Which symptom should prompt postpartum evaluation due to potential danger signs?

• A. Fatigue
• B. Normal vaginal discharge
• C. Mild breast tenderness
• D. Headache

Answer: (D)

Headache in the postpartum period is a red flag that should prompt evaluation because it can indicate a hypertensive complication such as preeclampsia or postpartum hypertension. These conditions can develop or worsen after delivery, sometimes with little warning, and severe headache may be one of the first signs. When a patient reports a new or worsening headache, nurses should assess blood pressure and look for accompanying symptoms like visual changes, photophobia, RUQ pain, or swelling, and promptly notify the provider if readings are elevated or other warning signs are present.

Fatigue, normal vaginal discharge, and mild breast tenderness are common, expected findings during the postpartum period and do not inherently require emergency evaluation.