North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What indicates normal blood loss after delivery?

1. Less than 300 mL's

2. Less than 400 mL's

3. Less than 500 mL's

4. Less than 600 mL's

The correct answer is: Less than 500 mL's

Normal blood loss after delivery is defined as less than 500 mL. This standard is based on clinical guidelines and research which suggest that for vaginal births, blood loss up to 500 mL is considered typical and within safe limits for the mother. When evaluating blood loss, it is crucial for healthcare providers to monitor for excessive bleeding, or postpartum hemorrhage, which is defined as blood loss greater than 500 mL following a vaginal delivery and greater than 1000 mL following a cesarean section. Understanding these thresholds helps ensure prompt recognition and management of potential complications, providing better care and improving outcomes for mothers in the postnatal period. Thus, recognizing that any loss less than 500 mL is generally considered normal is vital in obstetric practice.