Nokea
A patient delivered vaginally 20 minutes ago. Prophylactic Pitocin is infusing intravenously. During the initial postpartum assessment, the nurse notes a heavy amount of bleeding on the perineal pad. What are the priority nursing actions?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Assess the fundus and massage the uterus to determine uterine tone and location. This is the priority action because heavy bleeding postpartum could indicate uterine atony, a common cause of postpartum hemorrhage. By assessing the fundus and massaging the uterus, the nurse can determine if the uterus is firm and well contracted, which helps to control bleeding. Other choices are incorrect as they do not address the immediate concern of uterine atony. Choice A focuses on the perineum and does not address the potential cause of bleeding. Choice C addresses bladder fullness, which is important but not as urgent as assessing for uterine atony. Choice D focuses on clots and privacy but does not address the primary concern of uterine tone.