The nurse continues to monitor a patient after a vaginal delivery with an estimated blood loss of 1,000 mL. Which assessment finding does the nurse recognize as requiring Stage 3 hemorrhage protocol?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Development of abnormal vital signs. Stage 3 hemorrhage protocol is initiated when vital signs such as tachycardia, hypotension, and tachypnea are present, indicating severe blood loss. Increased patient restlessness (choice A) and manifestations of severe pain (choice B) are important but do not specifically indicate Stage 3 hemorrhage. Patient requesting water for extreme thirst (choice D) is not a typical sign of hemorrhage. Abnormal vital signs are the key indicator for initiating Stage 3 hemorrhage protocol as they reflect the body's compensatory mechanisms in response to significant blood loss.