A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 hour postpartum following a vaginal birth.
The client has saturated a perineal pad within 10 minutes.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Choice A rationale

While addressing the client's pain is important, the priority action should be to assess the underlying cause of the concerning vital signs before offering pain medication.

Choice B rationale

Positioning the client with one hip elevated is a measure used to relieve potential vena cava compression, but the low blood pressure warrants immediate attention and further evaluation before implementing this intervention.

Choice C rationale

Having the client void may be a helpful intervention in some labor situations, but the combination of a low maternal blood pressure and a high maternal heart rate requires immediate notification of the provider.

Choice D rationale

The client's low blood pressure (82/54 mm Hg) and elevated maternal heart rate (128/min) in the presence of contractions with a duration of 1 minute and a frequency of 3 minutes are concerning findings that warrant immediate notification of the provider for further evaluation and management. These vital signs could indicate maternal hypovolemia, dehydration, or other complications. .

Choice A rationale

While addressing the client's feelings is important, dismissing the need for blood pressure monitoring is not appropriate nursing practice during pregnancy. Routine blood pressure checks are essential for detecting potential complications.

Choice B rationale

While blood pressure can increase in the second trimester due to physiological changes like increased blood volume, it doesn't invariably increase early in the second trimester, and this statement might cause unnecessary alarm if the client's blood pressure is currently normal.

Choice C rationale

Advanced maternal age (typically over 35) is a risk factor for gestational hypertension, but stating this directly without knowing the client's baseline blood pressure or other risk factors might be alarming and isn't the primary reason for routine monitoring at every prenatal visit.

Choice D rationale

Routine blood pressure monitoring is a standard component of prenatal care for all pregnant clients, regardless of their past medical history or perceived risk. This allows for the early detection of gestational hypertension or preeclampsia, which can develop even in women with previously normal blood pressure. Early detection and management are crucial for maternal and fetal well-being.