A client in the third stage of labor has experienced placental separation and expulsion.
Why is it necessary for a nurse to massage the woman's uterus briefly until it is firm?.

The correct answer is choice C.

Choice A rationale:

While it’s important to monitor a newborn’s glucose level, it’s not the immediate priority following birth.

Choice B rationale:

Placing the infant in the bassinet is not the immediate priority. The newborn needs to be dried and warmed first to prevent hypothermia.

Choice C rationale:

Drying the newborn and placing it skin-to-skin on the mother helps prevent hypothermia and promotes bonding. This is the immediate priority.

Choice D rationale:

A full head-to-toe assessment is important, but it’s not the immediate priority following birth.

The correct answers are choices B, E, and F.

Choice A rationale:

Nausea with vomiting during the first trimester is a common symptom of pregnancy and does not need to be reported immediately to the health care provider.

Choice B rationale:

Sudden leakage of fluid during the second trimester could indicate premature rupture of membranes, which can lead to infection and preterm labor. This should be reported immediately.

Choice C rationale:

Urinary frequency in the third trimester is a common symptom of pregnancy due to the growing uterus putting pressure on the bladder.

Choice D rationale:

Backache during the second trimester is a common symptom of pregnancy as the body adjusts to the growing uterus.

Choice E rationale:

Lower abdominal pain with shoulder pain in the first trimester could indicate an ectopic pregnancy, which is a medical emergency and should be reported immediately.

Choice F rationale:

Headache with visual changes in the third trimester could indicate preeclampsia, a serious condition that can lead to seizures, stroke, and other complications. This should be reported immediately.