A nurse is caring for a client who is postpartum, has a deep-vein thrombosis, and is receiving heparin therapy via subcutaneous injections. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Palpating the client's uterine fundus is the priority intervention because excessive postpartum bleeding could indicate uterine atony, where the uterus fails to contract effectively. Assessing the fundus will help determine if it is boggy and if fundal massage is needed to promote uterine contraction and reduce bleeding.

B. Assisting the client to urinate is an important intervention if the bladder is distended, as a full bladder can prevent the uterus from contracting properly. However, palpating the fundus to assess the source of bleeding takes priority over assisting with urination.

C. Preparing to administer oxytocic medication may be necessary if the uterine fundus is boggy and does not respond to massage, but the first step is to assess the fundus and attempt manual intervention before proceeding with medication.

D. Increasing the client's fluid intake can help maintain circulation and prevent dehydration, but it does not address the immediate concern of postpartum hemorrhage. Palpating the fundus is the priority action in this scenario

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should ask the client if they are taking over-the-counter medications because ibuprofen is also available over-the-counter. It is important to know if the client is already taking ibuprofen or any other non-prescription pain relievers to avoid potential drug interactions or overdosing.

Choice B rationale:

The nurse should inquire about the client's history of gastric problems because ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can cause gastrointestinal irritation and bleeding. If the client has a history of gastric ulcers or other gastric issues, the nurse may need to consider an alternative pain relief option.

Choice C rationale:

The question about contraception is not directly related to administering ibuprofen for postpartum cramping. It is essential to provide adequate pain relief, but the method of contraception the client plans to use is not relevant to the administration of the medication.

Choice D rationale:

This question is pertinent because NSAIDs like ibuprofen can cause fluid retention and potentially worsen hypertension.

Choice E rationale:

The presence of cataracts is not relevant to the administration of ibuprofen for postpartum cramping. Cataracts are a concern with eye health and are not associated with taking this pain medication.