Registered Nurse Certified in Maternal Newborn Nursing (RNC-MNN) Practice Test

Transient hypertension after delivery typically resolves within how many days?

1. 30 days

2. 21 days

3. 10 days

4. 5 days

The correct answer is: 10 days

Transient hypertension after delivery, often referred to as transient postpartum hypertension, is a condition that can occur as the body adjusts to the substantial changes following childbirth. This physiological change typically involves a temporary increase in blood pressure, which is generally not associated with any significant underlying pathology. In most cases, this elevated blood pressure resolves without the need for medical intervention within approximately 10 days postpartum. The body efficiently rebalances fluid distribution, vascular resistance, and hormone levels during this period, contributing to the normalization of blood pressure. While some women may experience symptoms for longer, the majority will see a return to baseline within that timeframe. Thus, it is recognized that transient hypertension can reasonably be expected to resolve within about 10 days after delivery.