What it means
A hematomahee-muh-TOH-muhA collection of blood, often clotted, that has leaked out of the blood vessels into the tissue.hem/o blood (here as hemat-)-oma swelling or massFull entry that forms after childbirth when a blood vessel is injured during birth or repair of a tear, even when the skin is intact. It looks like a swollen, firm, tense bulge with bluish-purple skin. The client often has severe pain or rectal pressure out of proportion to the birth. A large one can hide a lot of blood loss.
For the nurse
Look at the perineum when a postpartum client reports severe pain or pressure, and report a hematoma. Apply ice packs in the first 24 hours, monitor vital signs for signs of hidden bleeding, and help the client void, since swelling can block urine flow.
At a glance
| Also written | perineal hematomas |
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Related terms
hemorrhage
A large loss of blood from a blood vessel, inside the body or out of it.
postpartum
The time after giving birth, usually the first six weeks, while the body returns to its non-pregnant state.
hematoma
A collection of blood, often clotted, that has leaked out of the blood vessels into the tissue.