A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is experiencing a postpartum hemorrhage. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? (Select all that apply.).

Choice A reason:

The nurse should firmly massage the fundus. The rationale behind this action is that massaging the fundus helps to stimulate uterine contractions, which aids in controlling bleeding after childbirth. By promoting uterine contractions, the nurse can assist in preventing further hemorrhage.

Choice B reason:

The nurse should administer oxygen via a nonrebreather face mask. The rationale for this action is that postpartum hemorrhage can lead to decreased oxygen levels in the blood, which can be detrimental to both the mother and the baby. Providing oxygen via a nonrebreather face mask ensures adequate oxygenation and helps stabilize the client's condition.

Choice C reason:

The nurse should ensure the client has IV access. Establishing IV access is crucial in managing postpartum hemorrhage as it allows for the rapid administration of fluids, blood products, and medications. IV access ensures that the client receives prompt treatment to address the blood loss and stabilize her condition.

Choice D reason:

The nurse should not prepare the client for an amnioinfusion in the context of postpartum hemorrhage. An amnioinfusion is a procedure used during labor to infuse fluid into the amniotic sac. However, it is not indicated or relevant in the management of postpartum hemorrhage.

Choice E reason:

The nurse should give the client Rh (D) immune globulin. The rationale behind this action is that Rh (D) immune globulin, also known as RhoGAM, is administered to Rh-negative mothers after the birth of an Rh-positive baby. This prevents the mother's immune system from developing antibodies against Rh-positive blood cells, which could cause complications in future pregnancies.

Choice A reason:

The nurse should prioritize Choice B over Choice A as it is essential to first confirm the correct placement of the NG tube before proceeding with any other actions. If the tube is not correctly positioned, administering the enteral feeding can lead to potential complications, such as aspiration, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure the NG tube's proper placement before moving forward with the feeding
Choice B reason:

This option takes precedence as verifying the NG tube's position is a fundamental step in the enteral feeding process. The nurse must use appropriate methods, such as X-ray or pH testing, to confirm that the tube is in the stomach and not in the respiratory tract or elsewhere. This verification ensures the safety and effectiveness of the feeding procedure and prevents potential harm to the child.

Choice C reason:

While checking the gastric residual volume (GRV) is an important step in some cases, it should be done after confirming the NG tube's proper placement (Choice B). GRV provides information about the amount of feeding left in the stomach and helps in assessing tolerance to the feeding. However, if the NG tube is misplaced, determining GRV becomes irrelevant as the feeding would not be going to the intended location.

Choice D reason:

Flushing the child's NG tube with sterile water is an appropriate step during the enteral feeding process but should be done after verifying the tube's position (Choice B). Flushing ensures that the tube is patent and free from any obstructions, allowing the feeding to pass through smoothly. However, again, if the NG tube is incorrectly positioned, flushing it would not address the underlying issue.