The parent of a 7-month-old brings the infant to the clinic because the skin in the diaper area is excoriated and red, but there are no blisters or bleeding. The parent reports no evidence of watery stools. Which nursing intervention should the nurse implement?

Based on the client's history and physical, the nurse notes that this postpartum client is most at risk for developing thromboembolism

Rationale

Prolonged immobility during labor and instrumental delivery are risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE) due to stasis of blood flow in the lower extremities. In addition, epidural anesthesia can contribute to venous stasis by impairing mobility and reducing the ability to feel discomfort or urgency to move.

The immediate postpartum period, especially after a prolonged labor and delivery, poses an increased risk of VTE due to hypercoagulability and vascular damage.

A.Notify primary healthcare provider
The client's vital signs indicate signs of potential hypovolemic shock (low blood pressure, tachycardia, fever), and the saturated pad and sheets suggest ongoing significant bleeding. Notifying the primary healthcare provider is crucial to obtain further orders and potentially escalate care.
B. Count saturated pads per hour
Counting saturated pads per hour provides a quantitative assessment of blood loss and helps monitor the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing bleeding. This ongoing assessment guides further management decisions.
C. Administer 2 units of packed red blood cells (PRBC)

While blood loss is significant, initiating a blood transfusion is not typically an immediate first-line intervention unless the client shows signs of severe hemorrhagic shock or ongoing bleeding that cannot be controlled by other measures.
D. Administer 0.2 mg methylergonovine IM
Methylergonovine is a medication used to promote uterine contraction and control postpartum hemorrhage. Given the boggy fundus and significant bleeding, administering methylergonovine IM helps to contract the uterus and reduce bleeding.
E. Insert straight catheter
While maintaining accurate fluid balance is important, inserting a straight catheter is not an immediate priority compared to addressing active hemorrhage and stabilizing the client's condition.
F. Alert the emergency response team
The client's condition, with a boggy fundus, saturated pads, and ongoing bleeding, indicates a need for urgent intervention beyond routine measures. Alerting the emergency response team ensures prompt assistance and resources for managing potential hemorrhagic shock.
G. Increase the IV fluid to maximum rate
Increasing IV fluid administration helps to restore circulating volume and stabilize the client's blood pressure. This is essential in managing hypovolemia resulting from significant postpartum hemorrhage.
H. Weigh all bloody materials
Weighing all bloody materials is a method to estimate blood loss but is not as urgent as direct interventions aimed at stopping bleeding and stabilizing the client.
I. Massage fundus until firm
Massaging the fundus helps to stimulate uterine contractions, which can help control bleeding by compressing blood vessels at the placental site. A boggy fundus indicates poor uterine tone, and firming it up is crucial to prevent further hemorrhage.