Complication Postpartum Related

Review Complication Postpartum related questions and content

The nurse is performing an assessment of the uterus 30 minutes after a normal delivery and finds the fundus to be soft and boggy. IV Pitocin is infusing at 150 mL/hr. What is the priority nursing intervention?

  • A. Increase the Pitocin, assess the fundus in 15 minutes, and update the licensed provider.
  • B. Perform external massage of the uterus until it is firm, assess for additional bleeding on the pad, and update the licensed provider.
  • C. Notify the provider of the increase in blood loss.
  • D. Assist the patient to the bathroom and reassess the fundus after the patient voids.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because a soft and boggy fundus after delivery indicates uterine atony, which can lead to postpartum hemorrhage. Performing external massage of the uterus will help stimulate contractions and firm up the fundus. Assessing for additional bleeding is crucial to monitor for hemorrhage. Updating the licensed provider is important for further management.

Choice A is incorrect because simply increasing Pitocin without addressing the uterine atony may not resolve the issue. Choice C is incorrect as notifying the provider of increased blood loss is not the immediate priority; addressing the uterine atony is. Choice D is incorrect as assisting the patient to the bathroom does not address the soft and boggy fundus issue.