With regard to the postpartum changes and developments in a woman's cardiovascular system, nurses ...

With regard to the postpartum changes and developments in a woman's cardiovascular system, nurses should be aware that:
 
  a. Cardiac output, the pulse rate, and stroke volume all return to prepregnancy normal values within a few hours of childbirth.
  b. Respiratory function returns to nonpregnant levels by 6 to 8 weeks after birth.
  c. The lowered white blood cell count after pregnancy can lead to false-positive results on tests for infections.
  d. A hypercoagulable state protects the new mother from thromboembolism, especially after a cesarean birth.