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Physiological Adaptation"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026