A nurse is caring for a client who had a vaginal birth 2 hr ago and has soaked two perineal pads in the past 30 min. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale:

Pointing out to the father that the newborn turns toward his voice helps him understand that the baby is already responding to him, promoting bonding.

Choice B rationale:

Asking the father why he is concerned about bonding with the newborn allows the nurse to address specific fears or misconceptions and provide appropriate support.

Choice C rationale:

Encouraging the father to touch and stroke the newborn's skin promotes physical contact and enhances the bonding process.

Choice D rationale:

Demonstrating diapering and swaddling techniques for the father helps him feel more confident in caring for his baby and fosters bonding through caregiving activities.

Choice E rationale:

Encouraging the father to lay the newborn beside him while both are sleeping promotes skin- to-skin contact and allows for bonding during restful moments. However, the nurse should ensure that safety measures are followed to prevent accidental suffocation. By following these actions, the nurse can support the father's bonding with his newborn and facilitate a positive and nurturing parent-infant relationship.

Choice C rationale:

Hypotension is a finding that indicates the client is experiencing decreased cardiac output. Excessive vaginal bleeding can lead to hypovolemia, reducing the volume of blood pumped by the heart and resulting in decreased cardiac output. The body responds to hypovolemia and decreased cardiac output by trying to maintain blood pressure, which leads to hypotension.

Choice A rationale:

Bradycardia is not a finding indicating decreased cardiac output in this scenario. While bradycardia (abnormally slow heart rate) can be associated with decreased cardiac output in certain situations, it is not the primary finding in a postpartum client experiencing excessive vaginal bleeding.

Choice B rationale:

A flushed face is not an indicator of decreased cardiac output. A flushed face may result from various factors such as fever or emotional stress, but it is not directly related to cardiac output.

Choice D rationale:

Polyuria (excessive urination) is not an indicator of decreased cardiac output. Polyuria may occur due to factors like diuresis or increased fluid intake but is not directly related to cardiac output in the context of excessive vaginal bleeding.