The nurse is assisting a multiparous woman to the bathroom for the first time since her delivery 3 hours ago. When the patient stands up, blood runs down her legs and pools on the floor. The patient turns pale and feels weak. The first action of the nurse is to:

Question

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The patient is experiencing postpartum hemorrhage, which can be life-threatening. The first action of the nurse should be to check the fundus for firmness to ensure that the uterus is contracting appropriately. If the fundus is not firm, the nurse should massage the uterus or administer medications as ordered, and notify the healthcare provider immediately. Assessing blood pressure and pulse and starting an IV may be necessary interventions, but they are not the first priority in this situation. Assisting the patient to empty her bladder may also be necessary, but addressing the postpartum hemorrhage takes precedence.

The Nurse Is Assisting a Multiparous Woman to the Bathroom