Maternity Heartbeat Monitor Related

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During the third stage of labor, the nurse notes excessive bleeding. What should the nurse assess first?

  • A. uterine tone
  • B. placental separation
  • C. vaginal bleeding
  • D. cervical dilation
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: During the third stage of labor, the correct answer is A: uterine tone. This is because assessing uterine tone is crucial in determining if the uterus is contracting effectively to control bleeding. If the uterus is not firm (boggy), it can lead to postpartum hemorrhage. Placental separation (B) occurs during the third stage, but assessing uterine tone takes precedence. Vaginal bleeding (C) is a symptom of potential postpartum hemorrhage, which can be caused by poor uterine tone. Cervical dilation (D) is not a priority in this situation as the focus should be on controlling bleeding.