A nurse is caring for a client 2 hr following a spontaneous vaginal delivery and notes that the client has saturated two perineal pads with blood in a 30-min period. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Check the consistency of the client's uterine fundus.
Have the client use the bedpan to urinate.
Increase the client's fluid intake.
Prepare to administer oxytocic medication.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
Checking the consistency of the client's uterine fundus is the first action the nurse should take, as it can indicate the cause of excessive bleeding. A boggy or soft fundus indicates uterine atony, which is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage. The nurse should massage the fundus until it becomes firm and contracted.
Choice B reason:
Having the client use the bedpan to urinate is an important action, as a full bladder can displace the uterus and prevent it from contracting properly. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take, as it does not address the immediate source of bleeding.
Choice C reason:
Increasing the client's fluid intake is an important action, as it can help replace fluid loss and prevent hypovolemia and shock. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take, as it does not stop the bleeding.
Choice D reason:
Preparing to administer oxytocic medication is an important action, as it can stimulate uterine contractions and reduce bleeding. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take, as it requires a provider's prescription and may not be necessary if fundal massage is effective.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Panting can help prevent premature pushing and reduce the risk of cervical edema or laceration. The client should be instructed to take short, shallow breaths through her mouth during contractions until she reaches 10 cm of dilation.
Choice B reason:
Assessing the perineum for signs of crowning is not a priority at this stage, as the fetus is not yet at a low enough station to be visible. Crowning usually occurs when the fetus is at +4 or +5 station.
Choice C reason:
Assisting the client into a comfortable position is important, but it does not address the urge to push. The client should be encouraged to change positions frequently to promote fetal descent and comfort.
Choice D reason:
Helping the client to the bathroom to empty her bladder is not advisable, as it can increase the risk of cord prolapse or rupture of membranes. The client should have an indwelling catheter inserted if she is unable to void spontaneously.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Position the client on her left side is incorrect, as this action is not indicated for a client who has a boggy and displaced fundus. Positioning the client on her left side can enhance uterine blood flow and placental perfusion, but it does not address the cause of uterine atony or bladder distension.
Choice B reason: Encourage the client to perform Kegel exercises is incorrect, as this action is not indicated for a client who has a boggy and displaced fundus. Kegel exercises can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and prevent urinary incontinence, but they do not affect the uterine tone or position.
Choice C reason: Ask the client to rate her pain is incorrect, as this action is not a priority for a client who has a boggy and displaced fundus. Asking the client to rate her pain can provide information about the need for analgesics, but it does not address the risk of hemorrhage or infection due to uterine atony or bladder distension.
Choice D reason: Assist the client to the bathroom to void is correct, as this action can resolve the problem of a boggy and displaced fundus. A boggy and displaced fundus indicates uterine atony and bladder distension, which can interfere with uterine contraction and involution and increase the risk of hemorrhage and infection. The nurse should assist the client to empty their bladder and then massage the fundus until it becomes firm and midline.
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