A nurse is teaching about crib safety with the parent of a newborn.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates understanding of the teaching?.

The correct answer is choice A.

Choice A rationale:

Evaluating the firmness of the uterus (fundus) is the first action the nurse should take when a client’s blood pressure drops postpartum. A soft or “boggy” uterus can indicate uterine atony, a leading cause of postpartum hemorrhage, which can lead to hypotension.

Choice B rationale:

Obtaining a type and crossmatch is important if the client needs a blood transfusion, but it is not the first action the nurse should take.

Choice C rationale:

Administering oxytocin infusion can help contract the uterus and control bleeding, but the nurse should first assess the uterus.

Choice D rationale:

Initiating oxygen therapy can help if the client is hypoxic, but the nurse should first assess the uterus.

The correct answer is choice B.

Choice A rationale:

Massaging the uterus does not increase its boggy nature, but rather helps it contract and become firm, reducing the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.

Choice B rationale:

Massaging the uterus helps constrict the uterine blood vessels, which reduces bleeding after the placenta has been expelled.

Choice C rationale:

Massaging the uterus has no effect on the likelihood of conducting an episiotomy, which is a surgical incision made during childbirth.

Choice D rationale:

Massaging the uterus does not remove pieces left attached to the uterine wall. This would require a manual or surgical procedure.