A nurse is assisting in the care of a newborn following birth. At 1 min after birth, the nurse notes the following: heart rate 110/min; slow, weak cord flexion of extremities; grimace in response to suctioning of the nares; body pink in color with blue extremities.

What should the nurse document as the newborn's 1-min Apgar score?

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Massage the fundus. This is because massaging the fundus (the upper part of the uterus) can help the uterus contract and prevent excessive bleeding after delivery. A soft, boggy uterus indicates uterine atony, which is a failure of the uterus to contract sufficiently after childbirth.

Uterine atony is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly¹².

Choice B is not correct because initiating measures that encourage voiding is not the appropriate intervention for a soft, boggy uterus. A full bladder can interfere with uterine contractions and cause bleeding, so it is important to empty the bladder after delivery. However, this should be done after massaging the fundus.

Choice C is not correct because positioning the patient flat is not the appropriate intervention for a soft, boggy uterus. Positioning the patient flat can increase blood loss and reduce venous return. The patient should be positioned with the head slightly elevated and the legs flexed to improve blood circulation and prevent shock³.

Choice D is not correct because notifying the doctor is not the first intervention for a soft, boggy uterus. Notifying the doctor is important if bleeding persists or worsens despite massaging the fundus. The doctor may order medications or other treatments to stop the bleeding and prevent complications¹.

Check the client's fundus. Lochia rubra is the normal vaginal bleeding and discharge that occurs after childbirth. It consists of blood, mucus, and tissue from the placenta and the uterus lining. It is usually bright red and may have some clots, but these clots should not be big or difficult to pass. If the client has a large amount of lochia rubra with several clots, it may indicate that the uterus is not contracting well and needs to be massaged to expel any retained tissue or blood. Checking the client's fundus is the first action the nurse should take to assess the uterine tone and location.

Choice A is incorrect because requesting the provider perform a vaginal examination is not the first action the nurse should take. A vaginal examination may be necessary if the fundal massage does not reduce the bleeding or if there is a suspicion of lacerations or hematoma, but it is not a priority intervention.

Choice C is incorrect because measuring the client's vital signs is not the first action the nurse should take. Vital signs can help monitor the client's hemodynamic status and identify signs of shock, such as tachycardia, hypotension, and pallor, but they are not as important as checking the fundus in this situation.

Choice D is incorrect because feeling for a full bladder is not the first action the nurse should take. A full bladder can displace the uterus and interfere with its contraction, leading to increased bleeding. However, it is not as likely as uterine atony to cause a large amount of lochia rubra with several clots.