Which finding is a manifestation of endometritis?

• A. Elevated white blood cell count
• B. Foul-smelling lochia
• C. Normal temperature
• D. Absent uterine tenderness

Answer: (B)

Endometritis is an infection of the uterine lining after delivery, and a classic sign is foul-smelling lochia. The offensive odor comes from bacterial growth at the placental site within the uterus, making this finding a direct clue to infection. While an elevated white blood cell count can occur with infection, it’s nonspecific and not as telling as the odor characteristic of endometritis. A normal temperature would be unusual in this infectious process, since fever is a common response. Absent uterine tenderness would not fit, because infection typically causes uterine tenderness. Therefore, foul-smelling lochia is the most recognizable manifestation of endometritis.