Which finding would be an early sign of excessive blood loss in a postpartum client?

• A. A temperature of 100.4°F
• B. An increase in the pulse from 88 to 102 BPM
• C. An increase in the respiratory rate from 18 to 22 breaths per minute
• D. A blood pressure change from 130/88 to 124/80 mm Hg

Answer: (B)

The main concept is that the body compensates for postpartum blood loss by increasing heart rate to maintain blood flow and perfusion. An early sign of excessive blood loss is tachycardia; a pulse rising from 88 to 102 beats per minute shows the heart is working harder to compensate for reduced circulating volume. Blood pressure often stays normal until later, because other mechanisms temporarily preserve perfusion, and changes in respiratory rate or temperature are less specific to hemorrhage. So this rise in pulse is the clearest early clue that bleeding is affecting the mom.