A nurse is caring for a client 2 hr after a spontaneous vaginal birth and the client has saturated two perineal pads with blood in a 30-min period. Which of the following is the priority nursing intervention at this time?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The priority nursing intervention in this situation is to palpate the client's uterine fundus. Saturating two perineal pads with blood in a 30-minute period after childbirth is indicative of excessive postpartum bleeding, also known as postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Palpating the uterine fundus helps the nurse assess for uterine atony, a common cause of PPH. If the fundus is boggy or not firm, it indicates that the uterus is not contracting effectively to control bleeding, which can lead to further complications if not addressed promptly. Once uterine atony is identified, other interventions such as administering oxytocic medications can be initiated to help the uterus contract and control bleeding.