(from search results) A nurse discovers a postpartum client with a boggy uterus, displaced above the right of the umbilicus.

What nursing action is indicated?

The correct answer is choice C) Administer oxytocin (Pitocin).Oxytocin is a hormone that stimulates uterine contractions and helps reduce postpartum bleeding by closing off the blood vessels that were attached to the placenta.

The nurse should administer oxytocin as ordered by the provider to help the client’s uterus contract and prevent hemorrhage.

Choice A) Document findings as normal is wrong because moderate bleeding with bright red blood and small clots is not normal for lochia flow 2 days after delivery.Lochia is the vaginal discharge that occurs after birth and consists of blood, tissue, mucus and bacteria.Lochia should be dark or bright red for the first 3 to 4 days, but the flow should be light and there should be no clots.Moderate bleeding with bright red blood and small clots indicates that the client may have retained placental fragments or uterine atony.

Choice B) Massage fundus until it becomes firm is wrong because the fundus is already firm, midline and at the level of the umbilicus, which indicates that the uterus is contracted properly.Massaging the fundus when it is already firm can cause more bleeding and pain.

Choice D) Increase IV fluid rate is wrong because increasing IV fluid rate will not stop the bleeding or address the underlying cause.Increasing IV fluid rate may also cause fluid overload or dilutional coagulopathy.The nurse should monitor the client’s vital signs, urine output and hematocrit levels to assess for signs of hypovolemia or anemia due to blood loss.

The correct answer is choice D. I would stop feeding my baby until the pain goes away.This response indicates a need for further teaching because stopping breastfeeding can worsen the uterine cramping and also affect the milk supply and the baby’s nutrition.Uterine cramping or “afterpains” are normal after delivery and are caused by the uterus contracting and shrinking back to its normal size.Breastfeeding can trigger these contractions because it stimulates the release of oxytocin, a hormone that helps the uterus contract.

Choice A is wrong because ibuprofen is a safe and effective pain reliever for postpartum women and can be taken before feeding the baby.Choice B is wrong because massaging the abdomen gently during feeding can help ease the afterpains by stimulating blood flow and relaxing the muscles.Choice C is wrong because relaxation and breathing techniques can also help reduce the pain by lowering stress and tension levels.These are some of the self-help treatments that can be used along with medications to manage postpartum pain.