A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching about home safety with a client who is postpartum. In which of the following positions should the nurse instruct the client to place their newborn in the crib?

(A) Tell the client to apply hydrocortisone ointment to the affected area of the breast:
Hydrocortisone ointment is not appropriate for treating mastitis, which is an infection of the breast tissue. The primary treatments for mastitis include antibiotics, pain management, and supportive measures like warm compresses to relieve discomfort and promote milk flow.

(B) Suggest the client apply warm compresses to the affected breast:
Applying warm compresses to the affected breast can help relieve pain and promote milk flow, which can aid in resolving the infection. Warmth can help reduce inflammation and make breastfeeding or pumping less painful.

(C) Recommend the client avoid wearing a nursing bra until symptoms resolve:
Avoiding a nursing bra is not necessary. In fact, wearing a well-fitting and supportive nursing bra can help manage discomfort and support the breasts. It is important that the bra is not too tight to avoid further compression and blockage of milk ducts.

(D) Encourage the client to limit oral fluid intake to decrease milk production:
Limiting fluid intake is not recommended. Adequate hydration is important for overall health and maintaining milk supply. Reducing fluid intake does not effectively manage mastitis and can lead to dehydration.

(A) Perform fundal massage:
Performing fundal massage is the highest priority action in this scenario. Complete saturation of the perineal pad within 30 minutes postpartum suggests excessive bleeding, which could indicate postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Fundal massage helps to stimulate uterine contractions, which can aid in controlling bleeding by compressing blood vessels at the placental site. It is essential to assess the fundus for firmness and position and massage it if necessary, to prevent or manage PPH.

(B) Weigh the perineal pad:
Weighing the perineal pad can provide information about the amount of blood loss, but it is not the highest priority action at this moment. Fundal massage takes precedence to address the potential underlying cause of excessive bleeding.

(C) Apply oxygen by face mask:
While oxygen therapy may be indicated in certain situations, such as respiratory distress, it is not the highest priority in this scenario. The priority is to address the potential cause of excessive bleeding and prevent further complications associated with postpartum hemorrhage.

(D) Monitor urine output:
Monitoring urine output is an important aspect of postpartum care, but it is not the highest priority when the client is experiencing excessive bleeding. Addressing the potential cause of bleeding and preventing complications associated with postpartum hemorrhage take precedence.