Complications of Postpartum Related

Review Complications of Postpartum related questions and content

The nurse is assessing a patient who is 12 hours postpartum. The uterus is firm to palpation, at midline, and is 1 cm below the umbilicus with continuous heavy vaginal bleeding. What is the nurse’s first action?

  • A. Massage the uterus and resume the IV Pitocin drip.
  • B. Change the peri-pad and reassess the bleeding.
  • C. Call the provider to check for a cervical laceration.
  • D. Administer the ordered iron supplement and ibuprofen.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Massage the uterus and resume the IV Pitocin drip. The patient is showing signs of uterine atony with heavy vaginal bleeding. Massaging the uterus helps stimulate contractions, controlling bleeding. Resuming IV Pitocin enhances uterine contractions further. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Changing the peri-pad does not address the underlying cause of bleeding. Checking for a cervical laceration may be needed later but is not the immediate priority. Administering iron supplement and ibuprofen does not address the acute issue of uterine atony and bleeding.